Testing and Evaluation Specialist

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

National Security Agency is seeking a mid- to senior-level Testing and Evaluation Specialist in Maryland (Fort Meade). You will lead unit and system tests, evaluate software/hardware tests, and ensure alignment with customer requirements while adhering to NSA/DCIPS guidelines. A strong CS background and test automation experience are expected.

Salary ranges based on education and experience, with full-time weekday schedule. A comprehensive benefits package is provided; U.S.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science (CS) or related field with foundational CS coursework.
• Relevant experience in software testing, vulnerability analysis, and cyber operations.
• Experience in engineering of computer/information systems lifecycle (requirements to maintenance).

Responsibilities

• Engage with internal stakeholders and customer organizations as Agency Representative.
• Analyze problems and develop test procedures aligned with specifications and standards.
• Document processes, analyses, results, and evaluate tests to ensure high quality.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability analysis

QA testing

Test automation

Test scripting

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Master's degree in CS or related field

Doctoral degree in CS or related field

Tools

Virtualization

Job description

NSA has received approval from the Department of War to hire for specific critical positions during the hiring freeze, per DoW memorandum 'Immediate Civilian Hiring Freeze for Alignment with National Defense Priorities' dated 28 February.

Job Description

Testing and Evaluation Specialist - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Testing and Evaluation Specialist - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland) Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 11/1 to 14/10
Open: 2026-08-27, Close: 2026-09-09

Job Posting: 1261909

Responsibilities

Your primary responsibilities will include engaging with internal stakeholders and customer organizations to serve as an Agency Representative. You will analyze technical problems to develop and implement test procedures, ensuring conformity with specifications and standards. Additionally, you will document processes, analyses, and results, and evaluate software and hardware tests to maintain high-quality standards. Note: Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended into your Candidate Profile, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of computer science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

Job Summary

As a Testing and Evaluation Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and conducting unit and system tests to ensure compliance with customer requirements. Your role will involve evaluating and validating cyberspace operations capabilities, analyzing test results, and making informed recommendations based on your findings. This position requires expertise in penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and quality assurance testing. Note: Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended into your Candidate Profile, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of computer science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), Information Assurance, and Cybersecurity may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics. Relevant experience must be in engineering of computer or information systems over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, and/or systems engineering. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience). FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

To excel in this role, it would be highly beneficial if you have advanced knowledge of computer virtualization, network engineering, and systems engineering principles, as well as proficiency in both computer software and hardware engineering. The ideal candidate should also be familiar with performing test automation, creating test scripts, and have experience working in a test and evaluation position supporting the US Government, as well as in Agile development environments. You will be expected to apply compliance standards and policies relevant to the NSA/CSS mission and demonstrate strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational abilities, thoroughness, and the capability to communicate effectively via various channels are essential.

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $105,262 - $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

DCIPS Disclaimer

VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.

Acceptable documentation includes:

• - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
• OR- Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
• AND- Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
• If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
• AND- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating). You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).

Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.