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Computer Systems Architect - Mid to Expert Level (Maryland)
Department of Defense
National Security Agency/Central Security Service
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Summary
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Learn more about this agency
Summary
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 12, 2026
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $105,262 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade
GG 11 - 15
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number 1259764 Control number 875455200
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
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Duties
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Computer Systems Architects at NSA use commercial and government developed hardware, software, networking, and security products to:
Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science (CS). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, Information Systems) 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 advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).
Relevant experience must be in the design/development of computer or information systems and include engineering hardware and/or software over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, computer systems research, reverse engineering, and/or computer/network security. 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 Bachelors degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Masters degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. An Associates 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 Bachelors degree plus 6 years of relevant experience or a Masters degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and 2 years of relevant experience. An Associates degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.
EXPERT
Entry is with a Bachelors degree plus 9 years of relevant experience or a Masters degree plus 7 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. An Associates degree plus 11 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science (CS). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, Information Systems) 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 advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).
Additional information
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 - $197,200 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectees 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 Agencys needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agencys 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.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is able to:
The ideal candidate will also reflect specialized skill and experience in one or more of the following:
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Agency contact information
NSA POC
Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US
Next steps
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
NSA POC
Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US
Next steps
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Agency contact information
NSA POC
Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at National Security Agency/Central Security Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
Summary
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259764
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 12, 2026
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $105,262 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade
GG 11 - 15
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number 1259764 Control number 875455200
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