Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

U.S. Department of Defense

MD

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$105,262–$192,764 Per Year
SKILLS
Agile Programming Methodologies, Algorithms, Amazon Web Services (AWS), AngularJS, Ansible, Application Programming Interface (API), Artificial Intelligence (AI), C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Calculus, Cloud Computing, Cobol Programming Language, Computer Architecture, Computer Forensics, Computer Science, Computer Security, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Cryptography, Cryptography Algorithms, Data Analysis, Data Structures, Defense Intelligence, Digital Signatures, Docker, Elasticsearch, Federal Assistance, Federal Government, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), IBM Mainframe, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Incident Response, Integration Testing, Intelligence Community, Internet Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, Java, Leadership, Legal, Linear Algebra, Linux Operating System, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Microservices, National Security Agency (NSA), Network Security, Number Theory, Open Source, Operating Systems, Probability Theory, Protective Services, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Quantum Computing, React.js, Regulations, Reimbursement, Relational Databases (RDBMS), Requirements Management, Rust Programming Language, SSL-TLS (Secure Socket Layer - Transport Layer Security), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Software Design, Software Development, Software Engineering, Team Player, U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Defense (DoD), VMWare, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
MD
POSTED
7 days ago

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Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Department of Defense

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

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  • Summary
  • This job is open to
  • Duties
  • Requirements
  • How you will be evaluated
  • Required documents
  • How to apply

Summary

As a Software Engineer at NSA, you can focus on virtually any area of computer science including cybersecurity, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing research, data analytics, machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), cryptology/cryptography, complex algorithms, large-scale platform development and many others. The sheer breadth of technologies NSA uses provides countless opportunities for broadening your expertise and leadership growth.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

As a Software Engineer at NSA, you can focus on virtually any area of computer science including cybersecurity, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing research, data analytics, machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), cryptology/cryptography, complex algorithms, large-scale platform development and many others. The sheer breadth of technologies NSA uses provides countless opportunities for broadening your expertise and leadership growth.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 07/26/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 26, 2026

Location

many 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 - $192,764 per year Pay scale & grade

GG 11 - 14

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 Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0132 Intelligence

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Top Secret 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

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 1260414 Control number 877145100

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Videos

Duties

Help

NSA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to advance high-impact systems and teams.

Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. Common tools and areas of interest include: COBOL, C/C++, Java, cloud computing, Angular, React, Python, PIG Analytics, Pyspark, agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch, Rust, micro services, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum and more.

Beyond technical skills, we need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from you about what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.

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.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Qualifications

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 plus 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.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) 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 software development process (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and programming.

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 - $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 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).

Expand Hide additional information

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.

With a broad range of positions available, tools, platforms and methodologies used will vary from one team to another.

Use of industry norms is common, including, but not limited to: Docker, AWS, GitLab, open source (see code.nsa.gov for examples of NSA contribution), databases (both relational and non-relational), various languages (Java, C, C++, Python, etc.). Candidates with experience in COBOL or IBM mainframe are preferred.

The ideal candidate will have specialized skills or interest in one or more of the following skills/technologies:

  • Strong background in advanced mathematics (i.e., number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory and discrete mathematics)
  • Solid grasp of data structure, algorithms, operating systems and computer architecture.
  • Proficiency in languages like C/C++, Python and Java
  • Knowledge of both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including hash functions, encryption, digital signatures and key exchange
  • Familiarity with protocols like TLS/SSL and network security principles for secure communications
  • Understanding of hardware security modules (HSMs) and other secure computing (cloud) platforms - Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS) and vulnerability assessment tools
  • Knowledge using cryptographic libraries, APIs and adherence to security standards (NIST, ISO 27001 and OWASP guidelines)
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Prior Intelligence Community experience preferred

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

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1260414

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov

Next steps

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1260414

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

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1260414

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov

Next steps

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1260414

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

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.

https://www.nsa.gov/careers/

Summary

As a Software Engineer at NSA, you can focus on virtually any area of computer science including cybersecurity, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing research, data analytics, machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), cryptology/cryptography, complex algorithms, large-scale platform development and many others. The sheer breadth of technologies NSA uses provides countless opportunities for broadening your expertise and leadership growth.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 07/26/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 26, 2026

Location

many 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 - $192,764 per year Pay scale & grade

GG 11 - 14

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 Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0132 Intelligence

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Top Secret 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

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 1260414 Control number 877145100

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