Duties
At NSA, mathematics and statistics are core disciplines present in every aspect of our mission: to protect our Nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes, and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.
Mathematicians and Mathematical Statisticians contribute across our mission by bringing both subject matter expertise and creative, critical thinking. A wide range of technical expertise finds a natural fit at NSA including, but not limited to, fields of algebra, combinatorics, Fourier analysis, operations research, graph analytics, regression, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, stochastic processes, statistical modeling, forecasting, and cryptography.
Diversity is a key for NSA mission success. We solve our hardest problems and develop innovative solutions by bringing together the perspectives of people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.
The Agency supports a dynamic mathematics community with substantial opportunities to learn and experiment in areas far from academic training. Additionally, professional development is supported by hands-on training, seminar series, conference travel, and professional organizations. These opportunities and core mission needs help make NSA the largest employer of mathematicians and mathematical statisticians in the country.
In addition, send a soft copy PDF of your resume/CV and all college transcripts (to include undergraduate, graduate, and transfer transcripts). You may also include a cover letter (optional). Documents should be sent to mathjobs@uwe.nsa.gov.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. 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.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree in Cyber Security, Information Assurance or related field is preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable.
Benefits
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.
Candidates must possess:
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Desire for continual learning
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within diverse teams
For the Entry/Developmental work level, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired but not required. Successful applicants may learn these skills at the Agency.
- Programming expertise in any language
- Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematical models, methods and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development)
The timeline for hiring mathematicians is quite long, commonly one to two years. We recommend applying when graduation is no more than a year out, as start dates can often flex to accommodate the needs of a successful applicant.