Cyber Network Professional - Entry to Mid Level

Department of Defense

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Summary

The explosion of Internet communications has created a need for the Tailored Access Operations (TAO) and Cybersecurity missions. If you're an IT or cyber professional who wants to work on the leading edge of technology and preserve the nation's strategic edge in cyberspace, NSA has a place for you. We have multiple openings for Cyber Network Professionals who will concentrate in specialties such as: penetration testing; defensive operations; identifying cyber threats and vulnerabilities;

This job is open to

The public

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

Duties

NSA's mission to protect the nation requires a two-prong approach. The offense collects, processes and disseminates information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive national security information.

On the offensive side of the NSA mission, you will: - Execute computer network operations against foreign adversaries' information systems and networks - Use advanced software applications for network navigation, tactical forensic analysis and intelligence collection. - Research and implement solutions to influence and enhance network offensive posture

On the defensive side of the NSA mission, you will: - Execute red team operations against U.S. Government and Department of War (DoW) agencies to strengthen their systems - Identify intrusions/vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies/techniques to secure networks - Identify, analyze and develop defensive measures to thwart advanced, state-sponsored intrusions of DoW and federal government networks around the world - Search for Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) and Indicators of Compromise (IOC) using enhanced data collection and analysis methods - Use advanced software applications for network navigation, perform tactical forensic analysis and collect valuable network data to identify and characterize adversarial activity - Maintain operations systems required for missions - Maintain knowledge of cybersecurity trends, exploitation techniques and hardware advancements to engineer innovative exploitation solutions

APPLICANTS ARE SUBJECT TO PASSING A COMPUTER NETWORKING ASSESSMENT BATTERY TEST AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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

Qualifications

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelors degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 2 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 2 years of relevant experience; or successful completion of TAO-specific technical fundamentals training plus 2 years of relevant experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelors degree plus 3 years of relevant experience; a Masters degree plus 1 year of relevant experience; a Doctorate degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 5 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 5 years of relevant experience; or successful completion of TAO Apprentice Operator certification plus 3 years of relevant experience.

Education

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

Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or related field (e.g., General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security).

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance and/or systems engineering. Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 weeks course will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience).

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: $87,362 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) 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).

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.

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 someone with solid decision making and problem-solving skills, an ability to react quickly and technical proficiency in several of the following areas:
- Operating systems fundamentals (Windows and/or Unix/Linux)
- System administration (Windows and/or Unix/Linux)
- Network administration
- Network traffic analysis
- Penetration testing
- Network security
- Incident response
- Computer and network forensics
- Vulnerability and malware analysis
- Low level protocol and packet analysis
- Scripting and/or programming languages
- Cloud computing
- Prior completion of Red Team training program or CNO certification is a bonus

Required Documents

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

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1262262

Agency contact information

NSA POC

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

Next steps