Interior Designer - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1255680 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $57,736.00 to $133,142.00 Grade 7 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/7/2026 Close Date 4/13/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Facilities and Logistics professionals.

This job is open to

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

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Duties

The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has opportunities for highly motivated Interior Designers to provide facilities design expertise, guidance and support to the development and implementation of commercial solutions that enable capabilities that align with mission driven priorities. Our interior designers are responsible for the look and feel of facilities, from an interiors perspective, at our headquarters and across the entire enterprise. As an Interior Designer you will be a valuable member of the design team that implements workspace solutions based on project requirements developed through customer interaction and data collection.

As an Interior Designer at NSA, responsibilities may include:

- Conducting facilities planning and space programming
- Developing furniture layouts, furniture specification and design packages, cost estimates and project schedules
- Developing designs for new and renovated commercial facilities
- Providing construction detailing
- Conducting code analysis
- Performing project management tasks
- Selecting architectural, interior design and furniture materials and finishes
- Conducting multidisciplinary project reviews and teaming

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

NOTE: Critical to the assessment of your application are responses to all screening questions and uploaded unofficial transcripts.

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

Degree must be in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field. If program is not Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

*Specified coursework must include all of the following: (a) drafting, (b) architectural drawing and rendering, (c) computer aided design, (d) intro to interior design, (e) architectural lighting or environmental controls, (f) building construction and methods, (g) construction documents, (h) design and the built environment, (i) history of architecture, (j) history of furniture, (k) sustainable design, (l) design and visual culture, (m) visual form, (n) Photoshop for interiors, (o) graphic presentation, (p) construction materials and finishes, (q) interior design business practices, and (r) life safety codes for interiors.

Relevant experience must include three or more of the following: facilities, space planning, design, construction documentation, applying codes and standards, and documentation utilizing drafting software (for example, AutoCAD, Revit). Full Performance level: Experience must also include managing a project in facilities. Construction or facilities-related certification (for example, LEED, PMP) can count for up to one year of experience. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification counts for two years of experience.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience.

Education

NOTE: Critical to the assessment of your application are responses to all screening questions and uploaded unofficial transcripts.

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

Degree must be in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field. If program is not Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

*Specified coursework must include all of the following: (a) drafting, (b) architectural drawing and rendering, (c) computer aided design, (d) intro to interior design, (e) architectural lighting or environmental controls, (f) building construction and methods, (g) construction documents, (h) design and the built environment, (i) history of architecture, (j) history of furniture, (k) sustainable design, (l) design and visual culture, (m) visual form, (n) Photoshop for interiors, (o) graphic presentation, (p) construction materials and finishes, (q) interior design business practices, and (r) life safety codes for interiors.

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: $57,736 - $133,142 (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).

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.

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.

NOTE: Critical to the assessment of your application are responses to all screening questions and uploaded unofficial transcripts.

The ideal candidate demonstrates the following:

- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Partnering / Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Accountability
- Continual Learning
- Resilience
- Effective Communication
- Creativity
- Flexibility

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following is desired:

- AutoCAD
- Space planning including commercial office and hospitality spaces
- Interior design and planning
- Construction technology/management
- Leading project teams
- Various contract mechanisms
- Analysis and life-cycle maintenance of installations, facilities, and furniture projects
- Analysis, design, construction, national/local code compliance
- Design safety plans and programs to comply with laws, regulations, and policies
- Ability to manage and design multiple projects with varying scope under compressed schedules

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

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

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

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