System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1242631 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $85,052.00 to $120,116.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/7/2025 Close Date 1/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

System Vulnerability Analysts (Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers) analyze vulnerabilities and develop mitigations to strengthen defenses. They produce formal and informal reports, briefings, and guidance to defend against attacks against network infrastructure devices or systems. NSA analysts work with traditional wired networks, wireless transport, including Wi-Fi and cellular, collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that support it all.

Duties

Are you an emerging network professional who wants to work our nation's tough cybersecurity problems? Do you enjoy deeply technical, hands-on work? Do you want to identify vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices and then figure out how to deal with them? Are you looking to make an impact in cybersecurity and advance your career while enjoying the outstanding benefits of federal service?

System Vulnerability Analysts (Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers) at NSA have the opportunity to work in the following areas:
- Wired and wireless network security
- Vulnerability discovery and analysis
- Scalable mitigations development
- Perimeter/boundary defense
- Collaboration platforms, such as VoIP and VTC systems
- Mobile network security
- Tailored security solutions
- Reverse engineering
- Researching emerging network industry technologies and solutions
- Control system security
- Malware analysis
- Researching emerging network industry technologies and solutions
- Ensuring adequacy of cybersecurity standards and configurations
-Fusing vulnerability assessments from all sources into a unified picture of network risk

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

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. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

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

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following areas: computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, or information assurance. Network and/or system administration may account for some, but not all, of the required experience. 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).

Education

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

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

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: $85,052 - $120,116 (Entry/Developmental) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.

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).

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.

We're looking for entry-level professionals who possess strong problem solving, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills; and have knowledge or experience in the following areas:
- Defending against and/or mitigating system vulnerabilities related to network infrastructure devices and boundary defense
- Network device operating systems, functionality and configuration
- Network architecture and protocols
- Port, protocol and services analysis
- Network segmentation
- Network traffic analysis
- Vulnerability detection, analysis and mitigations development
- Reverse engineering
- Fuzzing and penetration testing
- Scripting languages, such as Python
- Software defined networking
- Cellular technology, including 5G
- Authentication mechanisms

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.