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

Vacancy No. 1258378 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $87,362.00 to $153,082.00 Grade 7 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/1/2026 Close Date 6/7/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
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' competencies run the gamut of data transport possibilities.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

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

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

Qualifications

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.

FULL PERFORMANCE
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. An Associate's degree plus 5 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 or a related field (e.g., General Engineering Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity, 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).

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.

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 traffic analysis
- Vulnerability detection, analysis and mitigations development
- Reverse engineering
- Fuzzing and penetration testing
- Scripting languages
- Software defined networking
- Cellular technology, including 5G - Authentication mechanisms
- Upper-level Math
- Programming Language such as C/C++, Python, Assembly
- Cloud Computing
- Operating Systems Internals
- Software Algorithms

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.

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

NSA POC

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