Summary
Our 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 or classified national security information. Technology Vulnerability Analysts detect and mitigate close access technical attacks unintentional (TEMPEST) threats emanating from secure facilities and equipment.
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
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Duties
Are you an emerging or seasoned 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?
Technology Vulnerability Analyst 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
- 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
As a TEMPEST Technology Vulnerability Analyst, responsibilities include:
- Performing TEMPEST field testing to discover vulnerabilities in systems and facilities
- Providing Subject Matter Expert (SME) support to the DoD and Government agencies to ensure that TEMPEST, TSCM requirements are applied equally throughout the Intelligence Community (IC)
- Performing TEMPEST laboratory / facilities testing to ensure that TEMPEST certification meets the current National TEMPEST requirements
- Performing TEMPEST testing of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment to discover the extent of vulnerabilities for countermeasure purposes
- Modernize TEMPEST related IA standards, policies and procedures
- Performing technical and operational functions in radio frequency (RF) survey, physical (structural, network) evaluations
- Performing audits, inspections and investigations in accordance with government regulations and make appropriate recommendations for improvement
- Performing research and development on future TEMPEST/TSCM countermeasures
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- 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.
Degree must be in Computer Science or a related field (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Assurance, and Information Security).
Relevant experience must be in vulnerability analysis and/or computer forensics. In addition, experience may include the following: computer or information systems design/development, coding, information/cyber/network security, information assurance, systems engineering, and/or network and/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).
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.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.
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: $105,262 - $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior)
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.
Review our 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 TEMPEST candidate is someone with the TEMPEST certification or TEMPEST knowledge with a desire for continual learning, strong communication (oral and written), problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is:
- accountable
- detail-oriented
- adaptable
- customer and results-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
- able to work effectively (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a collaborative environment
TEMPEST candidates' desired experience includes Radio Frequency (RF), Physics, Signals Analysis, Wireless, Testing Equipment (Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, Signal Analyzers), Packet Analysis, Vulnerability Analysis, Cyber Security, and Crypto Devices.
Required Documents
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
-VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
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.