What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cyber Network Professional position at National Security Agency?
The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The 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 classified 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 collection of valuable intelligence information - Research and implement solution sets to influence and enhance network offensive posture. On the defensive side of the NSA mission, as part of the Red Team, you will: - Execute computer network operations against official US government organizations worldwide for the purpose of strengthening information system security - Identify intrusions and vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies and techniques to secure networks - Identify, analyze and develop defensive measures to thwart advanced, state-sponsored intrusions of DoD and Federal Government networks around the world - Conduct and support Computer Network Operations to interactively 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 proactively identify and characterize adversarial activity. Cyber Networking Certification (Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master) is required.
Job SummaryThe United States has experienced profound changes that impact the way the National Security Agency (NSA) conducts its mission. The explosion of Internet communications has created a need for the Computer Network Operations (CNO) mission. This very important mission includes computer network defense and computer network exploitation. In order to carry out these functions NSA is looking for IT Security Professionals who are highly skilled, want to stay on the leading edge of technology and impassioned about ensuring the United States maintains a strategic edge in cyberspace. These are NOT your average Cyber, Computer Science, Networking, or Engineering jobs NSA is in search of top-notch certified cyber professionals with technical expertise and driving desire at the forefront of their field. We have positions in penetration testing, defensive operations, identifying cyber threats and vulnerabilities and building defensive capabilities, designing, developing, deploying, sustaining and monitoring state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of cyber professionals
QualificationsThe 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). FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience; a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience; a Doctoral degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's 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 CNO Apprentice Exploiter (A*X) certification plus 3 years of relevant experience. 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. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 8 years of relevant experience; or successful completion of CNO Journeyman Exploiter (J*X) certification, CNO Master Operator, Red Team Journeyman, or Red Team Master Operator Certification plus 4 years of relevant experience.
CompetenciesThe ideal candidate is someone with solid decision making and problem solving skills, 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 This position is well-suited for individuals who enjoy visiting network security websites, attending conferences such as Black Hat / DEFCON, setting up and maintaining their own network or competing in Capture the Flag events.
Pay, Benefits, & Work SchedulePay: 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: $102,477 - $187,662 (Full Performance, Senior) 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: Applicants should be aware that some of these jobs support 24/7 operations based on mission requirements and shift schedules may vary to include night shift.
How to applyApply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: , , and ** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information
DCIPS DisclaimerThe 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 , 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.
Salary : $102,477 - $187,662