Federal
Computer Systems Architect - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)
National Security Agency/Central Security Service ยท Department of Defense
About This Position
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. If you want to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations; join our team of experts!
Qualifications
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 and 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.
Major Duties
Computer Systems Architects at NSA use commercial and government developed hardware, software, networking, and security products to: - drive information technology projects - produce compliance results for established project requirements and IT architecture - modernize IT architecture through analysis of research and introducing changes based on evolving project requirements - integrate industry trends, emerging technologies and standards, and new vendor features - collaborate with experts in technical and application teams to identify, evaluate, and recommend technical solutions to support project requirements - define and analyze data requirements, mapping legacy data stores and formats to logical and physical data models - propose standard ways for information transport between IT systems and stored within corporate knowledge databases - perform architectural alignment of the enterprise logical data model and physical data models **Please attach a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a specific degree that demonstrates a concentration of courses in foundational Computer Science (CS) areas as well as mathematics.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, Information Systems) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in the design/development of computer or information systems and include engineering hardware and/or software over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, computer systems research, reverse engineering, and/or computer/network security. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience).
How You Will Be Evaluated
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is able to: - work in a team environment - adapt to change - provide innovative solutions - communicate effectively - multi-task across multiple projects The ideal candidate will also reflect specialized skill and experience in one or more of the following: - System administration with Windows, UNIX, and/or Linux - Programming and scripting experience (e.g., C, C++, Java, Assembly, Python, Perl, Ruby, Bash, Node.js, Spark, Puppet, SALT, KAFKA, HADOOP) - Database design/development (e.g., NiFi, MongoDB) - Network protocols and hardware - Virtualization fundamentals - Cloud architecture - Security architectures and appliances - Firewalls Boundary device solutions/architecture - High Performance Computing/Data Center
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).
How to Apply
https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1253682
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Computer Systems Architect - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland) position at National Security Agency/Central Security Service?
The salary range for this position is $105,262 - $192,764/yr. This is a GG-11/14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Computer Systems Architect - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland) job located?
This position is located in Fort Meade, Maryland. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 16, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GG-11/14 mean?
GG-11/14 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.