System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry Level (Maryland)
About This Position
System Vulnerability Analysts (Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers) analyze vulnerabilities & develop mitigations to strengthen defenses. 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. They work with traditional wired networks, wireless transport, including Wi-Fi and cellular, collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing.
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., General Engineering Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Assurance, and Information Security). 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. 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).
Major 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
How You Will Be Evaluated
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
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 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental) 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.
How to Apply
Please visit our application site to apply: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1255163
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.