Military

System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

๐Ÿ“ Fort Meade, Maryland GG-7/12 $87,362 - $153,082/yr
Posted: Jun 1, 2026 Deadline: Jun 7, 2026 (Closes in 6 days)

About This Position

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.

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.

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

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).

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 - $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).

How to Apply

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258378

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 System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland) position at National Security Agency/Central Security Service?
The salary range for this position is $87,362 - $153,082/yr. This is a GG-7/12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland) job located?
This position is located in Fort Meade, Maryland. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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).
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 Jun 7, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
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.