Computer Systems Researcher (Research Scientist) - Entry to Experienced Level

National Security Agency   Fort Meade, MD   Full-time     Information Services / Technology (IT)
Posted on November 5, 2022
RESPONSIBILITIES
The tremendous complexity of NSA's mission requires world-class researchers, scientists, programmers and engineers who work in artificial intelligence, high performance computing, hardware and software reverse engineering, information technology infrastructure, data science, software engineering, architectures, computer security and networking, among others. NSA researchers invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology, ultimately providing technical capabilities necessary to execute the Agency's critical mission. NSA Researcher Scientists are actively expanding the boundaries of what can be accomplished with artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-machine teaming, software reverse engineering, and high performance computing. Our experts generalize mission problems, advance the scientific state-of-the-art to solve the problem, and work with other NSA organizations to get solutions in front of mission users and decision-makers. NSA research activities have saved lives, and they continue to make the U.S. and its allies safer and more secure. In addition to working closely with mission partners, our researchers also collaborate regularly with the scientific community, academia, industry, and other government laboratories; publish papers on unclassified aspects of our work in scientific journals and at conferences; transfer NSA technology to the marketplace through open source software releases and public-private partnerships; serve as faculty members at local universities; and participate in university and K-12 STEM outreach activities across the country. Unlike other research facilities, NSA laboratories are funded internally, which allows our researchers to spend their time conducting research rather than writing proposals. Specifically NSA is interested in applicants conducting research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, human-machine teaming, novel architectures, cybersecurity, software reverse engineering, computer vision, and computational linguistics. Successful candidates should have demonstrated success in conducting Computer Science research and a proven track record of turning research ideas into running prototype-grade systems. As a Research Scientist, other responsibilities may include: - Conducting scientific experiments, documenting results, and communicating with colleagues, customers, and decision makers - Training, testing, and deploying machine learning models - Applying software engineering principles to design and/or develop software applications - Designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real-world scientific problems - Using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools to architect and facilitate the development of hardware solutions - Developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems and network vulnerabilities
SKILLS
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is able to: - Work in a team environment - Communicate effectively - Handle multiple assignments - Synthesize information to solve complex problems - Apply knowledge data structures and algorithms to software engineering problems - Develop, diagnose, and/or operate complex computer systems Specialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is required: - Programming (low level, high level, parallel) - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Simulation/model development and prototyping - Software engineering - Hardware engineering - Architectures and Distributed Computing - Algorithm analysis and design - Reverse engineering - Operating systems and/or device driver development (desktop/server/RTOS)
PAY BENEFITS & WORK SCHEDULE
*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary Range: $74,682 - $176,300 (Entry - Expert) On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible).
POSITION SUMMARY
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! Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals!
HOW TO APPLY
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 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. 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. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. 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.
DCIPS Disclaimer
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.