Information Systems Security Engineer - Entry Level (Maryland)

US National Security Agency/Central Security Service • Full-time • Fort Meade, Maryland, United States • $86.50k - $122.16k / year • 1d ago

Summary

Are you a cyber professional with the drive and expertise to be on the forefront of the cyber fight; tackling NSA's complex mission to defend against cyber threats of today and tomorrow? NSA, the nation's leading cyber agency, has exciting and challenging positions in Cyber Security Engineering and Cyber vulnerability analysis/mitigation.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Duties

Information System Security Professionals at NSA play a vital role in Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Software Development Security, Security Operations, Identity and Access Management, Asset Security, and Security and Risk Management:

Defining information system security requirements and functionality
Designing system architectures, modeling, and network designs
Ability to implement systems engineering principles/methodology
Assessing the effectiveness of security solutions against present and projected threats
Knowledge of Cloud Engineering and Security
Producing formal and informal reports, briefings, and direct input to the customer regarding security and functionality of requirements, system architecture, application security, and security planning
Understanding concepts, principles, structure and standards used to design, implement, monitor and secure operating systems, equipment, networks, applications and controls to enforce levels of confidentiality, integrity and availability
Conducting security engineering/hardening of the latest operating systems, tailoring them for use in the specific mission area
Reviewing requests for security relevant changes on the mission infrastructures, ensuring risk is adequately mitigated
Understanding of cryptography and ability to program (Python, Java, etc.)
Knowledge of Systems Lifecycle Development, Threat Intelligence, and Incident Management
Ensuring appropriate operational security posture is maintained for a system or program; assessing compliance with the Federal Government's Risk Management Framework (RMF), as maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Providing recommendations on Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Working with system owners to accredit/re-accredit critical mission systems

Depending on their experience and preferences, Information System Security Professionals are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office or into the Cybersecurity Engineering Development Program (CSEDP). The development program is 3 years in length and combines formal training and diverse work assignments.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

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, Information Security, and Information Systems).

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, information assurance, systems engineering, or updating information assurance documentation (for example System Security Plans, Risk Assessment Reports, Certification and Accreditation packages, and System Requirements Traceability Matrices). Network and system administration may account for some, but not all, of the 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).

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.

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: $86,498 - $122,157 (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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills
Is motivated
Works creatively and effectively in various environments
Can juggle multiple priorities and assignments
Applies standards, policies, procedures and requirements for ensuring information security
Possesses specialized skills that prevent, assess, and/or mitigate threats to information systems and infrastructures and the information contained in or transmitted by these systems. This may encompass:
Threat and vulnerability analysis
Risk mitigation
Incident response
Information assurance
Risk management framework
Configuration management
Monitor/define system security plans
Penetration testing
Preparing accreditation documentation

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);

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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.