Job Title: Hardware/Software Analysis and Design Engineer - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)
Posted by: National Security Agency on Aug 20, 2025
Location:
Fort Meade , MDJob Description:
Responsibilities:
With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware/Software Engineers to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems.
Hardware Software Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission.
The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has opportunities for two types of Hardware/Software Engineers positions: Hardware/Software Design Engineers and Hardware/Software Analysis Engineers. Applicants may also be considered for an NSA Development Program.
1. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Communications Engineering. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Design Engineer may include:
- Designing, developing, testing, and/or evaluating computer or computer-related equipment.
- Designing, developing, testing and evaluation of programmable hardware devices or digital circuits.
- Programming, modifying and/or configuring system software that manages the computer hardware and provides services to the applications.
- Applying software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify software applications.
2. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Analysis Engineer may include:
- Design, develop, construct, test, or analyze firmware, hardware or software components.
- Develop new or utilize existing methods and tools to analyze or protect specific hardware, software or firmware.
- Develop/recommend mitigation strategies and techniques.
- Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.
- Test, evaluate and/or reverse engineer microelectronic components (FPGA, ASICs, PCB, Microcontrollers, etc.), technology and equipment.
- Program, modify and analyze system software/tools that control microelectronics hardware.
- Apply hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems.
3. NSA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Applicants may be considered for the Applied Computing Development Program (ACDP). In the ACDP, participants are hired into a Hardware/Software Design Engineer position. The ACDP is a three-year full-time development program designed to provide entry-level applied computing professionals (that is, individuals with degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and related degrees and experience) the opportunity to acquire the leadership skills and technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. In this program, participants gain a depth of knowledge in a breadth of applied computing disciplines, including system/security, software engineering, software project management, and system architecture. ACDP participants work in teams and with NSA technical leaders to solve current and future challenging problems.
When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with \
Skills:
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Experience with Agile Software Development.
- Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc.
- Experience reverse engineering firmware or software.
- Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation.
- Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams.
- Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems.
- Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols.
- Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
- Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
- Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis.
- Experience with embedded or operating system level programming.
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is:
- Innovative
- Well-organized
- Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments
- Able to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.
When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with \
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
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 - $195,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert)
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; the Agency's organizational goals; and the efficiency of the Federal service.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
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. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**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, \
With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware/Software Engineers to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems.
Hardware Software Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission.
The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has opportunities for two types of Hardware/Software Engineers positions: Hardware/Software Design Engineers and Hardware/Software Analysis Engineers. Applicants may also be considered for an NSA Development Program.
1. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Communications Engineering. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Design Engineer may include:
- Designing, developing, testing, and/or evaluating computer or computer-related equipment.
- Designing, developing, testing and evaluation of programmable hardware devices or digital circuits.
- Programming, modifying and/or configuring system software that manages the computer hardware and provides services to the applications.
- Applying software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify software applications.
2. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Analysis Engineer may include:
- Design, develop, construct, test, or analyze firmware, hardware or software components.
- Develop new or utilize existing methods and tools to analyze or protect specific hardware, software or firmware.
- Develop/recommend mitigation strategies and techniques.
- Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.
- Test, evaluate and/or reverse engineer microelectronic components (FPGA, ASICs, PCB, Microcontrollers, etc.), technology and equipment.
- Program, modify and analyze system software/tools that control microelectronics hardware.
- Apply hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems.
3. NSA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Applicants may be considered for the Applied Computing Development Program (ACDP). In the ACDP, participants are hired into a Hardware/Software Design Engineer position. The ACDP is a three-year full-time development program designed to provide entry-level applied computing professionals (that is, individuals with degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and related degrees and experience) the opportunity to acquire the leadership skills and technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. In this program, participants gain a depth of knowledge in a breadth of applied computing disciplines, including system/security, software engineering, software project management, and system architecture. ACDP participants work in teams and with NSA technical leaders to solve current and future challenging problems.
When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with \
Skills:
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Experience with Agile Software Development.
- Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc.
- Experience reverse engineering firmware or software.
- Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation.
- Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams.
- Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems.
- Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols.
- Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
- Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
- Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis.
- Experience with embedded or operating system level programming.
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is:
- Innovative
- Well-organized
- Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments
- Able to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.
When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with \
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
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 - $195,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert)
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; the Agency's organizational goals; and the efficiency of the Federal service.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
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. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**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, \
Pay Rate:
Unspecified
HR. Website URL:
https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-listings
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