Summary

Newly hired experienced Data Scientists will be assigned to a mission office by aligning their data science skills with mission needs. Due to the challenging and evolving nature of NSA data science problems, Data Scientists are expected to continue broadening and deepening their expertise throughout their career. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259937

Learn more about this agency

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.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Duties

Data science at the National Security Agency (NSA) is a multi-disciplinary field that uses elements of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and application-specific knowledge to gather, make, and communicate principled conclusions from data. Data Science is a broad field and a team effort, spanning all the expertise needed to derive value from data. It encompasses AI Engineering, Data Engineering, ML Ops Engineering, and Human Perception and Cognition Engineering in addition to the traditional applications of data science.

Data science is present in every aspect of the mission. NSA Data Scientists tackle challenging real-world problems leveraging big data, high-performance computing, machine learning, and a breadth of other methodologies. We are looking for critical thinkers, problem solvers, and motivated individuals who are enthusiastic about data and believe that answers to hard questions lie in the yet-to-be-told story of diverse, complicated data sets. You will employ your mathematical science, computer science, and quantitative analysis skills to develop solutions to complex data problems and take full advantage of NSA's capabilities to tackle the highest priority foreign intelligence and cybersecurity challenges.

Responsibilities may include:

Exploring data analysis and model-fitting to reveal data features of interest
Using the machine-learned predictive modeling
Constructing usable data sets from multiple sources to meet customer needs
Identifying and analyzing anomalous data (including metadata)
Developing conceptual design and models to address mission requirements
Developing qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing datasets in various states
Performing analytic modeling, scripting, and/or programming
Working collaboratively and iteratively throughout the data-science lifecycle
Designing and developing analytics and techniques for analysis
Analyzing data using mathematical and statistical methods
Evaluating, documenting, and communicating research processes, analyses, and results to customers, peers, and leadership
Creating interpretable visualizations

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Applicants will be asked to complete the Data Science Examination (DSE) which evaluates their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and computer science topics that pertain to data science work. Passing this examination at a local testing site is a requirement in order to be considered for selection into a data scientist position. Upon passing the examination, applicants will be evaluated for the minimum qualifications outlined in this ad. Transcripts for each academic institution are required prior to being invited to interview with Agency data science professionals and should be submitted as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage.

Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.

Degrees in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Operations Research, Quantitative/Computational Finance, Econometrics/Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering qualify without additional coursework or a Data Science certificate.

Degrees in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Biology/Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Data Analytics, or Information Science/Systems/Technology, must include either a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university OR 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics) and/or advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, data mining, artificial intelligence).

Other degrees must be accompanied by a Data Science certificate from an accredited college/university, and must include a total of 5 or more courses in advanced mathematics AND advanced computer science. At least one course must be from advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus-based statistics). At least one course must be from advanced computer science (for example, algorithms, programming, data structures, computer architecture, data mining, artificial intelligence).

Experience must include both programming and one or more of the following: designing/implementing machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, statistical consulting, artificial intelligence development, computational science, software engineering, technical writing, data visualization, or data engineering. Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.

SENIOR
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

EXPERT
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Note that different degree fields have different requirements as described below.

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: $132,751 - $197,200 (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; 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.

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.

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills who is:

Accountable
Proactive
Detail oriented
Able to solve complex problems
Proficient with critical thinking and reasoning to make analytic determinations
Effective at working in a collaborative team environment
Able to bridge the gap with both technical and non-technical audiences
Able to provide technical leadership in formal or informal roles

Knowledge, skills, and relevant experience in programming, formal or informal leadership, and one or more of the following is required:

Designing and implementing machine learning
Data mining
Statistical analysis
Statistical consulting
Artificial Intelligence development
Computational science
Software engineering
Technical writing
Data visualization
Data engineering.

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.

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259937

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone

1-844-424-4737

intelcareers@nsa.gov

Address

NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US

Next steps

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1259937

Overview

Accepting applications

Posted this week · Apply by 07/20/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 20, 2026

Location

Few vacancies in the following location:

Fort Meade, MD

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible

Remote job

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

Salary

$132,751 - $197,200 per year

Pay scale & grade

GG 13 - 15

Promotion potential

None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule

Full-time

Travel Required

Not required

Appointment type

Permanent

Occupations and job series

0132 Intelligence

Supervisory status

Federal service type

This job is in the Excepted Service

Represented by a union

Drug test

Yes

Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Position sensitivity and risk

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

National security

Financial disclosure required

Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number

1259937

Control number

875461200

ML/AI Work links you to the employer's original posting — always verify the details there before applying.

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