Testing and Evaluation Specialist

Responsibilities Testing & Evaluation Specialists at the NSA develop unit and system tests to evaluate compliance with customer requirements. They also conduct testing and evaluate cyberspace operations capabilities and the effects of developed capabilities. They make recommendations based on results. Some positions are responsible for performing penetration testing, mimicking real-world attacks to identify methods for circumventing the security features of NSA applications, systems and networks. Testing & Evaluation Specialists apply principles, methods, and tools for testing & evaluating computer or computer-related equipment/computing systems. Based on testing results, Test and Evaluation Specialist may assist network and system professionals in the troubleshooting and re-creation of test scenarios. As an experienced testing professional, NSA has opportunity for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: development, penetration, and operational full testing cycles. Job 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 Qualifications The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), Information Assurance, and Cybersecurity may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics. Relevant experience must be in engineering of computer or information systems over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, and/or systems engineering. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience). 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. SENIOR Entry is with 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 and 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. EXPERT Entry is with 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 and 5 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. Competencies The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for experiential learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is: willing to take the initiative innovative able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment able to communicate effectively (both orally and written) well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments Development, Penetration, and / or Operational full test cycle experience with exposure to several (not all) of the following areas: Understanding of requirements testability TEMP creation Test Plan creation Use cases, test cases, test scenario Requirements Traceability matrix Requirements Verification Traceability matrix Deficiency report creation and resolution understanding Test automation tools Requirements traceability tools Analysis of problems to determine technical solutions Development of test procedures to ensure conformity with specifications or standards Document processes, analyses, and/or results System engineering, test and evaluation tradecraft, and software engineering. Knowledge of automation tools and Linux is helpful. Hands on penetration testing or ethical hacking including areas such as Kali Linux and Metasploit. Training or Certification in penetration testing, such as CEH, PenTest, and GSEC, which are preferred for some positions. 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: $102,477 - $191,900 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert) Salary range varies by location, work level and relevant experience to the position. On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan. 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 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 noreplyintelligencecareers.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. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion . 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. 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.