National Security Agency

Cryptanalysts

Responsibilities
Cryptanalysis is the analytic investigation of an information system with the goal of illuminating hidden aspects of that system. It encompasses any systematic analysis aimed at discovering features in, understanding aspects of, or recovering hidden parameters from an information system.

Cryptanalysis is one of the core technical disciplines necessary for the National Security Agency (NSA) to accomplish its mission and provide critical intelligence to the nation's leaders, and the need for Cryptanalysts will remain constant in our ever-changing global environment.

EDUCATION THAT IS ONGOING
Extensive in-house classroom and on-the-job training is offered to both new hires and experienced employees as part of their continuing career development. Applicants for Cryptanalysis are placed in the Cryptanalysis Development Program (CADP), which is designed to produce professional Cryptanalysts. CADP participants attend formal classes, receive technical training from experienced Cryptanalysts, and rotate to various job assignments throughout NSA. Job-related courses at local universities and through private industry are funded; employees may also qualify for programs that provide for part-time or full-time college study while continuing to receive a full salary.

WHERE THE FUTURE MAY LEAD
Cryptanalysts have a multitude of choices as they progress through their career. The flexibility of NSA allows Cryptanalysts to stay indefinitely within the Cryptanalysis career field, or branch out into other skill fields for which they may qualify. With ongoing training and experience, the Cryptanalyst can progress to the highest levels of NSA employment in either managerial or technical positions.
Qualifications
Cryptanalysts use Mathematics, Computer Programming, Engineering, and language skills in addition to new technologies and creativity to solve tomorrow's problems today. NSA is looking for people who are intelligent and imaginative, and who can contribute original ideas toward the solution of complex challenges. Cryptanalysts must communicate clearly, concentrate long and hard on difficult problems, and avoid discouragement if success is elusive. And although skills such as computer programming proficiency are helpful, no specific major is targeted for Cryptanalysis. NSA hires people with both technical and non-technical degrees, ranging from Mathematics to Music, Engineering to History, and Computer Science to Chemistry.

Apply to Job ID number 11428.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

Additional Requirments / Information

Challenging Careers that Make a Difference
The National Security Agency (NSA) is a world leader in the protection and exploitation of intelligence. We gather and analyze foreign signals intelligence to produce vital information for U.S. policy makers and warfighters. And we protect American intelligence from the ever-listening ears of our adversaries, giving our Nation a decisive edge.

At NSA, you can work with the best and the brightest, using your intelligence to solve some of the Nation’s most difficult challenges. Your solutions can play a major role in shaping the course of world history.

NSA offers the following exciting career opportunities:

• Computer/Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Foreign Language
• Intelligence Analysis
• Cryptanalysis
• Signals Analysis
• Business Management
• Finance & Accounting
• Student Programs

Student Programs
Today's job marketplace is competitive. To get a step ahead you need to gain practical experience before you graduate. Come work with the top professionals in your field at NSA. Our internships, co-op program, scholarships, and work study programs for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students will help you to develop and shape your career well before your studies are through.

Work/Life Balance
At NSA, we recognize that your life is much more than your job. That is why we offer employee benefits that help make work a pleasure and life a little easier. You’ll enjoy an incredible benefits package, flexible work hours, a competitive salary, generous paid time off, and much more.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.NSA.gov/Careers.

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