Entry Level Computer Science Research Jobs in Washington, DC

NSA has received approval from the Department of War to hire for specific critical positions during the hiring freeze, per DoW memorandum 'Immediate Civilian Hiring Freeze for Alignment with National Defense Priorities' dated 28 February.

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD. Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 11/1 to 14/10. Open: 2026-07-27, Close: 2026-08-17.

Job Posting: 1260810

NSA Research Scientists are actively expanding the boundaries of what can be accomplished with artificial intelligence, machine learning, human‑machine teaming, software reverse engineering, data science, novel architectures, cyber security, high performance computing, and computational linguistics. Our experts generalize mission problems, advance the scientific state-of-the-art to solve problems, and work with other NSA organizations to get solutions in front of mission users and decision‑makers. Our researchers also have the opportunity to collaborate regularly with the scientific community, academia, industry, and other government laboratories; publish papers on unclassified aspects of our work in scientific journals and at conferences; transfer NSA technology to the marketplace through open source software releases and public‑private partnerships; serve as faculty members at local universities; and participate in university and K-12 STEM outreach activities across the country.

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate sound judgement, strong technical skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, as well as independently. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a proven track record of analyzing and solving technical problems with innovative solutions are also preferred. The candidate should have demonstrated success in conducting Computer Science research to include turning research ideas into running prototype‑grade systems.

• Conducting scientific experiments, documenting results, and communicating with colleagues, customers, and decision makers
• Training, testing, and deploying machine learning models
• Applying software engineering principles to design and/or develop software applications
• Designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real‑world scientific problems
• Using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools to architect and facilitate the development of hardware solutions
• Developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems and network vulnerabilities
• Modeling, simulating, prototyping, and/or benchmarking high performance computing systems
• Developing and implementing approaches to increase the productivity and/or efficiency of high performance computers
• Investigating and validating the security properties claimed by confidential computing mechanisms and architectures
• Advancing the understanding and capabilities for flexible, layered integrity measurement and attestation architectures and mechanisms
• Research, design, and prototype novel approaches to operating system, hypervisor, or firmware security
• Applying machine learning models to perform enhanced monitoring and anomaly detection on embedded systems' network communications to include IoT devices using Bluetooth and other wireless IoT protocols

Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

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! Are you looking to apply your computer science and other technical expertise to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations? Come join our team of experts! NSA is in search of Research Scientists and Senior Research Scientists to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to make the U.S. and its allies safer and more secure. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Engineering (CE). Other STEM fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, or Information Systems (IS)) 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 advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following:

• Computer systems research
• Simulation/model development and prototyping
• Software design
• Programming
• Computational science
• Algorithm analysis and design
• Reverse engineering
• Designing/developing computer or information systems, including engineering hardware or software
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Visualization
• Human-computer interaction
• Data science
• High performance computing

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 plus 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.

Desired Skills: Applicants should have excellent problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possess a range of knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Programming (low level, high level, parallel)
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Foundation models (FMs) (Large Language Models (LLMs), as well as models for other modalities)
• Simulation/model development and prototyping
• Software engineering
• Hardware engineering
• Architectures and Distributed Computing
• Algorithm analysis and design
• Reverse engineering
• Operating systems and/or device driver development (desktop/server/RTOS)
• Cybersecurity/Computer Network Defense
• Trustworthy systems
• Computer and network security
• Telecommunication systems

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: $105,262 - $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior). Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience. 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. 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.

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.

NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

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.
• 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.
• VA Letter of Disability (for 10‑point and Sole Survivorship rating).

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.