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Posted: February 17, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Software Engineer - Entry to Mid Level (Texas)

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Department of Defense

Fresh

Salary

$87,362 - $153,082

per year

Closes

February 19, 2026More DOD jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This entry to mid-level software engineering role at the NSA involves building and improving advanced computer systems in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and cryptography to support national security efforts, such as protecting U.S.

networks and providing critical intelligence. You'll work on diverse projects using cutting-edge tools, with opportunities for learning and growth in a flexible environment.

It's a great fit for recent computer science graduates or those with a few years of programming experience who are eager to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, or related field with foundational CS courses (e.g., algorithms, data structures, programming languages)
  • Relevant experience in software development processes (requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment, maintenance)
  • For entry level: Bachelor's with no experience, or Associate's plus 2 years of in-depth relevant experience
  • For full performance level: Bachelor's plus 3 years, Master's plus 1 year, or Doctoral with no experience; Associate's plus 5 years also considered
  • Strong programming skills and familiarity with software tools/technologies
  • Critical thinking, collaboration, self-motivation, continuous learning, and flexibility
  • Must provide transcripts demonstrating CS coursework

Full Job Description

As a new Software Engineer, NSA has opportunities for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing (HPC), Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), Cryptology/Cryptography, and countless others.

If it is considered Computer Science, chances are good we have at least one team focused on it. The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering.

Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) 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 the software development process (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and programming.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

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. Major Duties:

NSA is seeking Software Engineers to advance a number of high impact systems and teams.

Opportunities change constantly, but recent needs include: large scale platform development (hardware and software, HPC, cloud); accessibility development (508 compliance); AI/ML; complex algorithms and cryptography.

As a Software Engineer at NSA, your work makes the world a safer place in countless ways including: saving lives of U.S. and allied soldiers; providing U.S.

policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence; ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries; and defending vital networks.

The Agency offers a work/life balance that is hard to beat, with flexible work schedules, generous leave policies, and a number of continuing education programs to help meet your long term career goals.

The sheer breadth of technologies supported provides endless opportunity for broadening expertise and leadership growth.

Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum.

More common tools and areas of interest include: C/C++, Java, cloud computing, Angular, React, Python, PIG Analytics, Pyspark, agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch, Rust, micro services, Ansible, digital forensics, incident response, quantum, and so much more.

Beyond technical skills, we also need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors.

We look forward to hearing from you - what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.

**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.**

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/17/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/18/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 1253824