Breaking into the Puzzle Palace:

Careers in Math at the National Security Agency

Erin E. CormanNational Security Agency

Mathematics Hiring Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in mathematics, or a related field– Statistics, computer science, physics, engineering

• Breadth and depth in mathematics courses• Strong grades in mathematics courses• Core competencies

– Calculus sequence, linear algebra, advanced calculus / real analysis, abstract or modern algebra, number theory, probability and statistics

• Computer science / programming desirable• U.S. citizenship required

Application Process

• Résumé and transcripts• Preliminary security screen• Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT)

– 50 questions, multiple-choice, two hours, no calculator

– Passing score is 16 correct out of 50– Covers the core competencies

• Clearance process forms• Site visit

– Operational interviews and seminar option– Clearance processing

• Two-stage review process• Final Job Offer

A Day in the Life

• Solve mission problems– Combine ingenuity and the power of modern

computers to test ideas and implement solutions– A mathematician’s keen analytic ability is often

the essential ingredient• Work is interdisciplinary• Mathematics Development Programs

– Series of rotational tours working on mission problems

– Strong training component (required and optional)– Three years in duration

NSA Mission

• Protect U.S. national security systems and produce foreign signals intelligence.– Information Assurance (IA)

• Confronts the formidable challenge of preventing foreign adversaries from gaining access to sensitive or classified national security information.

– Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)• Collects, processes and disseminates intelligence

information from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, and to support military operations.

• Research– Provides the tools, the technology and the

techniques to ensure the success of the SIGINT and IA missions, now and in the future.

How Math Fits In

• IA– Cryptographic design and evaluation– Cybersecurity

• SIGINT– Cryptanalysis– Signals analysis– Error-correcting codes– Filtering and selection– Language processing– Algorithm development– High-performance computing

Contact Information

Erin Cormanmathjobs@nsa.gov

(301) 688-0944

National Security Agency (NSA) Websitewww.nsa.gov

Keyword: Mathematician