Breaking into the Puzzle Palace Careers in Math

Breaking into the Puzzle Palace: Careers in Math at the National Security Agency Erin E. Corman National 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 Corman mathjobs@nsa. gov (301) 688 -0944 National Security Agency (NSA) Website www. nsa. gov Keyword: Mathematician