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
[email protected] (301) 688-0944 National Security Agency (NSA) Website www.nsa.gov Keyword: Mathematician
