1. Erin E. Corman National Security Agency Mathematics Hiring Manager
Breaking into the Puzzle Palace: Careers in Math at the National Security Agency
Erin E. Corman
National Security Agency
Mathematics Hiring Manager

2. 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

3. 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

4. A Day in the Life Solve mission problems Work is interdisciplinary
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

5. 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.

6. How Math Fits In IA SIGINT Cryptographic design and evaluation
Cybersecurity
SIGINT
Cryptanalysis
Signals analysis
Error-correcting codes
Filtering and selection
Language processing
Algorithm development
High-performance computing

7. Contact Information
Erin Corman
(301)
National Security Agency (NSA) Website
Keyword: Mathematician