CYBER WARFARE ENGINEER CAREERS
Complex computer networks, tactical systems they control, and vital infrastructures they support are all under attackby enemies seeking to steal information or sabotage capabilities. Cyber Warfare Engineering (CWE) Officers are the highly technical computer scientists and computer engineers who:
- Provide defense against attacks and deliver tactical advantages
- Develop tools and techniques in the information environment that ensure situational awareness
- Serve as a key part of the Information Dominance Corps in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge of the battlespace during wartime
Responsibilities
You will apply principles and techniques of computer science and computer engineering to build software and firmware to defend our nation’s vital computer networks. You will alsoresearch, design, develop, test and evaluate software and firmware for computer network attack, exploitation and defense in Cyberspace Operations.
Work Environment
Cyber Warfare Engineers serve in challenging roles that are designed to leverage their expertise in Computer Network Operations. They typically serve at a shore-based Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC).
Training & Advancement
Those pursuing a Cyber Warfare Engineering position are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, R.I. Upon completion, CWE Officers can expect to be initially assigned to a Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) at Fort Meade, Md., or Suitland, Md. There they will be afforded the opportunity to complete a wide array of National Cryptologic School courses as well as specific on-the-job training.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.
Education Opportunities
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Cyber Warfare Engineers can advance their education by:
- Participating in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Degree Network System (SOC DNS)
- Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
- Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
Qualifications & Requirements
A four-year degree is required to work as a Cyber Warfare Engineer. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from one of the more than 150 National Security Agency (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE).
All candidates must also be U.S. citizens and eligible for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.