Cyber Warfare Engineer

Cyber Warfare Engineers (CWE) 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 Warfare Community in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge of the battlespace during wartime

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).

Those pursuing a Cyber Warfare Engineering position are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI.

After you’ve completed Officer Development School, 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.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.

Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Cyber Warfare Engineers can advance their education by:

• Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
• Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. Candidates seeking a Cyber Warfare Engineer position 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.

There are no part-time jobs as a Navy Reserve Sailor in this role. Go back to Careers to find other jobs that have a Reserve component. You can also find out more about what life is like as a Reserve Sailor in the Navy.