Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Technical

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of technical roles in Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis (ICA) as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis (PEA), including Network Operations Security Center (NOSC) Cloud Subject Matter Expert (SME), NOSC Cyber SME, Cyber Forensics Malware Analysis (CFMA) SME, Senior Analytic Tradecraft Advisor, and Incident Manager. All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.

Duties

DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs. This announcement is being used to fill the Cybersecurity Defensive Operations Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion. There are a variety of Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis (ICA) as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis (PEA) opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) and the U.S. Secret Service. As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Technical Career Track, you will continually maintain and share your Cybersecurity Defensive Operations expertise to perform a range of critical, complex, routine and non-routine tasks, including: Creating and implementing end-to-end tactical and strategic level cyber operations plans based on technical cybersecurity understanding, applicable policies, and rules of engagement. Supporting the development of primary and contingency action plans, using expertise to select the most appropriate and effective methods of defense/attack that align with operational protocols. Employing best practices and available capabilities for mounting defensive and/or offensive cyber operations against identified threats to DHS networks and systems. Applying knowledge of national strategies, plans, policies, and directives for offensive and/or defensive cyber operations including but not limited to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 3600.1, Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs), National Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs), and Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs). Examining indicators of compromise and integrating digital forensics and incident response data to bolster DHS and DHS partners' defenses at each step of the cybersecurity defensive operations process. Engaging with a community of network defenders as well as other intelligence components to better understand identified intrusion sets, deviations, and to build better defensive cybersecurity strategies. Conducting reverse malware analysis and applying engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or Federal systems and networks. Collecting and disseminating information on cyber threats or threat actors using various intelligence collection tools and methods. Identifying information needs and requirements of customers and formulating effective, executable collection plans and strategies to meet those needs. Analyzing all-source intelligence on current and emerging cyber threats to identify and evaluate the intent and capabilities of cyber actors using intelligence community analytic standards. Providing cyber intelligence and analysis to inform cyber operations and supporting intelligence cycle by evaluating information and identifying customer needs for finished intelligence analysis. Preparing and refining draft or final intelligence products - including written reports or briefings - in tandem with counterparts in the intelligence community - for a variety of audiences, including senior government officials and other decision makers, planners, or network defenders. Serving as a technical mentor to DHS employees in cyber defensive operations and those seeking to build expertise in the field.

Qualifications and evaluation

All DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Technical Career Track, applicants participate in a two-phase assessment process: You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase. The total time commitment for the two phases is approximately 4 hours (many applicants require less time!). Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare. Assessments are time sensitive, so monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete them prior to any deadlines. PHASE I: ONLINE ASSESSMENTS Un-proctored - Completed online within a prescribed period of time. Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete. The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete. Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection. No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS-CS. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others: The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences. The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them. PHASE II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT Proctored - must be scheduled in advance and completed at a designated assessment center within a prescribed period of time There is a different assessment for each DHS-CS technical capability (visit Jobs to learn more about the technical capabilities). Most individuals only have a primary technical capability and complete only one Technical Capability Assessment, but in limited circumstances, you may complete a second Technical Capability Assessment. You will have up to 2.5 hours to complete each Technical Capability Assessment; each takes about 90 minutes (on average) to complete. Assessments present realistic, work-related cybersecurity scenarios and questions to assess technical skills. Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed, but no knowledge of DHS is required. *Applicants who successfully complete Phase II will undergo a resume review to confirm required experience. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly outline your cybersecurity experience. Your proctored assessment results are valid for a period of one year after completion and will be kept and used toward future positions for which you might apply, that require the same assessments. To learn about the assessment process for this Technical Track position, visit our portal and read the "Assessment Process" guide.

Education

Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, required assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/21/2026 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA HIRE platform. This message will be delivered via email notification. If you are asked to take the online assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning online assessments. Note: set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.

Required documents

Your resume. To help you prepare your resume before applying to the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit our application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee please submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:- Position title- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)- Agency- Beginning and ending dates of appointment

Additional information

Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. Within the provided range, average salaries vary for each career level. Senior Cybersecurity Specialist: $106,700 - $138,000 Staff Cybersecurity Specialist: $129,700 - $163,000 Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $154,600 - $196,500 Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $170,600 - $214,500 The starting salary range reflects what most U.S. employees receive in 2026. However, certain areas with a local cybersecurity labor market supplement, such as metro Washington, D.C. (10% supplement), have higher average starting salaries. Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources. Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal. More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.