SummaryThe 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.
DutiesHelp
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.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
- You must be 18 years of age.
- Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
- Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
- Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
- May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
QualificationsThis position is in the Technical Track across a range of career levels. Employees in this career track generally:
- Have between 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience.
- Range from experienced cybersecurity professionals who apply technical expertise and independent judgement to perform cybersecurity work - to - recognized Federal cybersecurity technical authorities with uncommon technical expertise who advise on cybersecurity challenges impacting DHS and the Nation.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Cybersecurity Defensive Operations will generally:
- Integrate, manage, and execute all aspects of the cyberattack lifecycle to inform cyber defense operations.
- Plan and execute cybersecurity defense operations to protect assets
- Facilitate the flow and assessment of key intelligence data.
- Determine system security monitoring and incoming intelligence feeds based on dynamic security environment.
- Oversee immediate remediation and containment processes.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. In recruiting for this opportunity, DHS may hire employees at higher or lower career levels and associated salaries. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal.
This position is focused on
Cybersecurity Defensive Operations- Intelligence Collection & Analysis and Planning, Execution & Analysis.
DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal.
EducationDegrees 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.
Additional informationSalary: 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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
