Intelligence Research Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Department of Energy. As a Intelligence Research Specialist, you will lead all-source cyber threat analysis for DOE and U.S. energy missions; represents DOE-IN in interagency/technical forums to align threat priorities; delivers written assessments and executive briefings for decision-makers; and identifies critical intelligence gaps to guide collection requirements.

Duties

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The Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence office works identify and mitigate threats to U.S. National Security and the DOE Enterprise and informs national security decision-making. The DOE-IN advises policy makers on threats to and opportunities for U.S. National Security in nuclear, energy, cyber and a number of science and technology (S&T) fields.

This is an Excepted Service position. This appointment will not confer Competitive Service career-conditional or career tenure status. This means that if you are selected, you would have to compete with other applicants in open competition to meet requirements for another Federal position, unless you meet the requirements for reinstatement. Applicants who voluntarily convert from the competitive service, Senior Executive Service, or other pay systems to a non-time limited appointment under this excepted service authority are not afforded "fallback rights" to the pay system previously assigned prior to conversion.

As an Intelligence Research Specialist, you will:

• Plans, directs, and conducts complex, all-source cyber threat intelligence research and analytical assessments regarding foreign threat actors, advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns, and tactics targeting Department of Energy (DOE) systems, national laboratories, and critical energy infrastructure.
• Evaluates incomplete, ambiguous, or conflicting technical information using structured analytic methods and competitive hypothesis testing to assess adversary capabilities, establish confidence levels, and uphold Intelligence Community analytic standards.
• Serves as an authoritative technical representative in interagency working groups, task forces, and partner forums to align intelligence priorities, resolve analytic discrepancies, and communicate DOE-IN perspectives.
• Collaborates with DOE national laboratories, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and external energy-sector partners to evaluate complex cyber-physical threats and validate evidence.
• Identifies critical cyber intelligence gaps, recommends targeted collection requirements across collection disciplines, and collaborates with collection managers to focus coverage on priority national energy security threats.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities.
• This position has been designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a security clearance at the Q level. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• In addition, the incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance prior to entrance on duty; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• The incumbent is required to complete an initial Counterintelligence (CI) evaluation and on a recurring basis, which may include a CI-scope polygraph examination
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
• Situational telework may be approved at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Occasional travel required.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Specialized Experience GS-13:

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service (or equivalent private sector experience). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the 3 of the following:

• Researching and analyzing cyber threat data from multiple sources to identify threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) affecting network systems or critical infrastructure.
• Writing cyber threat intelligence summaries, assessments, or incident reports that outline threat indicators, potential impacts, and technical findings.
• Presenting technical cyber threat findings to stakeholders or organizational leadership to support defensive actions or risk-mitigation measures.

Specialized Experience GS-14:

To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service (or equivalent private sector experience). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 od the 3 of the following:

• Analyzing all-source data and cyber threat reporting to evaluate the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of foreign cyber threat actors targeting critical infrastructure, industrial control systems (ICS/SCADA), or enterprise networks.
• Producing finished cyber threat intelligence reports, estimates, or evaluations in alignment with structured analytic standards.
• Delivering briefings or presentations on cyber threat assessments to senior leaders or decision-makers to support operational, policy, or risk-management decisions.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information

• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
• 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.

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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.

Benefits

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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.

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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.