DHS Cybersecurity Service is recruiting for Cybersecurity Defensive Operations leadership roles, with hiring consideration in support of a talent pool for ongoing review. This onsite opportunity is located in Chandler, AZ.
Role Overview
This announcement supports Cybersecurity Defensive Operations leadership talent pool needs within two areas: Intelligence Collection & Analysis and Planning, Execution & Analysis. Applicants who apply will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date the application is completed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the creation and implementation of end-to-end tactical and strategic cyber defense operations plans, using technical cybersecurity expertise, applicable policies, and rules of engagement.
- Oversee actions and reporting related to immediate remediation and containment processes.
- Direct the development of primary and contingency action plans, organizing teams to select defensive and offensive methods that align with operational protocols.
- Apply senior-level knowledge of national strategies, plans, policies, and directives for offensive and/or defensive cyber operations, including DoD Directive 3600.1, DCIDs, NSPDs, and Homeland Security Presidential Directives.
- Maintain and leverage a robust network of cyber defenders and other intelligence components to better understand intrusion sets and deviations and to improve defensive cybersecurity strategies.
- Supervise teams applying reverse malware analysis and engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or federal systems and networks.
- Manage efforts to identify, gather, and disseminate information on cyber threats from security data and all-source intelligence.
- Organize and supervise collection of customer information needs and requirements, and oversee execution of plans and strategies to meet those needs.
- Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to cyber intelligence collection and analysis to inform and execute DHS or federal government-wide cyber operations.
- Contribute to development of high-level intelligence products, such as written reports or briefings, coordinating with intelligence community counterparts for multiple audiences including officials and network defenders.
- Deliver intelligence briefings and other communications to senior DHS leadership and external stakeholders, including entities that influence policy making (e.g., Congress, OMB, White House councils).
- Serve as leader and administrative supervisor to subordinate cyber defense teams, overseeing technical development and aligning outcomes to DHS cyber defense objectives.
- Drive development and tracking of team goals, ensuring alignment with DHS strategic goals and individual accomplishments and outcomes.
Additional Duties and Technical Capability Focus
- 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 a dynamic security environment.
- Oversee immediate remediation and containment processes.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or national (or otherwise owing allegiance to the U.S., as applicable).
- Must be 18 years of age.
- If you are a male, must be registered for the Selective Service.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance (levels may vary).
- Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
- Must comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including any applicable financial disclosure.
- May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
Leadership Track Qualifications and Experience
- Have 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience.
- Have 0-5 years of cybersecurity leadership experience.
- Be capable of serving as a seasoned cybersecurity manager overseeing multiple DHS or federal cybersecurity programs or DHS organizations, including employees and contract resources, through subordinate managers.
Education
Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. DHS is interested in the level of education and the topics studied, and applicants will be asked questions about education during the initial application.
Compensation
Salary ranges for this talent pool announcement include:
- Lead Cybersecurity Specialist: USD 123,600 - 158,500
- Cybersecurity Manager: USD 143,300 - 184,000
- Senior Cybersecurity Manager: USD 167,800 - 207,500
The starting salary range reflects what most U.S. employees receive in 2026, with some areas receiving higher average starting salaries due to local labor market supplements.
Assessment and Evaluation Process
Applicants are evaluated based on how well they meet the qualifications above. For the Leadership Career Track, applicants complete a three-phase assessment process to advance to the next phase, with a total time commitment of approximately 5-6 hours.
- Phase I (Online, unproctored): three assessments, including a work styles inventory (~30 minutes), a work simulation (up to 2 hours), and a leadership simulation (up to 2.5 hours). A computer with audio and a reliable internet connection is required.
- Phase II (Technical capability, proctored): scheduled in advance at a designated assessment center. Different technical capability assessments apply, with up to 2.5 hours per assessment (about 90 minutes on average). Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed; no knowledge of DHS is required.
- After Phase II, successful applicants undergo a resume review to confirm required experience. Resume cybersecurity experience must be explicitly outlined.
Proctored assessment results are valid for one year after completion and are kept and used toward future positions requiring the same assessments.
Benefits
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive federal employment benefits to support professional and personal needs. Eligibility depends on position type and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package.
Eligibility and Appointment Notes
This announcement is open to the public and to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Selected applicants must undergo and complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement. The background investigation includes review of financial issues and certain criminal offenses and illegal drug use or possession. DHS is committed to a drug-free workplace and conducts random and other drug testing, including negative test results for candidates tentatively selected for DHS Headquarters safety- or security-sensitive positions.
Required Documents
- Resume
- If requesting a reasonable accommodation for the online assessments: documentation including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
- If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee: submit an applicable SF-50 and a statement with position title, type of appointment, agency, and beginning and ending dates
How to Apply
Complete the initial online questionnaire, complete required assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The full application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/14/2026 to receive consideration. After submission, you will be notified whether additional assessments are required via the USA HIRE platform using your USAJOBS login credentials.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests (USA HIRE)
If a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended) would interfere with completing online assessments on USA HIRE, you may request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests and supporting documentation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. If you are approved after adjudication, you will receive an email invitation to complete the assessments, which must be completed within 48 hours of receiving the assessment URL.
Agency Contact
DHS Cybersecurity Service Talent Team
Email: dhscsapplicants@hq.dhs.gov
Address: Cybersecurity Talent Management System, 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528, US
Next Steps
- Submit Initial Information: upload your resume and answer questions about expertise and experience.
- Assessment + Interview: complete the multi-phase assessment process and interview with the team you might join.
- Tentative Job Offer + Background Investigation: receive a tentative offer with compensation and benefits information, followed by background investigation requirements.
