Associate Cybersecurity Specialist

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Headquarters is recruiting for Associate Cybersecurity Specialists in the Developmental Track within the DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS). This role is designed to build practical, advanced technical capability through structured development while applying that learning to complex, real-world cyber defense challenges.

These positions are based at Chandler, AZ with an onsite work site requirement, and the selected candidates will be part of the DHS-CS talent pipeline for ongoing consideration.

Role Overview

• Work schedule: Full-time
• Appointment type: Permanent
• Travel required: Occasional travel, about 1 to 5 days per month
• Security clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information
• Position sensitivity and risk: Special-Sensitive (SS) / High Risk
• Background check type: National security
• Drug test: Yes
• Pay scale & grade: DC 1
• Promotion potential: None
• Federal service type: Excepted Service
• Supervisory status: No
• Union representation: No
• Financial disclosure required: No

Compensation

• Salary: USD 82,800 - 108,000 per year
• Location: Chandler, AZ (onsite)

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum experience: 3 years

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured program to build and apply advanced technical skills.
• Perform routine technical analyses that support resolution of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
• Collaborate with senior specialists to address complex security threats.
• Convert continuous technical training into mission-critical operations.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
• Age: Must be 18 years of age.
• Selective Service: Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Security clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; levels may vary.
• Drug testing: Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Ethics and conduct: Must comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• Probation: Serve a 3-year probationary period.
• Education: Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, though DHS is interested in the level of education and relevant topics studied.

What Happens After You Apply

Applying places you in the DHS-CS Talent Pool for up to one year of ongoing consideration. Your application may be shared with DHS Components including CISA, DHS OCIO, FEMA, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY).

Assessment Process

For the Developmental Career Track, applicants complete a two-phase assessment process. You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase, with a total time commitment of approximately 2.5 hours. Instructions are emailed before each phase, and you must monitor your email to ensure sufficient time to complete assessments prior to deadlines.

• Phase I: Professional Capabilities Assessment (unproctored, choose your time and location)
  • Work styles inventory (about 30 minutes)
  • Work simulation (up to 2 hours)
  • Total Phase I time: about 90 minutes on average
  • Requires a computer with audio and a reliable internet connection
  • No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments
• Phase II: General Cybersecurity Knowledge Assessment (unproctored, choose your time and location)
  • Multiple-choice test measuring foundational cybersecurity knowledge
  • Focus areas: Cybersecurity Technology, Information Assurance, Risk Management, Identity Governance & Management
  • Time limit: up to 60 minutes

Complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access them.

Required Documents and Application Submission

• Resume: Submit your resume via the application portal and include MONTH and YEAR for each job, listing ALL relevant experience.
• If applicable (political appointments): If you have current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee status, submit a copy of your applicable SF-50 and a statement including position title, type of appointment, Department/Agency, and the beginning and ending dates (month and year).

To apply, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, complete the required assessment(s), and submit the documentation listed in the Required Documents section. The complete package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026.

Security, Background Investigation, and Drug Testing Notes

• Selected applicants must successfully complete a background investigation for the security clearance as a condition of placement.
• The background investigation includes financial issues such as delinquency in payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
• DHS maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts random and other drug testing.
• Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions may be subject to random drug testing, and applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

DHS uses e-Verify to confirm eligibility of newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Locations and Additional Work Site Information

• Location options listed: Chandler, AZ; Washington, DC; Pensacola, FL; Idaho Falls, ID; Stennis Space Center, MS; Arlington, VA; Springfield, VA
• Telework eligible: No
• Remote job: No
• Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Agency Contact

DHS Cybersecurity Service Talent Team
Email: [email protected]
Address: Cybersecurity Talent Management System, 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528, US

Job Series Information

• Occupations and job series: 2212 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations ICA (DHS Only)