Computer Engineer (Cybersecurity)

Work on high-impact cybersecurity and technical policy analysis from Washington, DC in an onsite role that applies deep expertise in telecommunications, computer engineering, information security, cybersecurity, and encryption technologies. This position serves as a technical authority within the Office, evaluating vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies to support regulatory and national security determinations through interagency and industry engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct studies of telecommunications, computer engineering and science, information security and cybersecurity, and related technical data to assess potential technology vulnerabilities and identify effective mitigation techniques and strategies.
• Prepare and contribute to technical analysis papers, agency position papers, reports, and briefing materials for escalation to interagency committees and to support interagency coordination and decision-making.
• Provide information and analysis of investigative cases to interagency parties.
• Develop, revise, and write technical portions of agency guidelines that affect industries and other government agencies.
• Recommend how to integrate U.S. industry economic and regulatory concerns into the Department’s regulations.
• Represent the Office at interagency meetings and participate in advisory meetings, outreach activities, and discussions with government and industry experts to address issues and develop proposals involving the inclusion or exclusion of specific technologies and services within the Department of Commerce jurisdiction.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Requires a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance. Any required investigations and clearances must be completed before placement in the position.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation, including a credit check, review of financial issues, and review of certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
• A probationary period may be required.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt.
• If selected, a conditional offer requires completion of Optional Form 306 and certification of the accuracy of application information.
• Federal employees must receive salary payments via direct deposit.
• Drug testing is required: pre-employment and random testing thereafter.
• Education requirement: Engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program, or coursework including differential and integral calculus and courses in five of seven specified areas, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience level depends on grade:
  • GS-12: 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, performing technical evaluations across telecommunications/computer engineering technologies/cybersecurity/information security/related ICT/ICTS technologies, reviewing technical specifications and system characteristics to identify vulnerabilities/risks/mitigation approaches, reviewing technical documentation and engineering data/regulatory materials for analytical or compliance determinations, and preparing written materials.
  • GS-13: 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, performing independent and complex technical evaluations across at least two of the specified technology areas, integrating findings from multiple sources to support higher-level regulatory or interagency decision-making, and developing formal written technical analyses/recommendations/position papers and communicating findings.

Benefits

This role includes a comprehensive benefits package for federal employees (eligibility depends on position type: full-time, part-time, or intermittent).

Who Can Apply

• The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Career transition programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): eligible federal employees whose job, agency, or department was eliminated may receive priority consideration.

Clarification from the Agency

This position is advertised under Direct-Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans’ preference procedures do not apply.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Evaluation is based on how well you meet the qualifications and includes your application materials, responses to the application questionnaire, and the USA Hire assessment required for this position. The technical assessment evaluates: Technical Competence (Computer Engineering - Cybersecurity), Strategic Thinking, Technical Credibility, Communication, Interaction, Judgement, Reading, Reasoning.

Required Documents

• Resume (must list educational and work experience including dates and number of hours worked per week if less than 40; indicate citizenship and Selective Service registration status for a male born after 12/31/59).
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable.