Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Specialist

At the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Specialist helps shield the nation’s essential systems by turning cyber threat insights into actionable defense strategies. This onsite role in Arlington, VA operates under Direct Hire Authority as an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (INFOSEC) at the GS-2210-13/14 level, with a potential one-year probation.

Compensation

Salary: USD 121,785 - 187,093 per year.

Location: Arlington, VA (onsite).

Responsibilities

• Develop information and operational technology strategic documentation.
• Serve as subject matter expert across CISA and for critical infrastructure organizations on cyber threats affecting operational technology.
• Develop technical requirements and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate information relevant to cyber defense for reporting and awareness.
• Maintain and sustain operational platforms and capabilities.
• Develop and communicate technical documentation that supports information and operational technology networks.
• Build technical presentations and brief CISA executive leadership and C-Suite Executives across all 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors.
• Develop schedules with timelines, milestones, and implementation strategies.
• Ensure cybersecurity solutions are implemented with minimal disruption to information and operational technology networks.
• Assess information and operational network environments to support deployment of government equipment and data sharing models.
• Support the development of ICS threat emulation capabilities to simulate advanced persistent threat actor TTPs targeting critical infrastructure networks to sharpen detections in real-world environments.
• Translate technical concepts into clear operational guidance for non-technical stakeholders.
• Routinely review and enhance CISA’s visibility into information and operational networks.
• Characterize partnerships and services available to critical infrastructure based on an organization’s cyber maturity level.
• Advance cyber capability development on top of or integrated with existing SIEM and SOAR platforms, including AI/M enhancements.
• Assess and understand operational technology systems, including HMIs, PLCs, and related industrial control components.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• Selective Service — Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation (may include a credit check, review of financial issues, certain criminal offenses, and drug-related considerations).
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position may be designated as essential personnel and must be able to serve during continuity of operation events.
• This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP); selected applicants must submit to a drug test prior to a final offer and may be subject to periodic random testing thereafter.
• Specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade level (or equivalent) is required.

Technologies

• SIEM
• SOAR
• AI/M
• HMIs
• PLCs

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal benefits package

The Public

• U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career Transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

• Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
• Clarification from the agency: U.S. Citizens • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)

Additional Information

• Other incentives may be authorized.
• Conditional offers require completion of Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and verification of all information; false statements may lead to withdrawal of the offer. A final offer is contingent upon a negative drug test and may be followed by periodic random testing.
• Additional vacancies may be filled with this announcement.
• A one-year probationary period may be required; continuation is subject to regulatory standards and certification.
• If selected below the full performance level, noncompetitive promotion to the next higher grade may occur after meeting requirements and management recommendation.
• Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you require a reasonable accommodation for USA Hire Assessments, you may request one in your online application; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
• Current or Former Political Appointees: OPM authorization is required for offers to current or former political appointees.
• Applicants should be committed to improving federal government efficiency and upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Required Documents

• All documents, including transcripts, must be in English.
• Resume: Limit to two pages; include dates (month/year) and hours per week; for military or Federal civilian service, include pay plan/band, series, and/or rank/grade; do not include photographs, social media links, or personal information such as date of birth or social security number.
• Complete Application Questionnaire and Online USA Hire Assessments
• If requesting a reasonable accommodation for USA Hire Assessments, submit documentation including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
• Current or Former Federal Civilian Employee: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, showing grade, step, tenure, and position occupied (you may need to provide more than one SF-50).