Cybersecurity Technical Writer

The Cybersecurity Technical Writer role supports the Cybersecurity Division (CSD) at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) by producing and managing cybersecurity technical products and guidance. In this position, you will help determine what information should be published, refine workflows and deliverables in response to feedback, and coordinate with cross-functional partners to support timely, accurate communications.

Official title: Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (INFOSEC) GS-2210-12/13
Location: Arlington, VA (onsite)
Salary: USD 102,415 - 158,322 per yearly
Experience: 1 year minimum

What you will do

• Create, edit, and review cybersecurity technical products to ensure accuracy, internal consistency, and correct use of technical terminology before release.
• Refine publication workflows and deliverables based on feedback and mission priorities to improve engagement with internal and external partners.
• Determine when and what cybersecurity information to publish using operational relevance, partner impact, and available technical validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review, enhance, and standardize incident response practices and related technical guidance products.
• Review technical content involving indicators, malware, signatures, and adversary activity to ensure products reflect current operational threats and vulnerabilities.
• Organize and maintain cybersecurity data, product inputs, and publication artifacts in knowledge management systems to support timely retrieval and reuse.
• Coordinate between technical contributors and publication stakeholders to reconcile differing perspectives and meet established timelines.

Required and qualifying criteria

• U.S. citizenship.
• Selective Service registration or exemption for males born after 12/31/59.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments (required for all Federal employees).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Ability to serve during continuity of operation events if designated as essential personnel.
• Participation as a drug testing designated position (TDP): must submit to a drug test prior to receiving a final offer of employment and may be subject to periodic random drug testing.
• Experience must be Information Technology (IT)-related.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Competency proficiency requirements (by grade):

• Attention to Detail: Min. proficiency level 4
• Customer Service: Min. proficiency level 4
• Decision Making: Min. proficiency level 3
• Information Management: Min. proficiency level 4
• Interpersonal Skills: Min. proficiency level 4
• Oral Communication: Min. proficiency level 3
• Problem Solving: GS-12 min. level 3; GS-13 min. level 4
• Teamwork: Min. proficiency level 4
• Technical Competence: GS-12 min. level 3; GS-13 min. level 4

Specialized experience

• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade level (or equivalent), typically in or related to the IT field, or through work where the primary concern is IT.

How you qualify by grade level

• GS-12: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent) performing all of the following: developing cybersecurity products (for example, alerts/advisories, incident summaries, mitigation guidance, technical reports) for release to internal and external stakeholders; collaborating across teams to deliver time-sensitive products under operational deadlines; analyzing technical cybersecurity data to communicate indicators, malware behaviors, signatures, vulnerabilities, and adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures, then translating findings into actionable mitigations and best practices.
• GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) performing all of the following: reviewing and disseminating cybersecurity products (for example, alerts/advisories, incident summaries, mitigation guidance, technical reports) to internal and external stakeholders; leading coordination with internal and external stakeholders to gather input, adjudicate comments, and provide deliverables within established timeframes; implementing improvements to work processes, publication workflows, or knowledge management systems to improve consistency, quality, and timeliness.

Additional employment and hiring details

• This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit for positions with a critical hiring need.
• Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• The position requires U.S. citizen status and includes eligibility verification through DHS E-Verify for newly hired employees.
• Additional vacancies may be filled with this announcement.
• Other incentives may be authorized.
• Reasonable Accommodation requests may be submitted in the online application if the candidate believes a disability would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

How candidates are evaluated

• Evaluations are based on qualifications and application materials, including responses to assessments and questionnaires.
• The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on minimum required proficiency in critical general competencies; candidates must meet or exceed the cut score.
• Structured resume review is completed by SMEs to determine technical qualifications, based on the resume only.
• Overstating qualifications and/or experience may result in removal from consideration.

Who may apply

• 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.

Required documents

• Resume (no more than two pages) in English, including dates of employment (month and year) and hours worked per week; for Federal civilian service, include series and grade; do not include photographs, social media links (for example, LinkedIn, GitHub), inappropriate content, or personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, or religious affiliation.
• Complete application questionnaire and online USA Hire assessments.
• If requesting a reasonable accommodation for the USA Hire Assessments, submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request and supporting documentation.