IT Cybersecurity Specialist (NETWORK/INFOSEC)

DISA J9 is hiring an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (NETWORK/INFOSEC) onsite in Alabama to support network security and cybersecurity-focused infrastructure engineering in hybrid environments.

Responsibilities

• Gather infrastructure requirements to design, develop, plan, deploy, and implement solutions across complex hybrid infrastructure (on-premise and multi-classification cloud environments).
• Configure, install, test, and maintain network infrastructure devices and operating systems, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and DNS.
• Monitor network performance and capacity, diagnose connectivity problems, and apply patches to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
• Integrate new systems into existing network architecture and provide expert feedback on network design and infrastructure requirements.
• Apply cybersecurity principles, risk management, and network security measures to protect against malware and cyber threats.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• National security role: may require access to classified information; must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment.
• Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• In accordance with DoD 8140 policy series: complete Foundational Qualifications within 9 months and complete Residential Qualification requirements overall in 12 months.
• Attention to Detail: thorough and conscientious in performing work.
• Customer Service: assess client/customer needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, and meet expectations.
• Oral Communication: communicate effectively to individuals or groups, adapting to the audience; listen to others and respond appropriately.
• Problem Solving: identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and maintaining multi-cloud architectures, plus analysis, operation, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of vendor technologies including (but not limited to) Juniper, Cisco, and Palo-Alto routers/switches/firewalls, F5 load balancers, and DNS with Infoblox.
• In the resume body, candidates must describe how they meet the qualifying experience and/or selective placement factor(s).
• All qualifications must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.

Technologies

• Juniper
• Cisco
• Palo-Alto
• Routers
• Switches
• Firewalls
• F5 Load Balancers
• DNS
• Infoblox

Additional Information

• Recruited under 10 USC 1599f into the Cyber Excepted Service (CES); does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service.
• Identified as a position necessary to carry out and support the mission of US Cyber Command.
• Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level within the CES Occupational Structure.
• Located in DISA J9 - Infrastructure Engineering and Deployment Branch.
• Excepted Service appointment; does NOT confer eligibility to be non-competitively converted to the competitive service.
• A three-year trial period may be required if you have not previously completed a trial or probationary period in the excepted or competitive service.
• Telework availability depends on mission requirements and supervisory determination.
• Drug testing may be required for designated positions; urinalysis for illegal drugs prior to appointment or placement may be required.
• May use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Moving costs MAY be paid; recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized.
• Tax note: under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, certain reimbursements/payments are taxable.
• “Mission Essential”: incumbent will be required to report to work or relocate within the United States during local/national emergency.
• DoD Manual 8140 coverage: subject to future Cyber Workforce requirements as defined by the Manual.
• Veterans’ Preference applies to preference-eligible candidates under CES employment procedures.
• All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically.
• Authorized rate of pay may exceed the stated maximum salary rate range under certain circumstances.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Evaluation is based on how well candidates meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.
• Resume and supporting documentation will be compared against responses to the applicant questionnaire.
• If qualifications/experience are inflated, consideration may be lost.
• Assessment questionnaire takes about 15 minutes and covers critical competencies: Decision Making; Operations Support; Security Concepts, Principles and Practices; Technical Competence.

Required Documents

• Resume: two-page maximum.
• Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: resume must demonstrate the quality of work related to the experience requirements.
• SF-50: required for current and former federal employees, showing highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type.
• Veterans Preference documentation (if applicable): DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or statement of service; for service-connected disability, VA letter dated 1991 or later.
• Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days, plus documents identified on the checklist.
• Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• MR and NG Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• Complete application package must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 08/31/2026.

Job Location: Alabama (onsite)

Salary: USD 106,437 - 138,370 per year

Minimum Experience: 1 year

Education: no substitution of education for qualifying experience at the GG-13 grade level