IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Security Architect)

The IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Security Architect) role at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is an onsite Washington, DC position focused on securing enterprise systems and guiding cybersecurity initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that new systems developed, acquired, or implemented at FRTIB comply with the baseline cybersecurity requirements defined by ITSMD.
• Provide expert SME guidance on current and upcoming multi-year cybersecurity projects.
• Offer technical direction and guidance on cybersecurity strategic program planning and budgeting.
• Lead the operations and maintenance of cybersecurity platforms, including directing secure change and configuration management processes.
• Manage cybersecurity work on contracts, acting as the Contracting Officer’s Representative or advising the COR.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• All qualification requirements must be met by 07/06/2026; applications missing required documents will not be considered.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Selective Service: male applicants born after 1959 must certify registration or be exempt.
• Selected candidate must submit a confidential financial disclosure.
• Background Suitability Investigation: continued employment contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation and the granting of a federal suitability or security clearance; tentative offers may be extended prior to full adjudication.
• Basic Qualification Requirement for all grade levels: demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties; resume must clearly describe IT experience.
• Required Competencies: Attention to Detail (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Customer Service (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Decision Making (Level 3 - Meets Requirements); Information Management (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Interpersonal Skills (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Oral Communication (Level 3 - Meets Requirements); Problem Solving (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Teamwork (Level 4 - Meets Requirements); Technical Competence (Level 4 - Meets Requirements).
• Specialized Experience: At least one year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to GS-13, including: a) approving the security design and implementation of enterprise technology solutions to ensure systems meet security requirements and support organizational objectives; b) developing security architectures for enterprise systems and networks to support secure operations across complex technology environments; c) evaluating cybersecurity risks and conducting security reviews.

Compensation

Salary range: USD 143,913 to USD 187,093 per year.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Participation in the federal retirement system
• Flexible work hours
• Annual and sick leave
• Transit and childcare subsidies
• Free and confidential employee assistance and occupational health referral services
• Free on-site fitness center
• Off-site fitness membership reimbursement
• Private parking in the building

This job is open to

• The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees eligible for priority consideration.
• Veterans: Veterans or eligible family members who may receive derived preference
• Individuals with disabilities: Schedule A eligible

Agency clarification

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens. No prior federal government experience is required. It is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA). If you meet the specialized experience requirements, apply.

Education

• Provide transcripts to support educational claims. Transcripts may be unofficial, but must come from an accredited college or university and include course names and credit hours.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign programs and shown to be equivalent to a U.S. accredited education.

Additional information

• The agency offers comprehensive benefits and work-life balance accommodations, including paid time off, health benefits, and participation in the federal retirement system.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized; recruitment incentives may be offered.
• Reasonable Accommodation requests: RA procedures for online assessments must be received prior to starting assessments.

How to apply

• Review the full announcement and instructions before applying.
• Submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and documentation as specified in How to Apply and Required Documents.
• Submit the complete package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
• Application steps: Click Apply Online, answer questions, attach supporting documents, and submit before the deadline.

How you will be evaluated

• Competencies include: Accountability, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Learning, Reading Comprehension, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Information Assurance, Information Technology Architecture, Zero Trust Architecture Engineering, Network Security, Risk Management, Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance, and Cybersecurity Solution Engineering.
• USA Hire Assessments require meeting or exceeding the defined cut score to be considered.
• ICTAP eligibility and Well Qualified definitions apply.

Required Documents

• Federal Resume Information: Resume may exceed two pages; only the first two pages will be reviewed; include start/end dates and hours per week.
• Responses to the occupational questionnaire.
• Supporting documents verifying selection priority eligibility.
• College transcripts.