IT Specialist (CYBERSECURITY)

This IT Specialist (Cybersecurity) role acts as the senior technical authority for cybersecurity architecture and engineering across complex networks and ICS/OT, steering Zero Trust adoption and security governance for mission-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for cybersecurity architecture and engineering across complex networks and critical ICS/OT, guiding strategy and execution.
• Lead the implementation of Zero Trust principles to strengthen mission resilience and reduce risk.
• Chairs and represents Security Engineering in Risk Governance; shape security design strategies, optimize control inheritance and reuse, and drive continuous monitoring programs.
• Define and enforce enterprise security architecture standards; review security requirements in procurement packages and evaluate multi-vendor solutions.
• Oversee COOP and DR requirements definition and deployment for critical systems; advise senior leadership on posture improvements.
• Develop and oversee security architecture requirements, policies, and reference designs; ensure secure configuration management aligned with cybersecurity standards and directives.
• Lead security architecture and design activities including control selection and implementation, security testing and analysis, risk governance participation, and internal controls development with mitigation strategies; assess security impact of new systems, integrations, and interfaces.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Tour of Duty: Set Schedule.
• Security: Top Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAPs; includes background checks as a condition of employment and continued access to Special Access Programs.
• Appointment is subject to a favorable suitability or fitness determination; unfavorably adjudicated background checks may lead to removal.
• Fair Labor Standards Act: Exempt.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt.
• Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Bargaining Unit Status: No.
• Pre-Employment Physical: Not Required.
• REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents are required for access to certain federal facilities.
• Position is covered under DoD 8140.03 Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program.
• Direct guidance and expertise in cybersecurity architecture across complex networks and ICS/OT, including Zero Trust leadership and advisory support to leadership and technical teams.
• Develop and enforce security architecture requirements, policies, and reference designs; maintain secure configuration management and alignment with governing standards.
• Lead security architecture and design activities, including control selection, testing, risk governance participation, and internal controls development; assess security impact of new systems and interfaces.

Open To

• Public: U.S. Citizens and Nationals, or those with allegiance to the United States.
• Direct Hiring Authority notice open to the public in the commuting area under DHA guidance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Evaluation based on qualifications and fit with the responsibilities and competencies listed.
• Competencies considered include Accountability, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork.
• Direct Hire Evaluation: Selection is through Direct Hire Authority. All qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official; traditional rating and ranking, veteran’s preference, and the rule of three do not apply.

Required Documents

• Complete Application Package including a Resume that does not exceed two pages; the resume must include work schedule, hours per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.
• Applicable documents to support eligibility for which you are applying; review the provided list of supporting documents.
• Reasonable Accommodation requests for USA Hire assessments require supporting documentation.
• ICTAP eligibility: provide proof such as separation notice or SF-50 if applying under ICTAP.
• Education documentation: if using education to meet qualifications, provide only attendance/degrees from DOE-accredited institutions.
• Failure to provide all required information may result in ineligible rating.

Education

• Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

How to Apply

• Read the entire announcement and all instructions before starting your application.
• Click Apply Online and complete the online form, attaching the required documentation.
• Resumes must be limited to two pages; applications with longer resumes will be disqualified.
• Submit by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement, 06/05/2026.
• After submission, you may be prompted to complete USA Hire Competency Based Assessments; instructions will appear on screen and via email.
• USA Hire assessments may require up to three hours; you can pause and resume using the URL sent by email or found in your USAJOBS account.