Senior Information Technology Specialist (Cybersecurity/ENTARCH)

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate enterprise cybersecurity architecture by designing and governing integrated patterns across identity, endpoints, networks, applications, and data within a Zero Trust framework.
• Craft secure architectures for hybrid cloud environments, Microsoft 365, identity services, and container ecosystems.
• Establish enterprise patterns, baselines, and engineering standards to guide development and operations.
• Ensure alignment with NIST SP 800-53, SP 800-207, RMF, and OMB/CISA directives across projects and programs.
• Lead major cybersecurity modernization initiatives, including scoping, technical objectives, dependencies, schedules, and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate across engineering, cloud, network, application, and development teams to oversee threat modeling, secure API design, encryption, and secrets management.
• Manage architectural risk, perform impact analyses, and enforce technical quality gates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Qualified for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Probationary period may be required.
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date will be considered.
• Resume and supporting documents as part of the application process.
• If you have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee within the last five years, you must disclose this information.
• FHFA participates in e-Verify; all new hires must complete the I-9 form on or before the first day of employment and resolve any discrepancies.
• This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit; represented by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
• This is not a remote role; residence within commuting distance of Washington, DC, or willingness to relocate is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a COR-I Certification.
• Attention to detail, customer service mindset, oral communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-13 level or equivalent, with demonstrated work in Zero Trust enterprise architectures, standards development, and federal security directives.
• Experience leading Zero Trust–aligned architectures across identity, cloud, applications, and data, and establishing standards to ensure compliance with NIST, RMF, and federal directives.
• Experience directing or participating in major cybersecurity modernization efforts, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing architectural risk, and overseeing pilots and vendor integrations.
• Advancing enterprise application security by embedding secure design practices, integrating automated security testing, threat analysis, API security, and data protection strategies.
• Advising senior leadership on strategy and enterprise risk; participating in architecture boards and interagency or industry working groups; representing the organization to stakeholders.

Technologies

• Microsoft 365

Open To

• The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the United States
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees eligible for priority over other applicants due to job loss or restructuring
• Clarification from the agency: All U.S. Citizens

Duties

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) maintains the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of FHFA’s information systems and assets, overseeing the agency’s IT infrastructure, security program, custom applications and data repositories, technology resources, investments, and assets. It sets IT strategic plans, policies, and procedures, supports business partners, and manages IT resources to align with FHFA’s mission.

Position Overview: The Senior Information Technology Specialist will deliver high‑level expertise across cloud security, identity architecture, Zero Trust, network segmentation, application and container security, and enterprise monitoring. The role shapes FHFA’s cybersecurity posture and ensures compliance with FISMA, CISA, OMB, executive orders, and NIST frameworks, while operating with substantial independence to define and implement secure enterprise architectures and integrate federal security mandates across the technology stack.

In practice, this role defines and implements secure enterprise architectures, engineers complex cybersecurity solutions, and weaves federal security requirements into FHFA’s technology portfolio.

Additional Information

• An overview of FHFA benefits is provided for the current fiscal year.
• If the selectee is a current FHFA employee, benefits remain unchanged.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP/ICTAP) may apply to eligible Federal employees; to receive priority, meet CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, be well-qualified with a score of 90 or above, and submit required documentation.
• FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, parental or marital status, or prior protected EEO activity.
• Reasonable Accommodation requests may be submitted during the application process for USA Hire assessments.
• FHFA employees follow government-wide ethical standards, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions.

Education

This position does not require a formal education qualification.

Required Documents

• Your Resume: Include contact information, relevant work experience, and education/certifications/licensures.
• Transcripts: If applicable, official or unofficial transcripts may be required with your application.
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation: separation notice or eligibility proof, SF-50, and your most recent performance appraisal if applicable.
• Veteran's Preference Documentation: DD-214, VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable.
• Other Supporting Documents: Cover letter (optional).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Selection will be based on how well your qualifications match the requirements above. This vacancy utilizes Direct Hire Authority, so veteran’s preference does not apply. Your application, questionnaire responses, and any required assessments will be used to determine fit for the role, with competencies including accountability, attention to detail, customer service, decision making, flexibility, negotiation, integrity, interpersonal skills, learning, reading comprehension, reasoning, self-management, stress tolerance, and teamwork. A USA Hire assessment with a minimum cut score will be used to gauge proficiency in these areas. Preview the application questionnaire at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12972147. All information will be verified during the selection process. In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, criminal history may not be disclosed before a tentative offer is extended.