The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of developmental roles in Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS) as well as those focused on Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including ICS Security Engineer, ICS Network Security Engineer, ICS Security Specialist, and Embedded Systems Cybersecurity Engineer. All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of developmental roles in Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS) as well as those focused on Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including ICS Security Engineer, ICS Network Security Engineer, ICS Security Specialist, and Embedded Systems Cybersecurity Engineer. All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.
This announcement is being used to fill the Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS) Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.
As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Developmental Career Track, you will continually engage in learning activities to enhance and apply your developing expertise in the technical capability of Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS) to perform a range of routine tasks, which may include:
Supporting designs, protocols, and physical configurations of "purpose-built interconnected systems," such as industrial control systems (ICS), physical systems, and embedded systems - And define and/or implement comprehensive countermeasures to detect threats and support activities to maintain the cybersecurity posture of these systems.
Researching technical and nontechnical risk and vulnerability assessments of Information and Operational Technology (IOT) environments and proactively identifying significant cybersecurity challenges to be addressed, such as ICS/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Distributed Control Systems (DCS), local computing environment, network and infrastructure, enclave boundary, supporting infrastructure, and applications.
Actively supporting the effectiveness of security controls.
Engaging with other experts in cybersecurity risk assessment, automated information sharing, threat analysis, vulnerability management, and network defense to support customer efforts for ensuring holistic, integrated views of security threats to an organization, the Department, or the Nation's security posture.
Using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) technologies to monitor alerts, triage activity, and analyze network traffic to provide ongoing analysis on potentially malicious activity.
Proactively analyzing network traffic for patterns using analytic tools and data science methodologies.
Supporting efforts to identify, develop, share or otherwise contextualize cyber indicators to maintain constant awareness of the status of the highly dynamic operating environment.
Collecting, processing, analyzing, and disseminating cyber warning assessments.
Presenting and explaining findings and recommending action based on cybersecurity threat analysis including insider threats, to determine their probability and consequences.
Supporting mitigation strategies by performing scanning and probing activities to augment assessment.
Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
While many of these positions are considered telework eligible, some individuals must live within 2 hrs driving distance to a DHS SCIF in either Chandler, AZ; Stennis, MS; Idaho Falls, ID; Arlington, VA; Pensacola, FL; Springfield, VA or D.C.
Remote work may be available for some positions.
Qualifications
This position is in the Developmental Track at the Associate Cybersecurity Specialist career level. At this level, individuals generally:
Have 3+ years of cybersecurity work experience, and
Can serve as a cybersecurity professional with some experience who applies still-burgeoning technical expertise to perform routine work with significant supervision and clear guidance.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS) will generally apply their expertise to:
Understand designs, protocols, and physical configurations of purpose-built interconnected systems-such as industrial control systems, physical systems, and embedded systems-and can define and implement comprehensive countermeasures to detect threats and maintain the overall cybersecurity posture of these systems.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. In recruiting for this opportunity, DHS may hire employees at higher or lower career levels and associated salaries. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal.
This position is focused on Physical, Embedded, and Control Systems Security (PECSS).
DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal.
DESIRED CERTIFICATION:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
Industries: FCEB Enterprise, SLTT, ICS/OT environments of critical infrastructure sectors
Education
Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education.
Additional information
Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%). Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources.
Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal.
More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All DHS Cybersecurity Service applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Developmental Career Track, applicants participate in a two-phase assessment process:
You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase.
The total time commitment for the two phases is approximately 3 hours (many applicants require less time!)
Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.
Monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete assessments prior to any deadlines or request an extension, if necessary
PHASE I: ONLINE ASSESSMENTS
Unproctored - Completed online within a prescribed period of time.
Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete.
The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection.
No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:
The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.
The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.
PHASE II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Proctored - must be scheduled in advance and completed at a designated assessment center and within a prescribed period of time
There is a different assessment for each DHS Cybersecurity Service technical capability (visit Jobs to learn more about the technical capabilities).
Most individuals only have a primary technical capability and complete only one Technical Capability Assessment, but in limited circumstances, you may complete a second Technical Capability Assessment.
You will have up to 2.5 hours to complete each Technical Capability Assessment; each takes about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
Assessments present realistic, work-related cybersecurity scenarios and questions to assess technical skills.
Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed, but no knowledge of DHS is required.
*Applicants who successfully complete Phase II will undergo a resume review to confirm required experience.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly outline your cybersecurity experience
Your proctored assessment results are valid for a period of one year after completion and will be kept and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
To learn about the assessment process for this Developmental Track position, visit our portal and read the "Assessment Process" guide.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Your resume. To help you prepare your resume before applying to the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit our application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee please submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:- Position title- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)- Agency- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, required assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/30/2024 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below.
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA HIRE platform. This message will be delivered via email notification.
If you are asked to take the online assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning online assessments. Note: set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.
Cybersecurity Talent Management System
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
The DHS Cybersecurity Service application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Successful applicants proceed through the following steps and will receive notifications as each step is completed: Submit Initial Information
Upload resume
Answer questions about your expertise and experience
Assessment + Interview
Complete multi-phase assessment process
Interview with the team you might join
Tentative Job Offer + Background Investigation
Receive a tentative job offer, including your compensation and benefits package
Receive an invitation to start the background investigation process
Final Job Offer + Start Date
Receive a final job offer
Determine your start date
We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
Note: If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).
To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service employment eligibility, visit our application portal.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume. To help you prepare your resume before applying to the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit our application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee please submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:- Position title- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)- Agency- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, required assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/30/2024 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below.
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA HIRE platform. This message will be delivered via email notification.
If you are asked to take the online assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning online assessments. Note: set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.
Cybersecurity Talent Management System
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
The DHS Cybersecurity Service application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Successful applicants proceed through the following steps and will receive notifications as each step is completed: Submit Initial Information
Upload resume
Answer questions about your expertise and experience
Assessment + Interview
Complete multi-phase assessment process
Interview with the team you might join
Tentative Job Offer + Background Investigation
Receive a tentative job offer, including your compensation and benefits package
Receive an invitation to start the background investigation process
Final Job Offer + Start Date
Receive a final job offer
Determine your start date
We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
Note: If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).
To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service employment eligibility, visit our application portal.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
