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Technical Security Investigator

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Secret Service
Office of Technical Operations

Summary

Joining the US Secret Service, Office of Technical Operations (TEC), as a Technical Security Investigator (TSI), allows you to provide specialized technical expertise and operational support, to develop and implement countermeasures to threats against protected persons and facilities, and to support criminal investigations conducted by the Secret Service.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/01/2026 to 04/08/2026
This job will close when we have received 300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$105,251 - $136,830 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
OCI Only
Washington, DC
ASD Only
Landover, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - Domestic and Foreign travel may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - This position requires shift work.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
NCS/High Risk
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
TLE-TEC-TW012-26-DHA
Control number
863553500

Duties

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The selectee will serve as a Technical Security Investigator specializing in one of the following areas: Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems; Electronics; Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems; IT Network; Technical Security, Coordination, and Protective Duties; Technical Surveillance Countermeasures; Video Management and Integration; Communications; or Command & Control in the Office of Technical Operations, Aviation and Airspace Security Division (ASD) or Operational Communications and Intelligence Division (OCI).

The Aviation and Airspace Security Division (ASD) develops, coordinates, and implement airspace security plans for sites visited by the President and Vice President of the United States or other designated USSS protectees. Please note, ASD is only selecting candidates for positions located in Landover, MD.

The Operational Communications and Integration Division (OCI) provides secure, and integrated communications for Secret Service protectees and ensures reliable, interoperable systems with federal, state, and local partners to support protective and investigative missions. Please note, OCI is only selecting candidates for positions located in Washington, DC.

Typical work assignments include:

  • Installing, monitoring, and evaluating the latest known technologies (such as state-of-the-art intrusion detection systems and devices) that may potentially be used by hostile entities, both domestic and abroad, either independently or as groups, to penetrate Agency sites or otherwise harm protectees.
  • Conducting routine security searches to identify, detect, deter, and stop potential or actual threats involving hazardous materials, items, devices, persons, or unsafe environmental conditions.
  • Assisting with implementing protective countermeasures and supporting law enforcement responsive planning duties.
  • Contributing to the development and organization of investigative tactics and techniques to support investigations of suspected criminal violations.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the United States Secret Service's security initiatives in support of our protective and investigative missions. This Technical Security Investigator position starts at a salary of $105,251.00, GS-12, step 01 with a promotion potential to GS-13 to $136,830.00 step 10.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Possess a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant.
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance.
  • Certify registration or exemption with the Selective Service, if you are a male applicant born after 12/31/59.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing during employment.
  • Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
  • Complete pre-employment medical examinations.
  • Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and under 40 at time of appointment. Exceptions may apply for those with current or prior service in federal law enforcement positions covered by special retirement provisions. The Secret Service has determined that age is essential to the performance of this position.
  • Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside.
  • Must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/100, correctable to 20/20 in each eye. LASIK, ALK, RK, and PRK surgeries are acceptable if required post-surgery visual tests are passed: Lasik (3 months), PRK (6 months), ALK/RK (1 year) waiting periods apply
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges.
  • Complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 13-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) AND a 10-week Mixed Basic Training Course (MBTC) at the Agency's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC) Click here to review the required Fitness Standards. Failure to pass these training programs on the first attempt may result in separation from the U. S. Secret Service.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, USC, Section 922(g)(91)).

Qualifications

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your 1-year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, performing the duties listed below, for the specialized program:

Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems:

  • Support technical investigations to counter UAS threats using surveillance systems, countermeasures, and legal expertise.
  • Assist protective teams by integrating security measures, coordinating with agencies, and enhancing aerial intrusion prevention.
  • Help manage security programs against drone threats through expertise in device mitigation, TSCM, and RF monitoring.

Electronics:

  • Utilizing tools to troubleshoot and perform systematic problem solving of electronic devices and systems.
  • Testing, maintaining, installing, and evaluating electrical components and systems; and,
  • Troubleshooting, maintaining, and ensuring security of computers and computer network systems.

Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems:

  • Develop, coordinate, and execute enabling UAS missions in compliance with federal regulations, agency policies, and mission objectives.
  • Provide advanced technical guidance on enabling UAS systems, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and integration with other technologies.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure proper training, risk management, and resource allocation for enabling UAS operations.

IT Network

  • Conducting surveillance via electron monitoring systems such as audio, video, and motion.
  • Analyzing network traffic, logs, and intrusion detection; and,
  • Collect and monitor network security data to support real-time threat detection

Technical Security, Coordination, and Protective Duties:

  • Conduct security assessments and site surveys to identify threats, implement countermeasures, and collaborate with stakeholders.
  • Support protective teams by integrating technical measures, coordinating with law enforcement, and improving protective environments.
  • Manage security programs by creating protocols, performing threat assessments, and deploying advanced solutions to reduce risks.

Technical Surveillance Countermeasures:

  • Conduct TSCM inspections, including RF signal adjudication, component detection, and physical inspections, to identify and neutralize vulnerabilities.
  • Perform TSCM functions using various specialized equipment and instrumentation.
  • Apply policies and procedures for operating TSCM equipment effectively.

Video Management and Integration:

  • Overseeing, designing and installing video surveillance systems with a concentration in Radio Frequency (RF) communication and video distribution.
  • Conduct real-time monitoring and analysis of video feeds to detect threats, coordinate with security personnel for immediate countermeasures, and perform surveillance investigations using advanced equipment and techniques.
  • Develop and coordinate security plans for video distribution systems to gather evidence and monitor suspects effectively.

Communications:

  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Radio over IP (RoIP) devices and systems, independently resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems as needed.
  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Radio over IP (RoIP), independently resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems as needed.
  • Assist in radio spectrum analysis and deconfliction activities, supporting compliance with FCC and NTIA requirements under guidance from senior specialists.

Command & Control:

  • Support the application of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in planning processes; assist in preparing briefings and instructional materials on NIMS.
  • Provide technical support for preparedness and response activities related to natural and man-made disasters; contribute to the development of plans for continuity of essential functions.
  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot situational awareness systems and their connectivity, supporting integration efforts and resolving standard connectivity issues.

The qualifications requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

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.

If you are deemed minimally qualified for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entering Phase 1 of the hiring process. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to sign a Continuing Service Agreement before being assigned to an initial training class. The continuing service agreement will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the U.S. Secret Service upon the successful completion of training.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

The selectee will be required to report to a Secret Service Office or DHS Component Office as their Duty Station.

This position is covered by Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) and additional compensation may be paid at the rate of up to 25% of the base salary.

Applicants will be required to travel to all phases of the hiring process at their own expense.

The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger).

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to Equal.Opportunity@usss.dhs.gov.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit: Direct Hire Authority.

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents).

Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices to the assessment questionnaire. If qualifying based on specialized experience, your resume must also reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies needed to perform this job are:

  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Self Management
  • Technical Competence


Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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.

U.S. Secret Service

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Building on a Tradition of Excellence and Meeting the Challenges of the Future, the Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization with two critical national security missions: protect our nation's leaders and to conduct criminal investigations. Our team members continue a tradition of excellence - whether investigating financial crime or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the Secret Service, we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity and courage. In the Secret Service, we:

  • Protect the President, the Vice President, and other leaders; investigate threats against them; and safeguard their residences and other facilities.
  • Plan and implement security designs for National Special Security Events.
  • Investigate financial crimes including fraud, identity theft and computer-based attacks on banking or telecommunications infrastructure.
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Agency contact information

TLE Support Branch

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Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Secret Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.secretservice.gov

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