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IT Specialist (Security)

Department of Defense
Missile Defense Agency
Cybersecurity

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Defense (DoD), Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The incumbent will be responsible for serving as the Information System Security Officer (ISSO)/ Vulnerability Analyst for operational assets of a programs/projects/elements

Salary Ranges are the following unless statutory/regulatory rates prevail.
For the Schriever AFB, CO Location: $91,870 to $142,022
For the Redstone Arsenal, AL Location: $93,216 to $144,102

Overview

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Posted today · Apply by 06/08/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$91,870 - $144,102 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
MDA-26-12962124-DH
Control number
871123300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

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This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Acq Demo Business and Technical Management to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

This position is being filled under AcqDemo Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for non-acquisition positions involving 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions within Business and Technical Management Professional Career path.

As a IT Specialist (Security) at the NH-2210-3 broadband level, some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Lead continuous authorization efforts within a unified enterprise model, utilizing the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to develop, manage, and automate critical artifacts (System Security Plans, POA&Ms, and Cyber Scorecards) for key components of the Missile Defense Agency Enterprise Networks.
  • Develop and execute the enterprise Cloud Authorization Strategy, integrating automated DevSecOps security pipelines (e.g., SAST/DAST) into the RMF lifecycle to accelerate the delivery of secure capabilities to the warfighter.
  • Ensure the Cybersecurity, Resiliency, and Survivability of complex, split-domain networks and data, enforcing compliance with DoDI 8500.01, 8510.01, NIST SP 800-53, and emerging Zero Trust architectures.
  • Manage enterprise Vulnerability Management operations, utilizing automated scanning infrastructures (e.g., ACAS/ESS) and collaborating with the MDA Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) to proactively hunt for threats and monitor high-value assets.
  • Drive incident response and enterprise remediation efforts by triaging Cyber Tasking Orders (CTOs), developing automated, "deploy-everywhere" mitigation strategies, and coordinating with the MDA Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Occasional Travel
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Maxi Flex
  • Recruitment Incentives: Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees based on agency policy and availability.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is not telework eligible.
  • This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. You may be required to sign a “Drug Test Statement of Understanding” if you are selected for this position.
  • Employee must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Investigation (TS/SCI) clearance
  • This is a Cyberspace Workforce, Cybersecurity Workforce Element appointed as Intermediate CS-722 Information System Security Manager. Must have at the time of permanent appointment or achieve within 6 months of EOD the appropriate certification.
  • May require Security Cooperation Certification IAW 10 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) section 384, "Department of Defense security cooperation workforce development.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the NH-03 Broadband Level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-02/GS-11 grade level in the Federal service as listed below and must meet 3 out of the 4 specialized experience listed below to be qualified:

  • Experience with following Risk Management Framework (RMF) steps, reviewing vulnerability scan data (ACAS/ESS), or processing configuration changes and System Impact Assessments (SIA).
  • Experience with assisting with team coordination, peer-reviewing technical artifacts, or helping train/mentor new team members to ensure consistent mission performance.
  • Identifying security flaws in software or hardware, documenting findings, and helping develop or track Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) to remediate risks.
  • Experience with using automated tools or standard templates to improve security workflows; this includes supporting Cloud authorizations, assisting with DevSecOps security pipelines, or updating compliance records in eMASS.
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.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 2210, series as listed below:

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Education

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

Additional information

Other Notes:
This position may require Security Cooperation Certification IAW 10 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) section 384, "Department of Defense security cooperation workforce development." If required, certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within timelines prescribed after entry into this position. Continuous learning points are required every two years.

This is a Cyberspace Workforce, Cybersecurity Workforce Element appointed as an Intermediate CS-722 Information System Security Manager (ISSM). Must have at the time of permanent appointment or achieve within 6 months of Entry on Duty the appropriate baseline certification IAW DoD 8140.0 . Must acquire continuing education requirements IAW the governing body for their certification. Certification must be maintained as long as the employee remains in the position.

RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf.

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics).

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are claiming military spouse preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed below preference eligible veteran candidates and above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.

Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.

Missile Defense Agency

Do you enjoy challenges and seek opportunities?
Are identifying problems, analyzing facts, and making recommendations some of your strong suits?
Would you like to obtain the rare opportunity to participate in some of the greatest technological achievements developed?
Would you like to serve your country and defend freedom in one of the most critical efforts in history?

If you answered yes, then this job is for you! The Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) mission is to develop, test, and field an integrated, layered, missile defense system (MDS) to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends against all ranges of enemy ballistic missiles in all phases of flight.

We are seeking a prepared, talented, and motivated IT Specialist (Security) who seek challenges and opportunities. You will earn a competitive salary and enjoy outstanding benefits while working alongside some of the brightest, most motivated thinkers of our time.

Agency contact information

MDA Servicing Team
Phone
614-693-1299
Fax
6146931696
Email
DHRC-DMDAHR@DLA.MIL
Address
Missile Defense Agency
Bldg 5222 Martin Rd
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Missile Defense Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.mda.mil/

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