This position is being recruited under 10 USC 1599f into the Cyber Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service. It has been identified as a position necessary to carry out and support the mission of the US Cyber Command.
It is in the Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level within the CES Occupational Structure. It is located in the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC) - Cyberspace Resilience Evaluation Directorate (CRED)
Summary
This position is being recruited under 10 USC 1599f into the Cyber Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service. It has been identified as a position necessary to carry out and support the mission of the US Cyber Command.
It is in the Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level within the CES Occupational Structure. It is located in the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC) - Cyberspace Resilience Evaluation Directorate (CRED)
Serves as technical lead for Red Team engagements, guides planning, synchronizes team efforts, and provides expert mentorship and training to junior operators.
Plans and executes offensive cyber operations by emulating Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) tactics to assess security posture and resilience of enterprise networks and critical infrastructure.
Conducts technical analysis of systems and architectures by identifying, validating, and exploiting vulnerabilities to determine impact and risk to mission-critical systems.
Engineers and deploys specialized exploitation tools and scripts that are focused on bypassing defensive controls and maintaining access during authorized cyber operations.
Authors technical After-Action Reports, briefs for leadership, and translates findings into prioritized mitigation strategies to improve the defensive posture.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position is subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements overall in 12 months.
This is a drug testing position.
Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as a condition of employment.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.
Basic Requirements:
Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. For vacancies below the full-performance level of the position, the basic requirement will be evaluated on a developmental basis. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
Attention to Detail - experience reviewing your own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. Customer Service - experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs. Oral Communication - briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience. Problem Solving - identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess qualifying experience.
Qualifying Experience:
To qualify at the GG-13, your resume must describe at least one year of experience that demonstrates the competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Experience refers to any paid or unpaid experience, including volunteer work and Military service, that would be considered equivalent to work normally performed at the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, qualifying experience is defined as:
Experience performing network penetration testing; OR conducting advanced adversary emulation; OR utilizing offensive cyber methodologies to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Candidates must describe how they meet the qualifying experience and/or selective placement factor(s) within the body of their resume. All qualifications must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for thequalifying experience at the GG-13 grade level.
Additional information
This position is in the Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service. It is being recruited under 10 U.S.C. 1599f into the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) personnel system.
If you are a current Federal Career/Career-Conditional employee, you will be placed on an Excepted appointment.
This appointment does not confer eligibility to be non-competitively converted to an appointment in the competitive service.
Salary range includes a Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) in accordance with Section 1599f of Title 10 U.S.C. and Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1400.25, Volume 3006.
A three year trial period may be required if you have not previously completed a trial or probationary period in the excepted or competitive service.
Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 3-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
May be required to travel up more than 50% of the time.
Individuals tentatively selected for drug testing designated positions at the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC) will be required to submit to urinalysis for illegal drugs prior to appointment or placement.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
This position is covered under DoD Manual 8140 which will be subject to future Cyber Workforce requirements as defined by the Manual.
PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
Because this position is in the Cyber Excepted Service, Veterans' Preference will be applied to preference eligible candidates, as defined by Section 2108 of the Title 5 U.S.C. in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 3005, "CES Employment and Placement." If you are a veteran claiming veteran's preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.
For more information on the Cyber Excepted Service Personnel System, click here.
For more information on veterans' preference, click here.
For more information regarding qualifications requirements, click here.
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
If selected, the authorized rate of pay may exceed the stated maximum salary rate range under certain circumstances.
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.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the applicant questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
You will be evaluated on your training and experience related to the following critical competencies:
Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the command @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil
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.
FOR THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. NOT ALL DOCUMENTS WILL APPLY TO EVERYONE.
Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ Learn more about the new resume requirements
Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
SF-50 - Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the command, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable): Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must submit a DD-214 (Member Copy 4), or if you are CURRENTLY serving on active duty, a statement of service from your unit stating the date you entered on active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received. For those supplying the statement of service, preference will be verified by a DD-214 (Member Copy 4) upon separation from the military. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA letter dated 1991 or later. DoD Components with CES positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates, as defined by Section 2108 of the Title 5 U.S.C. in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 3005, "CES Employment and Placement."
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here for a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here for a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here for a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 07/09/2026.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/09/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into USAJOBS, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered/uploaded is received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Your Resume
Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Read more about what you should include in your federal resume at USAJOBS.
DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; Social Security Number; Photos of yourself; Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what you should leave out of your federal resume at USAJOBS
A complete Assessment Questionnaire (if applicable)
Other required supporting documents: (SEE THE SECTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ENTITLED "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MAY BE NEEDED)
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DCDC - Cyber Defense Command - R/SI
6910 Cooper Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755-7088
US
Next steps
Once the complete application package is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The content of your application package will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to determine whether you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
FOR THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. NOT ALL DOCUMENTS WILL APPLY TO EVERYONE.
Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ Learn more about the new resume requirements
Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
SF-50 - Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the command, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable): Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must submit a DD-214 (Member Copy 4), or if you are CURRENTLY serving on active duty, a statement of service from your unit stating the date you entered on active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received. For those supplying the statement of service, preference will be verified by a DD-214 (Member Copy 4) upon separation from the military. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA letter dated 1991 or later. DoD Components with CES positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates, as defined by Section 2108 of the Title 5 U.S.C. in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 3005, "CES Employment and Placement."
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here for a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here for a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here for a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 07/09/2026.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/09/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into USAJOBS, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered/uploaded is received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Your Resume
Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Read more about what you should include in your federal resume at USAJOBS.
DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; Social Security Number; Photos of yourself; Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what you should leave out of your federal resume at USAJOBS
A complete Assessment Questionnaire (if applicable)
Other required supporting documents: (SEE THE SECTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ENTITLED "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MAY BE NEEDED)
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DCDC - Cyber Defense Command - R/SI
6910 Cooper Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755-7088
US
Next steps
Once the complete application package is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The content of your application package will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to determine whether you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
