This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority.
See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below.
Serves as a subject matter expert with responsibility for analyzing data collected from a variety of cyber defense tools in order to investigate, respond to and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities to the Social Security Administration's information systems and reduce potential damage from such events.
See QUALIFICATIONS for more information about this position.
Summary
This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority.
See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below.
Serves as a subject matter expert with responsibility for analyzing data collected from a variety of cyber defense tools in order to investigate, respond to and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities to the Social Security Administration's information systems and reduce potential damage from such events.
See QUALIFICATIONS for more information about this position.
Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. One or more vacancies may be filled at either of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). Relocation costs will not be paid. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.
Analyzes log files, evidence and other information from a variety of sources (e.g., individual host logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs and intrusion detection system [IDS] logs).
Identifies possible threats to network security and determine best methods for identifying the perpetrator(s) of a network intrusion.
Validates intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using industry tools such as Wireshark, Splunk and Tanium.
Oversees working groups, both internal and external to the agency, intended to further the collaboration and knowledge base of the Security Operations Center.
Coordinate and publish division level after action reviews, lead efforts to revise processes and procedures as identified after action summary.
This announcement serves as public notice. Applications will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
Cybersecurity position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens.
Selections made under this announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees selected under this announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service.
Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
See QUALIFICATIONS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for other important information.
Must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
Qualifications
To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-13 Cybersecurity Specialist position you must demonstrate (1) Specialized Experience and (2) the IT Competencies for the federal 2210 series.
(1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-12 or above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is IT-related work that primarily consists of planning, developing, implementing and/or maintaining information security programs or policies.
If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
Your experience should include:
-- creating and interpreting IT security policies and procedures,
-- assessing risks and developing disaster recovery or contingency plans,
-- working with other teams or agencies to develop and implement security solutions and
-- explaining technical security information and recommendations to different audiences.
(2) The following IT Competencies are applicable to this position.
Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Information Management: Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations
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.
Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience and IT Competencies) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Selectees must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
This position does not have an educational requirement.
Additional information
IT Cybersecurity Specialist position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for position.
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at either of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS).
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.
Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
This is a critical sensitive position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
Location of position:
Chief of Security and Resiliency (SR)
Cybersecurity
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.
You will be evaluated on the experience you describe in your resume.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Your resume must clearly describe the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience or you will not be considered for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed, even if you hold (or held) a position in this series.
The experience you claim is subject to verification by the selecting official.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.
Applicants who demonstrate the Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below).
Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
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.
Resume - all applicants
SF-50 - recommended all current and former federal employees
ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below)
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUME: A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. Your resume must show:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name and position held
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades.
SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan): applies only to competitive service employees who have been displaced (RIF'd) from another federal agency. The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying.
To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide:
-- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
-- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least 'fully successful.')
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process
(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) October 2, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded SF-50 and/or ICTAP documents, if applicable
To meet Minimum Qualifications, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS section.
The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1307 3011 SR" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are screened by HR, eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume - all applicants
SF-50 - recommended all current and former federal employees
ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below)
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUME: A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. Your resume must show:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name and position held
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades.
SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan): applies only to competitive service employees who have been displaced (RIF'd) from another federal agency. The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying.
To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide:
-- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
-- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least 'fully successful.')
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process
(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) October 2, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded SF-50 and/or ICTAP documents, if applicable
To meet Minimum Qualifications, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS section.
The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1307 3011 SR" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are screened by HR, eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
