This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. The Principal Senior Advisor for Intelligence and Exquisite Technologies will serve as the Under Secretary's principal advisor at the intersection of national and homeland security intelligence and the development, assessment and transition of exquisite technologies and often sensitive systems that provide decisive advantage against the most consequential threats.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. The Principal Senior Advisor for Intelligence and Exquisite Technologies will serve as the Under Secretary's principal advisor at the intersection of national and homeland security intelligence and the development, assessment and transition of exquisite technologies and often sensitive systems that provide decisive advantage against the most consequential threats.
Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and Land Management).
The Principal Senior Advisor for Intelligence and Exquisite Technologies is a Senior Level (SL) position within the immediate Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. The incumbent serves as the Under Secretary's principal advisor at the intersection of national and homeland security intelligence and the development, assessment, and transition of exquisite technologies highly specialized, high-performance, and often sensitive systems and capabilities that provide decisive advantage against the most consequential threats.
Specific responsibilities include:
Serves as the Under Secretary's principal advisor on all matters at the intersection of intelligence and exquisite technologies.
Provides authoritative, independent counsel on how emerging and specialized technologies can satisfy homeland security intelligence requirements, and on how intelligence drivers should shape the Directorate's research, development, and investment priorities.
Serves as S&T's senior interface with the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).
Establishes and maintains senior-level relationships with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), and IC elements and national laboratories, to align S&T efforts with national intelligence priorities and to leverage exquisite collection, processing, and analytic capabilities for homeland security missions.
Identifies and evaluates exquisite technologies for application to priority homeland security missions, including bio surveillance, cybersecurity, and unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.
Guides horizon-scanning and technology-assessment activities and champions the maturation and transition of high-value capabilities from research into operational use.
Provides advice on and helps shape the oversight of classified, compartmented, and other sensitive S&T programs and activities, including special access programs, promoting appropriate security, governance, resourcing, and alignment with departmental and national priorities.
Provides advice on intelligence-informed technology risk across the Directorate's investments, partnerships, and acquisitions, including foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI), supply-chain, research-security, and counterintelligence considerations. Integrates due-diligence and vetting findings into senior leadership decisions on collaboration, funding, and technology protection.
Represents the Directorate and the Under Secretary in interagency councils, IC governance bodies, and senior working groups.
Articulates and defends S&T positions, negotiates equities, and builds coalitions across the Department, inter-agencies, and the IC to advance the Directorate's mission.
Shapes strategy and advises on senior engagements, communications, and outreach to industry, academia, national laboratories, and inter-agencies in order to attract talent, capital, and capability to the Directorate's advanced-technology missions and to strengthen the domestic innovation base supporting homeland security.
You must be a US citizen to apply for this position.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/
You may be required to obtain/maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entering on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of your job offer or termination of employment.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
You may be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests, and must receive a negative test result prior to your appointment to this position.
The selectee will be subject to a one-year probationary period (unless it has already been completed).
The selectee will be required to file an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Qualifications
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY.
Applicants must show clear evidence of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) embedded within their resume. The resume-based application must not exceed two (2) pages i.e., one (1) page double-sided or two (2) pages one-sided.
You must possess all of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). These qualifications would typically be acquired through education, experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading teams and/or projects for a comprehensive business program in a complex organization. Typically, experience of this nature is gained at or above the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector or nongovernmental organizations. An individual's total experience and education must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Time-in-grade requirements do not apply to SL positions. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs).
MTQ 1: Demonstrated senior-level experience integrating advanced technology and intelligence in support of national security objectives, with a proven ability to advise senior leaders across the Intelligence Community, defense, or homeland security environments.
MTQ 2: Demonstrated expert knowledge of U.S. Intelligence Community structures, authorities, and requirements processes, with demonstrated success in directing classified or specialized technology programs, translating intelligence needs into technology strategies and investments, and managing associated security, oversight, and technology-protection risks (including FOCI, supply-chain, and counterintelligence considerations).
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Current or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team.
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.
Veterans, Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Sylvia Jackson via email at sylvia.jackson@associates.hq.dhs.gov .
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 Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive 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.
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.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 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.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment 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 entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
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.
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.
A multi-step process will be used to evaluate and refer applicants:
Minimum Requirements: Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and scope of applicants' accomplishments and experience as they relate to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). The DHS Executive Services Team will conduct a minimum qualifications screening.
Your resume should be clear and concise and demonstrate an appropriate level of accomplishment and responsibility. Your application must show that you meet all requirements, including any minimum education and/or experience required for this position. You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not meet the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found ineligible.
Rating and Ranking: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated by an Executive Rating and Ranking Panel composed of senior executives with organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to the position. The panel will review each application and reach consensus on whether the applicant is "Best Qualified" (top category), "Well Qualified" (middle category), or "Qualified" (bottom category).
Only applicants in the Best Qualified category will be referred to the Hiring Manager/Selecting Official for consideration and a possible interview. Please ensure that you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.
The Executive Rating and Ranking Panel will evaluate applicants based on their two-page resumes and how well those resumes demonstrate the required qualifications. Your resume must clearly substantiate the MTQs. If it does not, your application may be deemed ineligible.
Referral: If you are among the Best Qualified candidates, your application will be referred to the Hiring Manager/Selecting Official for consideration and a possible interview. The DHS Headquarters Executive Resources Board (ERB) and Strategic Hiring Committee (SHC) will review the results and make recommendations regarding final selections to the ERB Chair and appointing authority. Final interviews and reference checks may also occur during this stage.
For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.
For Noncompetitive Appointment Eligibles: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.
Supporting documents are an integral part of determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you may be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if it is determined that you have overstated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.
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.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: Applicants must submit a two-page resume describing your qualifications. Your resume should also demonstrate the level of skills, characteristics, qualities, and technical competence required for successful performance in this position, as reflected in the MTQs. Consult USAJOBS - How do I write a resume for a federal job. Applicants who fail to show evidence of the MTQs in their resume will not be forwarded for further consideration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
Are you a current or former Federal employee? SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that that reflects your grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), and career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference. The member 4 copy of your DD214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions (you must submit a DD214-member copy 4).
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? 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.
Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP) Eligibility:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation ; or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, or a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement.
A copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting current position, grade/band level, promotion potential, and duty location.
These programs apply to DHS employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain a score of 85 or higher on assessments); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility. For more nformation: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
IMPORTANT:Failure to submit any of the required documents listed above may result in loss of consideration because your application package will be considered incomplete. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire may result in removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in removal from consideration.
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 complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date 10/27/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. DHS Headquarters Executive Services team will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
Next steps
You will receive a notification confirming that your application has been received. Applicants who meet the mandatory requirements for the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) will be considered qualified for the position. A panel of experts will conduct the rating and ranking process to identify the "Best Qualified" applicants. The panel will evaluate the extent to which applicants meet the mandatory requirements described in the vacancy announcement. Interviews and qualification inquiries may be required. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive an additional notification regarding the status of your application.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: Applicants must submit a two-page resume describing your qualifications. Your resume should also demonstrate the level of skills, characteristics, qualities, and technical competence required for successful performance in this position, as reflected in the MTQs. Consult USAJOBS - How do I write a resume for a federal job. Applicants who fail to show evidence of the MTQs in their resume will not be forwarded for further consideration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
Are you a current or former Federal employee? SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that that reflects your grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), and career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference. The member 4 copy of your DD214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions (you must submit a DD214-member copy 4).
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? 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.
Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP) Eligibility:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation ; or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, or a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement.
A copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting current position, grade/band level, promotion potential, and duty location.
These programs apply to DHS employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain a score of 85 or higher on assessments); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility. For more nformation: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
IMPORTANT:Failure to submit any of the required documents listed above may result in loss of consideration because your application package will be considered incomplete. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire may result in removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in removal from consideration.
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 complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date 10/27/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. DHS Headquarters Executive Services team will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
Next steps
You will receive a notification confirming that your application has been received. Applicants who meet the mandatory requirements for the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) will be considered qualified for the position. A panel of experts will conduct the rating and ranking process to identify the "Best Qualified" applicants. The panel will evaluate the extent to which applicants meet the mandatory requirements described in the vacancy announcement. Interviews and qualification inquiries may be required. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive an additional notification regarding the status of your application.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
