IT Specialist (CYBERSECURITY)

About the Role

This is an Emergency Essential (EE) position designated as Non-Combat Essential (NCE). In the event of a crisis, the incumbent may be required to deploy within CONUS only via temporary reassignment or stay in place to support contingency operations. The incumbent may also be required to participate in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the organization’s capability to function effectively.

Military Reservists selected for this position must arrange for a military deployment waiver from their Reserve Unit, which will remain in effect while assigned to this role.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the senior technical authority for cybersecurity architecture and engineering across complex networks and critical Industrial Control Systems/Operational Technology (ICS/OT).
• Leads implementation of Zero Trust principles to enable mission resilience.
• Chairs or represents Security Engineering in Risk Governance; leads security engineering design strategies, control inheritance/reuse, and continuous monitoring programs.
• Sets enterprise security architecture standards; approves security requirements in procurement packages and evaluates complex, multi-vendor solutions.
• Leads COOP/DR (Continuity of Operations/Disaster Recovery) requirements definition and implementation strategies for critical systems; advises senior leadership on posture changes.
• Develops and oversees security architecture requirements, policies, and reference designs for systems and networks, ensuring secure configuration management and alignment with organizational cybersecurity standards.
• Leads security architecture and design activities, including control selection/implementation, security testing and analysis, participation in Risk Governance, and development of internal controls and mitigation strategies.
• Assesses the security impact of new systems, integrations, and interfaces.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAPs, including submitting to background checks as a condition of employment and/or continued access to Special Access Programs.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status: Exempt.
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• This position is designated as Cybersecurity Architecture under DoD 8140.03, Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program.
• Selectees must have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents to access certain federal facilities.

Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-14 level position, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Creditable specialized experience includes:

• Serving as the senior technical authority for cybersecurity architecture and engineering across complex networks and critical industrial control systems (ICS/OT), including leading/implementing Zero Trust principles and providing expert guidance to leadership and technical teams.
• Developing and overseeing security architecture requirements, policies, and reference designs for systems and networks, ensuring secure configuration management and alignment with organizational cybersecurity standards and governing directives.
• Leading security architecture and design activities, including control selection/implementation, security testing and analysis, participation in Risk Governance, and development of internal controls and mitigation strategies.
• Assessing the security impact of new systems, integrations, and interfaces.

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).

Benefits

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.