Location: Arlington,VA, USA
Summary The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Information Security Subdivision is recruiting for an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) for the coordination, implementation, and/or enforcement of assigned information systems cybersecurity policies and portfolios. Responsibilities DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses Talent Pools to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs. By applying to this job announcement, you are not just applying for a specific job but are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent pool for ongoing consideration for employment in this Technical Capability and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion. As an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Information Security Subdivision. You will support a range of cybersecurity work related to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive Agency-wide information security and risk management programs. As a DHS Cybersecurity Service Employee in the Technical Track, you will continually maintain and share your expert/resident-level expertise in either Cybersecurity Engineering, Cybersecurity Architecture, and Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance to perform a range of critical, routine, and non-routine tasks, including: Develops long-range plans for IT security systems; reviews new systems, networks, and software designs for potential security risks; and resolves integration issues related to the implementation of new systems with the existing infrastructure. Advises senior management officials in the area of cybersecurity systems, processes, and operations to meet user requirements for the security management of program information. Maintains an inventory of hardware (virtual/physical) and software within the program/development offices or facilities. Leads and coordinates the implementation of security programs across platforms and establishes vulnerability reporting criteria. Conducts technical risk assessments and reviews of systems, networks, software, and services to identify potential security and compliance risks, develop and implement mitigation strategies. Support the assessment and authorization process, ensuring systems comply with FISMA and DHS security requirements. Develops documentation, including risk and security assessment reports, security impact analysis, and artifacts for security processes. Develop and integrate security measures and architectures into all phases of information system development. Designing, replicating, analyzing, and validating strategies for simulated attacks on networks and systems to ensure DHS abilities to uncover and mitigate vulnerabilities. Collaborating with internal and/or external cybersecurity professionals and experts in cybersecurity risk assessment/management, automated information sharing, threat analysis, vulnerability management, and network defense/network protection to assess risk, identify vulnerabilities and implement controls as necessary. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position is in the Technical Track across a range of career levels. Employees in this career track generally: Have between 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience. Range from experienced cybersecurity professionals who apply technical expertise and independent judgement to perform cybersecurity work - to - recognized Federal cybersecurity technical authorities with uncommon technical expertise who advise on cybersecurity challenges impacting DHS and the Nation. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Cybersecurity Engineering will generally apply their expertise to: Conduct software, hardware, and systems engineering to develop new and refine/enhance existing technical capabilities, ensuring full integration with security objectives, principles, and processes. Build practical solutions in full consideration of lifecycle of costs, acquisitions, program and projects, management, and budget. Identify engineering requirements for, and ensure interoperability of, internal and external systems. Demonstrate strategic risk understanding, considering impact of security breaches or vulnerabilities in every aspect of the engineering process. Stay current on emerging technologies, and their applications to current and emerging business processes (e.g., cloud, mobile) to identify and recommend methods for incorporating promising technologies to meet organizational cybersecurity requirements. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Cybersecurity Architecture will generally apply their expertise to: Develop system concepts and work on the capabilities phases of the systems development lifecycle. Translate technology and environmental conditions (e.g., laws, regulations, policies and technical standards) into system and security designs and processes. Provide recommendations for investment standards and policies that drive how controls will be applied across the organization. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance will generally apply their technical expertise to: Oversee, evaluate, and support the documentation, validation, assessment, and authorization processes necessary to ensure that existing and new information technology systems meet the Department's cybersecurity and risk requirements, and provide decision makers with the knowledge to make well-informed risk decisions. Ensure that strategic considerations drive investment and operational decisions with regard to managing risk to organizational operations (including mission, function, image and reputation), organizational assets, individuals, other organizations (collaborating or partnering with federal agencies and contractors) and the nation. Understand and utilize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) series of documents. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. In recruiting for this opportunity, DHS may hire employees at higher or lower career levels and associated salaries. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal. This position is focused on Cybersecurity Engineering, Cybersecurity Architecture, or Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal. DESIRED CERTIFICATION: Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA) Education Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education. Additional Information Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. Within the provided range, average salaries vary for each career level. Senior Cybersecurity Specialist: $104,000 - $133,500 Staff Cybersecurity Specialist: $126,500 - $159,500 Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $150,800 - $188,000 Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $166,400 - $207,500 In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%). Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources. Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal. More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process. 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 a security clearance as a condition of placement in this 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. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 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.