Listing Description
Duties
There are a variety of Secure Network Operations and Security Systems Operations and Maintenance opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).
As a Network or Systems Engineer, you will support OCIO IT Operations Directorate efforts to deliver a range of network or systems security and operations solutions to customers across DHS including implementation of enterprise cybersecurity initiatives.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees in the Technical Career Track at the Principal Cybersecurity Specialist career level, with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations or Security System Operations and Maintenance, will generally apply their expertise to perform a range of tasks, including:
- Installing and maintaining server infrastructure device operating system software (e.g. Windows, Linux, Mac, iPhone (IOS), Firmware)
- Scanning computer networks that DHS or Components rely on to access, share, and store information, diagnosing network connectivity issues or addressing network vulnerabilities.
- Providing key technical input into the implementation of DHS Headquarter (HQ) or Component information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools to optimize asset security and advise on network operations efforts.
- Assessing effectiveness of security controls through testing and maintaining network infrastructures including software and hardware devices.
- Assessing the configuration and optimization of network hubs, routers, and switches (e.g., higher-level protocols, tunneling) in accordance with Departmental or Component policies and best practices supporting the installation and replacement of network hardware and virtual network functionality.
- Overseeing development and testing of new system design procedures and quality standards to integrate new systems into existing architecture.
- Applying technical expertise to perform technical and nontechnical system, network and application security reviewsidentifying gaps in security architecture, recommending risk acceptance, and developing a security risk management plan.
- Leveraging available tools and resources to develop and integrate cybersecurity functions (e.g., encryption, access control, and identity management) to reduce exploitation opportunities.
- Actively coordinating with systems architects and developers, as needed in the development of design solutions.
- Proposing highly effective solutions to stakeholders when resolving computer security incidents and ensuring compliance using tools and processes that enable agile response to cyber incidents or providing feedback on network requirements, including network architecture and infrastructure when recommending security requirements for minimizing network user risk.
- Overseeing system administration support for comprehensive integrated systems recommending highly effective hardware, operating systems, and software applications changes.
- Actively assessing the configuration and monitoring of security devices in accordance with DHS policies and best practices to support network mitigation efforts.
- Proactively performing cybersecurity testing of developed applications and/or systems to maintain the security of relevant DHS systems.
- Providing key technical input into system implementation and configuration to identify security deficiencies during security reviews and certification testing ensuring successful transition from development to operation.
- Using known information about incidents and their effects on networks, systems, cloud environments, and applications to classify the threat and risk levels of activities and events and recommending short- and long-term recovery and repair actions.
- Applying technical expertise to develop and implement best practices, security guidance and documentation to ensure compliance with DHS or Component information systems (IS) and network policies.
- Customizing communications on aggregate security system's status and corresponding courses of action for different levels of leadership and other appropriate parties in support of mitigating any issues compromising DHS security.
- Serving as a technical mentor to other DHS cybersecurity employees in related areas.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
- You must be 18 years of age.
- Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
- Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
- Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
- May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
- While this position can be considered telework eligible, individuals must live within 2 hrs driving distance to a DHS SCIF.
- Remote work may be available for some positions.
Qualifications
This position is in the Technical Track at the Principal Cybersecurity Specialist career level. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal. Principal Cybersecurity Specialist generally:
- Have 12+ years of cybersecurity work experience.
- Are capable of serving as a DHS cybersecurity technical authority who performs work of unusual difficulty to develop complex solutions impacting key DHS or Federal cybersecurity programs.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations will generally:
- Understand the installation, configuration, testing, operation, maintenance, and management of networks and their firewalls, including hardware and software, which permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems.
- Implement, configure, and manage security devices and systems (such as firewalls, intrusion detection and log collectors, and vulnerability scanners) in accordance with policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Install, manage, and monitor security measures to support mitigation efforts; shares relevant information with system and network administrators.
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.
Listing Details
- Salary: $150000 - $188000
- Citizenship: Not Provided
- Incentives: Not Provided
- Education: Not Provided
- Travel: Not Provided
- Telework: Not Provided