IT Cyber Security Specialist (DIRECT HIRE)

Summary

The incumbent serves as an IT Cyber Security Specialist within the Information Technology (IT) / Operational Technology (OT) Delivery Branch, which is responsible for designing, developing, deploying, maintaining, and enhancing mission-critical hardware and software solutions aimed to provide secure and reliable interoperability between DHS's frontend/backend IT systems and the security screening systems used for conducting airport security screening operations nationwide.

Duties

This IT Cyber Security Specialist (DIRECT HIRE) position is located in the Information Technology (IT) - Operational Technology (OT) Delivery Branch, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Leads teams that design and develop software solutions free of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Continuously tests software solutions to ensure they remain free of emerging cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Performs adaptive maintenance on software solutions to remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Leads many aspects of SELC (Software Engineering Lifecycle) following Agile (Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or Scrum) delivery methods (e.g. iteration/sprint planning, daily standup, and retrospectives) to ensure documented procedures and policies are followed or modified as needed, supports Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery, and implementation of Agile principles. Drives ongoing technical support services for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) application programs, including integration design and integration of complex IT Systems and infrastructure. Serves as a principal technical specialist and consultant in the development of operational metrics, organizational performance requirements, and operational processes to ensure effective, efficient, and secure management. Communicates complex technical requirements effectively with executives from the private sector and U.S. Government officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), TSA, and other Federal, state, and local agencies. Note: The duties are listed at the full performance level, SV-J band.

Qualifications

FOR ALL IT POSITIONS: To qualify, you must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. 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. 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. 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. Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must meet the following requirement(s) to be considered qualified for the position: To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience identifying, assessing, and helping remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in software, operating systems, networks, and related infrastructure. Experience applying federal cybersecurity and information-security requirements, standards, and risk-management practices to protect information systems. Experience preparing technical documentation, status reports, briefings, and recommendations for managers, customers, and technical stakeholders. To qualify for the SV-J Pay Band (equivalent to GS-14), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-I or GS-13 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience leading the design, development, implementation, and sustainment of secure, complex software applications and enterprise IT systems. Experience leading technical planning activities, including defining requirements, developing project plans and schedules, coordinating resources, and managing technical risks. Experience evaluating new technologies, architectures, and service-delivery approaches and recommending solutions that improve security, reliability, performance, and operational effectiveness to internal and external stakeholders. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.