Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
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Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting for Associate Cybersecurity Specialists in the Developmental Track. These positions are part of the DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS), a specialized cadre of professionals deployed daily to the front lines of our nation's cyber defense.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Duties
The Developmental Track is designed for professionals with approximately two years of experience ready to build on their foundational skills. This track offers structured professional development and exposure to complex, real-world security challenges to help you quickly expand your capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop Expertise: Participate in a structured program to build and apply advanced technical skills.
Analyze & Resolve: Conduct routine technical analyses to help resolve real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Collaborate: Partner with senior specialists to address complex security threats.
Apply Learning: Translate continuous technical training into mission-critical operations.
Due to system configurations, this vacancy is posted under the Cyber Defensive Operations, Intelligence, Collection, and Analysis job series. However, we are actively recruiting and accepting applications for all cybersecurity technical capabilities as defined under the DHS Cybersecurity Service. You can view the full list of technical capabilities and career levels on our applicant portal under Resources: USAJOBS - DHS Cybersecurity Service - Resources.
DHS-CS Talent Pool
Applying places you in the DHS-CS Talent Pool for up to one year of ongoing consideration. Your application may be shared with the following DHS Components:
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Secret Service (USSS)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY)
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 security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
- 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.
- Serve a 3-year probationary period.
Qualifications
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. Associate Cybersecurity Specialist generally have:
3+ years of cybersecurity work experience:
Worked in an entry-level cybersecurity role
Identified-and continuing to grow-a primary technical capability; and
An interest in continuing to deepen technical expertise
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: Developmental Track salary ranges provided on the application portal reflect typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States. 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 the "typical" starting ranges noted in our resource documents.
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.
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.
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 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.
All DHS Cybersecurity Service applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Developmental Career Track, applicants participate in a two-phase assessment process:
You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase.
The total time commitment for the two phases is approximately 2.5 hours (many applicants require less time!)
Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.
Monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete assessments prior to any deadlines or request an extension, if necessary
PHASE I: PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT
Unproctored - you choose the time and location
Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete.
The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection.
No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:
The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.
The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.
PHASE II: GENERAL CYBERSECURITY KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
Unproctored - you choose the time and location
The test includes a multiple-choice test that measures your foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. This customized approach efficiently measures your strengths, matching your skills to Department opportunities.
The test focuses on foundational competencies critical to the Developmental Track:
Cybersecurity Technology: Understanding core systems, hardware, software, and technical infrastructure.
Information Assurance: Implementing measures to protect information systems and ensure data integrity.
Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating digital threats and system vulnerabilities.
Identity Governance & Management: Managing user access, authentication, and digital credential systems.
You will have up to 60 minutes to complete the assessment
Required Documents
Your resume: Visit the application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide. Include MONTH and YEAR for each job and list ALL relevant experience.
Current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides, position title, type of appointment, Department/Agency, and the beginning and ending dates of appointment (include month and year)
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the required assessment (s), and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. The application process:
Click Apply Online to start.
Answer questions and attach all required documentation.
Submit your application before 11:59PM (ET) on the closing date.
After submission, regularly check email for assessment instructions.
If required, use the provided URL and your USAJOBS login to access USA Hire to access the online assessment(s).
Review all instructions before starting the online assessments. Set aside at least 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the online assessment. If you need to pause and return later, you can reuse the URL sent by email or access it from the Additional Application Information page in your USAJOBS application record. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.
Agency contact information
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
The DHS Cybersecurity Service application process ensures fairness and identifies qualified candidates. Successful applicants move through each step and receive notifications as they progress. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS under "Application Status", then "More Information."
Note: If you receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.
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.
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.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).
Overview
Range reflects typical low and high starting salaries available to employees in most of the U.S. See Additional information: Salary for more info.
- 2212 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations ICA (DHS Only)
- National security
Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Transportation & Logistics
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cybersecurity specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field
- Active CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or equivalent certification
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms such as Splunk or Microsoft Sentinel
- Proficiency in network security, firewalls, intrusion detection, and endpoint protection
- Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, or similar standards
- Experience conducting vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, or incident response
Tips for Your Cybersecurity Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each posting
Cybersecurity job descriptions often list specific frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, or MITRE ATT&CK. Pull the exact terms from each posting and mirror them in your resume so applicant tracking systems score your application accurately.
Lead with certifications above experience
Hiring managers in this field scan for certifications first. Place your CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, or CISM in a dedicated line near the top of your resume, above your work history, so they're visible before the recruiter reads further.
Build a documented lab portfolio
Employers frequently ask for proof of hands-on skills. A GitHub repo or personal write-up documenting a home lab, CTF completions, or a vulnerability assessment you ran demonstrates applied ability that a list of certifications alone can't show.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists cybersecurity specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a technical screening round
Many cybersecurity interviews include a live scenario, a take-home threat analysis, or tool-specific questions on SIEMs like Splunk or Microsoft Sentinel. Review recent CVEs in your specialization and practice explaining your incident response methodology out loud before your first screen.
Negotiate using scope, not just title
When an offer comes in, clarify the scope before accepting: ask which environments you'll own, what your incident escalation authority is, and whether you'll have a defined security budget. Scope differences between two identical titles can mean very different career trajectories.
Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most cybersecurity specialists?
The companies hiring the most cybersecurity specialists right now include US Defense Information Systems Agency, LTM Limited, and Booz Allen Hamilton, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Defense contractors, financial institutions, and large health systems consistently post the highest volume of roles.
How many cybersecurity specialist jobs are remote?
About 53% of cybersecurity specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though availability varies by specialization. Threat intelligence, security engineering, and cloud security roles tend to have the highest remote share, while roles tied to on-premises infrastructure or classified government environments are more likely to require in-person work.
How do you become a cybersecurity specialist?
Start by earning a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology, then build foundational credentials like CompTIA Security+ or Network+. Gain hands-on experience through a help desk or IT support role, run a home lab to practice offensive and defensive techniques, and work toward an advanced certification such as CISSP or CEH once you have field experience.
How do you get hired as a cybersecurity specialist with little experience?
Focus on earning an entry-level certification like CompTIA Security+ first, since many employers accept it as a substitute for years of experience. Document any self-directed work: CTF competitions, bug bounty submissions, or home lab write-ups. Applying to SOC analyst or IT security support roles is a common entry path that feeds directly into specialist positions within one to two years.
What does the cybersecurity specialist interview process look like?
Most processes start with a recruiter screen, followed by a technical interview that tests your knowledge of security frameworks, common attack vectors, and tool-specific questions. A practical exercise, such as analyzing a log sample or walking through a hypothetical incident, is common in the later rounds. Final interviews often involve a hiring manager or security leadership discussion about your response methodology and communication style.
Where can I find and apply to cybersecurity specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to cybersecurity specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to each listing.
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