IT Cyber Security Specialist (DIRECT HIRE)

Transportation Security Administration•Annapolis Junction, MD

About The Position

The IT Cyber Security Specialist works in the Information Technology (IT) / Operational Technology (OT) Delivery Branch of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The branch designs, develops, deploys, maintains, and enhances mission-critical hardware and software that enables secure and reliable interoperability between DHS frontend and backend IT systems and airport security-screening systems nationwide. At the full-performance SV-J level, the specialist leads teams designing and developing software solutions that are free of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, continuously tests solutions for emerging vulnerabilities, and performs adaptive maintenance to remediate them. The role also leads aspects of the Software Engineering Lifecycle using Agile delivery methods, supports Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery, and helps ensure documented procedures and policies are followed or updated as needed. The specialist drives technical support services for TSA application programs, including integration design and integration of complex IT systems and infrastructure. As a principal technical specialist and consultant, the role contributes to operational metrics, organizational performance requirements, and operational processes for effective, efficient, and secure management. The position communicates complex technical requirements to private-sector executives and U.S. Government officials at DHS, TSA, and other Federal, state, and local agencies. The vacancy describes qualification paths for the SV-I (equivalent to GS-13) and SV-J (equivalent to GS-14) pay bands. Candidates must meet the applicable specialized-experience requirements by the vacancy closing date, as well as the listed IT competencies and conditions of employment.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Complete a favorable background investigation and comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
Submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure statement upon entering the position and annually.
Demonstrate IT-related experience in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, problem solving, technical competence, and information management.
For the SV-I pay band: have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-12 level in Federal service, or equivalent private-sector experience, including identifying, assessing, and helping remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities; applying Federal cybersecurity and information-security requirements, standards, and risk-management practices; and preparing technical documentation, status reports, briefings, and recommendations.
For the SV-J pay band: have one year of specialized experience at the SV-I or GS-13 level in Federal service, or equivalent private-sector experience, including leading secure complex software and enterprise IT system design, development, implementation, and sustainment; leading technical planning, requirements, project plans and schedules, resource coordination, and technical-risk management; and evaluating technologies, architectures, and service-delivery approaches and recommending improvements.
Meet the qualification requirements by the vacancy announcement closing date.
Disclose current or recent Executive Branch political-appointee service, if applicable, for OPM authorization of an employment offer.
If applicable, complete required pre-employment forms and assessments, and successfully pass the background investigation.

Responsibilities

Lead teams that design and develop software solutions free of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Continuously test software solutions to detect emerging cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Perform adaptive maintenance on software solutions to remediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Lead aspects of the Software Engineering Lifecycle using Agile delivery methods, including iteration or sprint planning, daily standups, and retrospectives.
Ensure documented procedures and policies are followed or modified as needed; support Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery and implementation of Agile principles.
Drive ongoing technical support services for TSA application programs, including design and integration of complex IT systems and infrastructure.
Serve as a principal technical specialist and consultant in developing operational metrics, organizational performance requirements, and operational processes for effective, efficient, and secure management.
Communicate complex technical requirements to private-sector executives and U.S. Government officials from DHS, TSA, and other Federal, state, and local agencies.