Associate Cybersecurity Specialist

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Headquarters is recruiting for Associate Cybersecurity Specialists in the Developmental Track within the DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS). This role is designed to build practical, advanced technical capability through structured development while applying that learning to complex, real-world cyber defense challenges.

These positions are based at Chandler, AZ with an onsite work site requirement, and the selected candidates will be part of the DHS-CS talent pipeline for ongoing consideration.

• Work schedule: Full-time
• Appointment type: Permanent
• Travel required: Occasional travel, about 1 to 5 days per month
• Security clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information
• Position sensitivity and risk: Special-Sensitive (SS) / High Risk
• Background check type: National security
• Drug test: Yes
• Pay scale & grade: DC 1
• Promotion potential: None
• Federal service type: Excepted Service
• Supervisory status: No
• Union representation: No
• Financial disclosure required: No

• Salary: USD 82, per year
• Location: Chandler, AZ (onsite)

• Minimum experience: 3 years

• Participate in a structured program to build and apply advanced technical skills.
• Perform routine technical analyses that support resolution of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
• Collaborate with senior specialists to address complex security threats.
• Convert continuous technical training into mission-critical operations.

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or national
  .
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
  .
• Selective Service: Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Security clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; levels may vary.
• Drug testing: Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Ethics and conduct: Must comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• Probation: Serve a 3-year probationary period
  .
• Education: Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, though DHS is interested in the level of education and relevant topics studied.

Applying places you in the DHS-CS Talent Pool for up to one year of ongoing consideration. Your application may be shared with DHS Components including CISA
, DHS OCIO
, FEMA
, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY).

For the Developmental Career Track, applicants complete a two-phase assessment process. You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase, with a total time commitment of approximately 2.5 hours
. Instructions are emailed before each phase, and you must monitor your email to ensure sufficient time to complete assessments prior to deadlines.

• Phase I: Professional Capabilities Assessment (unproctored, choose your time and location)
  • Work styles inventory (about 30 minutes
    )
  • Work simulation (up to 2 hours
    )
  • Total Phase I time: about 90 minutes on average
  • Requires a computer with audio and a reliable internet connection
  • No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments
• Phase II: General Cybersecurity Knowledge Assessment (unproctored, choose your time and location)
  • Multiple-choice test measuring foundational cybersecurity knowledge
  • Focus areas:
    Cybersecurity Technology
    , Information Assurance
    , Risk Management
    , Identity Governance & Management
  • Time limit: up to 60 minutes

Complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access them.

• Resume: Submit your resume via the application portal and include MONTH and YEAR for each job, listing ALL relevant experience
  .
• If applicable (political appointments): If you have current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee status, submit a copy of your applicable SF-50 and a statement including position title, type of appointment, Department/Agency, and the beginning and ending dates (month and year).

The complete package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026.

• Selected applicants must successfully complete a background investigation for the security clearance as a condition of placement.
• The background investigation includes financial issues such as delinquency in payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as…