Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Ashburn, VA seeks a GS-14 cybersecurity specialist to protect federal networks. This position emphasizes advanced threat detection, incident response, and collaboration with operating teams.

Applicants must demonstrate one year of specialized experience and meet core competencies in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving. A thorough background investigation is part of the process.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail in evaluating cybersecurity data and evidence.
• Ability to communicate needs and results to varied audiences.
• Clear and effective oral communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and assess cyber threats and risks.

Responsibilities

• Follow established security operations procedures and playbooks.
• Communicate cyber risks and recommended actions to operational teams and senior leadership; prepare technical threat reports.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information & Technology/Cyber Security Directorate/Security Operations Division located in Ashburn, VA. Basic Requirement: Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess one year of specialized experience as described below.

Experience

GS-14 grade level requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Utilizing enterprise cybersecurity tools to identify, contain, and mitigate advanced threats and cyber intrusions.
• Analyzing technical evidence across the cyber kill chain and MITRE ATT&CK framework. Skilled at correlating forensic artifacts, indicators of compromise, and threat intelligence from network and host systems to identify adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Analyzing at senior-level large volumes of cybersecurity logs from multiple sources to identify hidden malicious activity, lateral movement, and unusual behavior that may bypass traditional security controls.
• Incorporating cyber threat intelligence and attribution information into threat-hunting activities; leading incident-response triage; preparing technical threat reports; and communicating cyber risks and recommended actions to operational teams and senior leadership.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 10/30/2026.

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.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency’s core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non‑prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.