Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Security Specialist

US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) seeks a Security Specialist (GS-0080-11/12) to support unmanned aircraft systems programs, threat analysis, and policy-focused engagements. The role emphasizes developing, implementing, and evaluating security initiatives for critical infrastructure and public safety contexts.

The position requires experience with UAS, security policy updates, and the ability to present information to diverse audiences, both internal and external.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience with unmanned aircraft systems or counter-UAS programs.
• Knowledge of threats, security concerns, and policy changes related to critical infrastructure.
• Ability to organize information to support engagements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, or evaluate programs involving unmanned aircraft systems.
• Analyze emerging threats and policy changes related to critical infrastructure or public gathering security.
• Present security guidance and reports to internal or external audiences.

Skills

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Security policy analysis

Briefings & presentations

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

3 years graduate education toward Ph.D.

LL.M. (related)

Job description

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the Nation's risk advisor, working with partners to defend against today's threats and collaborating with industry to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.

The official title of this position is Security Specialist, GS-0080-11/12.

Do NOT copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Your resume must describe your work and experience, in your own words.

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required education and/or experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

You qualify at the GS-11 grade level, if you have:

EXPERIENCE:

At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level (or equivalent) performing all the following duties:

1. Supporting plans, development, implementation, or evaluation of programs, policies, or operations involving unmanned aircraft systems, drones, or counter-unmanned aircraft systems;
2. Researching emerging threats, security concerns, or legislative, regulatory, or policy changes related to critical infrastructure or public gathering security; AND
3. Gathering and organizing routine information-such as basic security guidance, training materials, briefings, or reports to support internal or external engagements.

OR

EDUCATION:

1. A. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution that included major study in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position.
2. B. Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution that included major study in the field of study described in statement "A" above.
3. C. LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree, if related.
4. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement. Only graduate education in excess of the second year (determined by the institution) or 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.

You qualify at the GS-12 grade level, if you have:

EXPERIENCE:

At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent) performing all the following duties:

1. Planning, developing, implementing, or evaluating programs, policies, or operations involving unmanned aircraft systems, drones, or counter-unmanned aircraft systems;
2. Analyzing emerging threats, security concerns, or legislative, regulatory, or policy changes related to critical infrastructure or public gathering security; AND
3. Presenting information such as security guidance, training, briefings, or reports to internal or external audiences.

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.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.