Cybersecurity Recruitment and Development Programs

• Cybersecurity Recruitment and Development Programs (PDF - 2 pages, 436 KB)

The growing number of attacks on our cyber networks has become, in President Obama's words, "one of the most serious economic and national security threats our nation faces." The Department plays an important role in countering these threats. We're building one of the best teams anywhere to keep our federal civilian networks secure, and secure the cyberspace and critical infrastructure on which we all depend. That means working across the federal government, partnering with the private sector, and empowering the general public to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment, and promote cybersecurity knowledge and innovation.
Vibrant and innovative talent is needed to support the Department's vast and ever growing cybersecurity mission. Through rotational assignments and cyber projects, you can see firsthand how the U.S. Secret Service or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement handle the forensics challenge, or how the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team addresses cyber related incidents for the federal government.

Cyber Positions at the Department

The Department is actively recruiting innovative, dynamic, and cutting edge professionals to protect the nation's cyberspace.
Come join us and apply your knowledge and skills to America’s most complex homeland security challenges.
A variety of occupations are available, such as:

• Electrical Engineers (GS-855)
• IT Specialists (INFOSEC) (GS-2210)
• Telecommunications Specialists (GS-391)
• Program Management (GS-343/340)
• Security (GS-0080)
• Intelligence Analyst (GS-0132)
• Investigative Analyst (GS-1805)
• Investigation/Criminal (GS-1810/11)

Opportunities for Student and Recent Graduate Programs in Cybersecurity

Following are programs currently available or under development for roll out in FY 2012. As you pursue a career in cybersecurity at the Department, remember these great new programs may be available to you.
Emerging Leaders in Cybersecurity 
(The application period is currently closed and will resume in September 2012)

• The program is a two-year rotational program focused on building cybersecurity leaders of the future.
• The program is open to recent graduates with a master's in Computer Science, Network and Computer Engineering, Information Assurance, among other cyber-related disciplines.
• Rotational assignments will be offered in many of the Department's cybersecurity programs and may include, but are not limited to, US-CERT, Federal Network Security, United States Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and EINSTEIN.
• Participants may take part in a culminating exercise in cybersecurity that spans each of the six-month rotations across the Department.
• Fellows selected for these positions will be encouraged to help shape and grow this new program.

Secretary's Honors Program for Cybersecurity Professionals 
(The application period is currently closed and will resume in September 2012)

• The program is a two-year rotational program focused on building the next generation of cybersecurity professionals within the Department.
• The program is open to recent graduates with a bachelor’s in Computer Science, Network and Computer Engineering, Information Assurance, among other cyber-related disciplines.
• Rotational assignments will be offered in many of the Department's cybersecurity programs and may include, but are not limited to, US-CERT, Federal Network Security, United States Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and EINSTEIN.
• Candidates selected for these positions will be encouraged to help shape and grow this new program.

Cybersecurity Internships
(The application period is currently closed and will resume in September 2012)

• The 10-week program gives current students an opportunity to work alongside of cyber leaders with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Internships will be offered in many of the Department's cybersecurity programs to include, but are not limited to, US-CERT, Federal Network Security, and EINSTEIN.
• Upon graduation and pending satisfactory completion of the internship, a full-time position in the Secretary’s Honors Program for Cybersecurity Professionals or the Emerging Leaders in Cybersecurity Fellowship may be offered.

Department of Homeland Security CyberRotations (Spring 2012)

• Provides current employees with experiential learning opportunities across Department components who have a role in cybersecurity.
• Employees will rotate through Department cybersecurity assignments focused on the Department's varied mission.
• Based on level of experience and opportunities available, rotations may be available at non-Department of Homeland Security agencies who have a role in cybersecurity.

In addition to these programs, training and development opportunities are also available.
As part of the fellowship programs, participants will have the opportunity to obtain a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from one of our partner universities. Master’s programs will also be available.