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Demonstrate your expertise.
Find your fit at DHS.

Everyone interested in joining the DHS Cybersecurity Service goes through a multi-step application process. Before you begin applying, we want to make sure you know what to expect and how to prepare.

We are always looking for new talent to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. If you do not see the opportunity for you or would like to hear about future opportunities, click below to connect with our recruiting team.

Contact us

Opportunities in the DHS Cybersecurity Service are open to people with prior federal experience, and people who have never worked for the Federal Government.

Before you apply below, please note that to be considered you must be:

  • A U.S. Citizen or national
  • 18 years of age
  • Registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male)
  • Able to undergo and successfully complete a background investigation
  • Able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result
  • Able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure

If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.

The DHS Cybersecurity Service follows the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Prohibited Employment Policies and Practices.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the application process, email our recruiting team at cybersecurityservice@hq.dhs.gov for assistance.

Before you proceed, please think about your readiness to apply and your preferences for a job in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.

  • Are you in the early stages of your cybersecurity career—or have you been a cybersecurity professional for several years?
  • Do you want to be in a technical role or a leadership role, with responsibility for supervising the work and careers of others?
  • Before applying, you should consider the career track that best describes your expertise and experience and the type of jobs that interest you. (Visit Benefits to learn more about career tracks)
  • If you have worked for several years as a cybersecurity professional, do you know your primary cybersecurity specialization – called a technical capability in the DHS Cybersecurity Service? (Visit Work to learn more about technical capabilities)
  • When DHS lists specific opportunities, they are often associated with a primary technical capability. Before applying for such opportunities, you should consider whether your technical expertise and experience is in that technical capability, since it will be the focus of assessments you complete to demonstrate your expertise.
  • When DHS lists general opportunities by career track, you will be asked to identify your primary technical capability immediately after applying. Your primary capability should reflect the majority of your cybersecurity technical expertise and experience. Your response will determine the focus of the assessments you complete to demonstrate your expertise.
  • In limited circumstances you may also have a secondary capability, which you may also indicate in the application process.
  • All applicants regardless of their experience will be assessed on their professional capabilities and, as applicable, leadership capabilities. Visit Resources to learn more about capabilities.
  • Is there a specific DHS Component(s) or organization(s) where you would like to work?
  • Do you have a resume that is ready to submit?
  • Are you ready to provide information about any academic degrees or professional certifications you might have?

Not ready to apply yet? Need more information? Email our recruiting team at cybersecurityservice@hq.dhs.gov with your questions.

Our application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Once you begin, you will have opportunities to pause or stop, and you can check your status anytime.

1. Submit initial information
  • Click apply under the job opportunity that best describes you and the work you would like to do in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
  • Create a login.gov account and a USAJOBS profile (if you do not already have them).
  • Upload a resume.
  • Answer some questions about your experience, expertise, and ideal job.
2. Participate in the assessment process
  • All applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. This process may include some or all of the following:
    • Tests you must complete online;
    • Tests you must schedule and complete at an assessment center; and
    • Scenario-based interviews, conducted virtually or in-person at a DHS office.
  • Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any phase in the assessment process will have an opportunity to make such a request.
  • Visit Resources to learn more about the DHS Cybersecurity Service assessment process and the capabilities on which you will be assessed prior to applying.
  • Participate in final interviews.
  • Meet the DHS team(s) that you might join and learn more about the specific work you might do supporting the DHS cybersecurity mission.
  • We interview you – and you interview us!
3. Undergo a background investigation
  • If you are selected for a job, you will receive a tentative job offer and an invitation to begin a rigorous background investigation process.
  • Be sure to carefully complete the forms and actions outlined in the instructions you receive, which may vary depending on the security clearance required for your prospective job.
4. Receive a final job offer
  • Once you have cleared security, we will finalize your benefits and compensation package and make you a final offer.
  • After you accept your offer, we will establish your first day of work in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
Entry Track
Start a new cybersecurity career at DHS!

0 – 2 years of work experience—not including internships

  • College student or recent graduate looking for a first job
  • Interested in switching to cybersecurity from another career field
  • Interested in learning cybersecurity and building technical expertise
Connect With Us
Send an email to connect with our recruiting team and hear about Entry Track opportunities.
Developmental Track
Accelerate an emergent cybersecurity career!

3+ years of cybersecurity work experience

  • Have worked in an entry-level cybersecurity role
  • Have identified—and continuing to grow—a primary technical capability
  • Interested in continuing to deepen technical expertise
Connect With Us
Send an email to connect with our recruiting team and hear about Developmental Track opportunities.
Technical Track
Apply your technical expertise in a critical role or through a range of projects!

5+ years of cybersecurity work experience

  • Have worked in progressively difficult cybersecurity roles
  • Have contributed to efforts to address cybersecurity challenges and/or to cybersecurity projects, programs, and teams
  • Have a primary technical capability
  • Interested in applying and maintaining established technical expertise and/or becoming a resident expert
Connect With Us
Send an email to connect with our recruiting team and hear about Technical Track opportunities.
Leadership Track
Manage cybersecurity employees, programs, and organizations!

5+ years of cybersecurity work experience

  • Have worked in progressively difficult cybersecurity roles
  • Have contributed to efforts to address cybersecurity challenges and/or to cybersecurity projects, programs, and teams
  • Led efforts to address cybersecurity challenges and/or cybersecurity projects and programs
  • Managed cybersecurity employees and teams
  • Have a primary cybersecurity technical capability
  • Interested in enhancing your management expertise and/or managing cybersecurity employees/organizations
Connect With Us
Send an email to connect with our recruiting team and hear about Leadership Track opportunities.
Executive Track
Direct the strategy and operations for large, complex cybersecurity organizations or entire mission functions!

5+ years of cybersecurity management experience

  • Have significant experience managing cybersecurity programs and teams of cybersecurity employees
  • Have experience performing and leading work associated with a primary technical capability
  • Have overseen resource planning, goal setting, and business improvement efforts
  • Interested in providing strategic mission leadership, guiding specific organizations—or all of DHS or groups of stakeholders—to deliver results
Connect With Us
Send an email to connect with our recruiting team and hear about Executive Track opportunities.
Apply to a Job Opportunity

To begin the application process, apply to the job opportunity that best describes you and the work you would like to do at DHS.