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  1. Homeland Security Careers
  2. Hiring Paths
  3. Cybersecurity

Join DHS Cybersecurity

As technology becomes increasingly more sophisticated, the demand for an experienced and qualified workforce to protect our Nation’s networks and information systems has never been higher. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently recruiting cybersecurity professionals with the following skill sets:

  • Cyber Incident Response
  • Cyber Risk and Strategic Analysis
  • Vulnerability Detection and Assessment
  • Intelligence and Investigation
  • Networks and Systems Engineering
  • Digital Forensics and Forensics Analysis
  • Software Assurance

Candidates can view current DHS cybersecurity job opportunities on USAJOBS by typing "cyber" in the "Keyword" field. The table will update with additional opportunities not posted to USAJOBS that use the Schedule A (Cyber) Hiring Authority*. You can also learn more about the DHS cyber mission and sign up for e-mail updates on cybersecurity job opportunities and upcoming events.

*The application process for Schedule A (Cyber) hiring is more simplistic than the typical process used in USAJOBS.

The DHS Cybersecurity Service is a special cadre of DHS employees working to protect the Nation's information technology infrastructure. Whether you are a student, technical expert, or an executive, the DHS Cybersecurity has career opportunities at every level. Visit the DHS Cybersecurity Service application portal to learn more and view all open positions.

Subscribe to the DHS Cybersecurity Service newsletter to learn about new job opportunities and more!

DHS offers cybersecurity internship and apprenticeship programs for current undergraduate and graduate students. Students will learn about the DHS cybersecurity mission, complete hands-on cybersecurity work, and build technical experience in key areas such as digital forensics, network diagnostics, and incident response. Additionally, students participate in mentoring and professional development activities with DHS managers and senior leaders from across components.

CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service

DHS partners with the National Science Foundation on the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which offers scholarships to outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in exchange for government service to a federal agency. SFS is designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of federal information assurance professionals that protect the government's critical information infrastructure. SFS scholarships may fully fund the typical costs incurred by full-time students while attending a participating institution, including tuition and education and related fees.

DHS Secretary’s Honors Program

The DHS Secretary’s Honors Program is a highly competitive, premier program for exceptional entry-level professionals looking for a career at DHS. Qualified candidates apply for a limited number of slots and are selected based on their academic performance, experience and other criteria. Those selected for the program will be offered a variety of incentives and enhanced career opportunities including Department rotations, mentorships, focused on-the-job training and inclusion in various professional development programs.

You can use your veteran benefits to obtain knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you can get up to 36 months of financial support for education and training for graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance to prepare you for a career in cybersecurity. You can learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or DHS Veterans Careers.

DHS also offers various SkillBridge opportunities for transitioning service members and participates in the Operation Warfighter program for convalescing service members. See how you fit in the civilian cybersecurity area. Search for current DHS cybersecurity job opportunities on USAJOBS by typing "cyber" in the Keyword field.

DHS’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) serves as a national resource for cybersecurity awareness, education, training, and career opportunities.

The number of cybersecurity-related jobs outpaces the number of people qualified to fill them, and that demand is growing rapidly. DHS is working with the Nation’s private industry, academia and federal partners to develop and maintain an unrivaled, globally competitive cyber workforce.

The National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework is the foundation for increasing the size and capability of the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. It provides a common definition of cybersecurity, a comprehensive list of cybersecurity tasks, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform those tasks. By using the Framework:

  • Educators can create programs that are aligned to jobs;
  • Students can graduate with knowledge and skills that employers need;
  • Employers can recruit from a larger pool of more qualified candidates;
  • Employees will have portable skills and better defined career paths and opportunities; and
  • Policy makers can set standards to promote workforce professionalization. 

CISA is America's cyber defense agency and one of the largest cybersecurity employers in DHS. There are many paths to join CISA and help protect the homeland from cyber and physical threats. We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds across multiple career fields, including cybersecurity, human resources, infrastructure security, risk management, and more. Explore CISA's Hiring Events page to learn about upcoming information sessions and "on-the-spot" hiring events. Visit the CISA Careers page for additional information about job opportunities!

CISA’s Student & Recent Graduate Programs provide hands-on opportunities to challenge and build technical skills. Join a team of public servants who use their professional and risk advisory acumen every day to adapt and develop innovative ways for protecting the nation’s critical physical and cyber infrastructure. CISA participates in the government-wide Pathways programs detailed below as well as the previously mentioned DHS internship programs, including SFS, the Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER) program, and the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Program.

Pathways Interns and Recent Graduates

The Pathways Internship Program allows current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions to work for the federal government while completing their education. Pathways for Recent Graduates allows students who graduated within the past two years to be part of a one-year developmental program and work for CISA in an entry-level position. Both programs offer the opportunity to be converted to a permanent position at the end of service if certain conditions are met. These paid internships and entry-level roles provide a path to careers at CISA and allow qualifying individuals the opportunity to gain meaningful training and career development experience.

Presidential Management Fellows

The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program was established by Executive Order in 1977 and represents an innovative approach to meet the government’s future need for administrators and managers. This program is for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years. An individual may apply for the PMF program more than once as long as he or she meets the eligibility criteria.

Last Updated: 12/17/2024
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