Systems Developer

CISA Systems Developer

This role designs, develops, tests, and evaluates information systems throughout the systems development life cycle.

Personnel performing this work role may unofficially or alternatively be called:

  • Firewall Engineer
  • Information Assurance (IA) Developer
  • Information Assurance (IA) Engineer
  • Information Assurance (IA) Software Engineer
  • Information Systems Security Engineer
  • Program Developer
  • Security Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Security Engineer

Skill Community: IT
Category: Securely Provision
Specialty Area: Systems Development
Work Role Code: 632

Core Tasks

  • Collaborate on cybersecurity designs to meet specific operational needs and environmental factors (e.g., access controls, automated applications, networked operations, high integrity and availability requirements, multilevel security/processing of multiple classification levels, and processing Sensitive Compartmented Information). (T0560)
  • Design hardware, operating systems, and software applications to adequately address requirements. (T0447)
  • Develop detailed design documentation for component and interface specifications to support system design and development. (T0464)
  • Ensure design and development activities are properly documented (providing a functional description of implementation) and updated as necessary. (T0406)
  • Implement designs for new or existing system(s). (T0488)

Core Competencies

  • Identity Management
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Systems/ Network Security
  • Infrastructure Design
  • Software Development
  • System Administration
  • Systems Integration
  • Systems Testing and Evaluation

Core Knowledge

  • Knowledge of organization's enterprise information security architecture. (K0027)
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles and organizational requirements (relevant to confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, non-repudiation). (K0044)
  • Knowledge of information security systems engineering principles (NIST SP 800-160). (K0045)
  • Knowledge of information technology (IT) security principles and methods (e.g., firewalls, demilitarized zones, encryption). (K0049)
  • Knowledge of organization's evaluation and validation requirements. (K0028)
  • Knowledge of systems testing and evaluation methods. (K0091)
  • Knowledge of various types of computer architectures. (K0227)
  • Knowledge of secure configuration management techniques (e.g., Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), cybersecurity best practices on cisecurity.org). (K0073)
  • Knowledge of software development models (e.g., Waterfall Model, Spiral Model). (K0081)
  • Knowledge of software engineering. (K0082)
  • Knowledge of system design tools, methods, and techniques, including automated systems analysis and design tools. (K0086)
  • Knowledge of system life cycle management principles, including software security and usability. (K0090)
  • Knowledge of the systems engineering process. (K0102)
  • Knowledge of embedded systems. (K0322)
  • Skill in developing and applying security system access controls. (S0031)

How To Apply

Join the Mission! CISA is always searching for talented and highly motivated professionals to continue its mission of securing the nation's critical infrastructure. CISA is more than a great place to work; our workforce tackles the risks and threats that matter most to the nation, our families and communities.

Please visit USAJOBS and/or the DHS Cybersecurity Service to view job announcements and apply to positions. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job announcement, attach relevant documents and complete all required assessments.

When applying for this cyber role, please review the information above and update your resume to align your experience with the listed competencies. Your resume must also show demonstrated cyber/IT related experience in:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving

To receive email notifications when new CISA positions are announced, set up a "saved search" on USAJOBS with keyword "Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency."

Individuals eligible for special hiring authorities may also be considered during CISA's one-stop hiring events or by emailing Veterans@cisa.dhs.gov or Careers@cisa.dhs.gov.

APPLY NOW