🟢 Status: OPEN | Closes: July 9, 2026 | Source: USAJOBS.gov
DISA IT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs 2026 — Defense Information Systems Agency | Apply Now
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), under the Department of Defense (DoD), is hiring IT Cybersecurity Specialists (SYSADMIN/INFOSEC) for 2026 at 15 locations across the United States. Positions are at the GG-13 senior level under the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES), with salaries ranging from $109,810 to $158,322 per year — plus potential Targeted Local Market Supplements (TLMS) at select duty stations.
This is one of the most strategically important cybersecurity roles in the entire US government. DISA is the agency responsible for securing and maintaining the DoD’s global IT infrastructure — providing secure communications and computing support to the President of the United States and the US Armed Forces worldwide. If you have expertise in cloud security, system administration, INFOSEC, and network defense, this is your opportunity to defend America’s most critical digital infrastructure.
⚠️ This announcement closes July 9, 2026. Apply now.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | IT Cybersecurity Specialist (SYSADMIN/INFOSEC) |
| Agency | Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) |
| Department | Department of Defense (DoD) |
| Job Control Number | 864594700 |
| Locations | 15 locations — AL, AZ, DC, IL, MD, OH, OK, PA, UT, VA (see full list below) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Cyber Excepted Service (CES) |
| Pay Grade | GG-13 (DoD CES — equivalent to GS-13) |
| Salary Range | $109,810 – $158,322 per year |
| Additional Pay | Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) may apply at select locations |
| Open Date | April 10, 2026 |
| Closing Date | July 9, 2026 |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens / Nationals |
| Hiring Authority | 10 USC 1599f — DoD Cyber Excepted Service |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) Required |
| Background Investigation | Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Travel Required | Occasional |
| Telework Eligible | Limited — based on position and location |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
Available Duty Locations
| State | Location |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Gunter Air Force Base |
| Arizona | Fort Huachuca |
| Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Illinois | Scott Air Force Base |
| Maryland | Annapolis; Fort George G. Meade |
| Ohio | Columbus |
| Oklahoma | Tinker Air Force Base |
| Pennsylvania | Chambersburg; Letterkenny Army Depot; Mechanicsburg |
| Utah | Hill Air Force Base |
| Virginia | Alexandria; Arlington; Suffolk |
About the Role
As an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (SYSADMIN/INFOSEC) at DISA, you will develop and implement cybersecurity objectives, standards, policies, and procedures to protect DoD information systems and the agency’s global network infrastructure. You will maintain and secure cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, administer servers and operating systems, and ensure the organization’s IT framework meets the most rigorous national security standards.
DISA supports the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and US Combatant Commands — providing the communications backbone for every major military operation around the world. The work you do directly contributes to national defense and global mission readiness. This position is in the Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level within the CES Occupational Structure.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Install, configure, and maintain servers, software, and critical IT infrastructure across DoD networks
- Manage data security and availability — including daily backup systems, recovery procedures, and disaster recovery planning
- Continuously monitor system health, performance, and security posture across assigned systems
- Design, deploy, and manage cloud resources across platforms including AWS GovCloud, Microsoft Azure Government, and Google Cloud DoD environments
- Coordinate software and hardware upgrades to ensure systems remain current and secure
- Develop and implement cybersecurity objectives, standards, policies, and procedures for DoD information system-level security programs
- Conduct systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with DoD security frameworks (RMF, NIST, STIG)
- Implement and enforce Zero Trust security principles across assigned networks and infrastructure
- Promote cybersecurity awareness among management and operational staff; ensure security principles are reflected in organizational goals
- Respond to and remediate cybersecurity incidents, intrusions, and system anomalies
- Coordinate with DoD components, military services, and Intelligence Community partners on cross-domain cybersecurity issues
- Maintain compliance with DoD Instruction 8500.01, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field preferred |
| Certifications | DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification required (CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, CASP+, or equivalent at IAT/IAM Level II or III) |
| Advanced Degree | Master’s in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance preferred for senior-level work |
| Education Substitution | Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute |
Specialized Experience — GG-13
To qualify at the GG-13 level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG/GS-12 level that includes at least one of the following:
| Experience Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Program Management | Managing programs pertaining to cybersecurity protocols and risk management at the enterprise or system level |
| Security Evaluations | Conducting systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews to assess vulnerabilities and compliance |
| Security Awareness & Policy | Promoting awareness of security issues among management and ensuring sound security principles are reflected in organizational visions and goals |
| Cloud Security | System administration providing oversight of operating systems; ensuring robust security and administration of cloud-based environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) |
| STIG/RMF Compliance | Installing, configuring, and maintaining operating systems in alignment with DoD security frameworks and organizational IT requirements |
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship: Required — no exceptions
- Security Clearance: Must obtain and maintain Top Secret / SCI clearance via Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) prior to reporting
- Drug Test: Required
- DoD 8140 Certification: Must maintain required baseline cybersecurity certification throughout employment
- CES Note: This position is in the Cyber Excepted Service under 10 USC 1599f — it does NOT convey eligibility to convert to the Competitive Service
- Probationary Period: Two-year trial period required
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $109,810 – $158,322/yr (GG-13 base rate) |
| TLMS | Targeted Local Market Supplement — additional pay at select locations (actual amount determined at time of selection) |
| Location Choice | 15 locations nationwide — choose the duty station that works for you |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 13–26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Training | DoD-funded technical training, certification maintenance, and professional development |
| Mission Impact | Direct support to the President, Secretary of Defense, and US military operations worldwide |
| Clearance Sponsorship | DISA sponsors and maintains your TS/SCI clearance — no out-of-pocket cost |
| Career Advancement | Clear progression within CES to GG-14 and GG-15 senior positions |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Build your federal resume (4–6 pages — include all IT/cybersecurity duties, specific tools and technologies used, cloud platforms, certifications, clearance history, dates, and hours per week)
Step 3 — Prepare required documents: resume, college transcripts (if using education to qualify), DoD 8140/8570 certification copies, and SF-50 (if current/former federal employee)
Step 4 — Search for Control Number 864594700 or apply directly: www.usajobs.gov/job/864594700
Step 5 — Select your preferred duty location(s) and complete the online questionnaire
Step 6 — Submit all documents before July 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
⚠️ Important: This is a Cyber Excepted Service position — your resume must specifically demonstrate qualifying cybersecurity experience. Generic IT resumes will not score well. Highlight cloud security (AWS/Azure), STIG compliance, RMF experience, and any DoD network work prominently. For multiple location options, you may indicate preferences when applying. All applications through USAJOBS.gov only.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference on this position. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional preference. Veterans with military IT, communications, signals intelligence, or cybersecurity backgrounds (MOS 25 series, 17 series Cyber, 35 series Intelligence, Navy CTN, Air Force 1B4X1 Cyber Operations, etc.) are exceptionally competitive for DISA cybersecurity roles. Include DD-214 with your application.
About DISA
The Defense Information Systems Agency is the DoD’s combat support agency responsible for providing secure and reliable communications and computing support that enables the President of the United States and US military forces to communicate globally. DISA operates one of the world’s largest and most complex IT networks — the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) — serving over 3 million military and civilian users worldwide. DISA manages the DoD’s transition to cloud computing, zero trust architecture, and next-generation cybersecurity across all military services and combatant commands. A career at DISA places you at the absolute forefront of US national cybersecurity — defending the digital infrastructure that every American military operation depends upon.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/864594700. We are not affiliated with DISA, DoD, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- IT Cybersecurity Specialist (SYSADMIN/INFOSEC) – USAJOBS #864594700
- Top 10 In-Demand Federal Cybersecurity Jobs in 2026
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