Secure the Future: Become a Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead at CISA

In an era where digital threats evolve at breakneck speed, the resilience of our nation's critical infrastructure is paramount. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is at the forefront of this defense, and we are looking for a visionary Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead to join our mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape how the federal government and its partners respond to complex cyber incidents.

Job Responsibilities

As a Team Lead, your primary responsibility is to translate theoretical risks into actionable training. Key duties include:

Exercise Design: Applying Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) principles to build operational resilience.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engaging with SLTT (State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial) partners and the private sector.
Technical Facilitation: Guiding stakeholders through complex cyber scenarios, ranging from table-top discussions to full-scale exercises.
Strategic Reporting: Drafting after-action reviews and executive briefings that influence national cybersecurity policy.

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a high-level security clearance.
Assessment: Completion of the mandatory USA Hire technical assessments.

Candidate Comparison

Feature	Requirement / Detail
Position Grade	GS-13
Location	Arlington, Virginia
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max
Drug Testing	Required (TDP)
Travel	Possible (Travel Code 2)

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Federal employees also enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Extensive health and dental insurance options.
Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for ongoing professional training and career advancement.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: If your resume exceeds two pages, the system will not process your application.
Be Original: Do not copy-paste job duties; explain your unique professional achievements.
Detail Matters: Ensure you include specific pay plans, series, and grades for all previous federal roles.

Serving as a Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead is more than a job—it is a commitment to public service and the safety of the United States. If you are ready to apply your technical leadership skills to defend our national infrastructure, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead Job Matters

Shape the future of national cybersecurity resilience by leading complex, high-stakes exercises that defend our nation's critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead Job Overview

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead. This mission-critical role focuses on designing and executing sophisticated cybersecurity exercise programs to bolster national security. Working within the Infrastructure Security Division, you will collaborate with diverse public and private partners to identify risks, evaluate response capabilities, and ensure our nation is prepared for tomorrow's cyber threats.

Requirements for Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to obtain and maintain a high-level security clearance
Submission of a resume limited to two pages maximum
Completion of USA Hire Assessments
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Commitment to a one-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead

Experience in the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
Background in leading multidisciplinary intra- and interagency project teams
Demonstrated ability to present technical data to non-technical stakeholders
Experience coordinating with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) or private sector partners

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
✓Flexible work options and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Carefully review the entire job announcement.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Submit your application and all supporting documentation before the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
Track your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding two pages will automatically disqualify you.
Ensure your experience is clearly articulated in your own words rather than copying terminology from the announcement.
Double-check that all professional dates (month and year) and weekly hours are included for every job listed.
Use the optional short essay questions to demonstrate your passion for public service and CISA’s mission.
Prioritize your USA Hire Assessments, as they are a mandatory part of the qualification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Cybersecurity Exercise Team Lead?

You will lead the planning, design, and execution of cybersecurity exercises, such as tabletop and functional drills, to help agencies and private partners better manage and respond to infrastructure risks.

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though applicants must be able to perform duties in accordance with agency policy.

Are there specific education requirements?

This role emphasizes specialized experience in IT management. There is no substitution of education for the required years of specialized professional experience.

Job from Cybersecurity And Infrastructure Security Agency

CISA, a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is the operational lead for federal cybersecurity. We work tirelessly to defend against the threats of today while proactively securing against the risks of tomorrow. Our team is diverse, multidisciplinary, and deeply committed to the protection of public safety, the economy, and our national security.