Become an Intelligence Research Specialist at the Department of Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) stands at the forefront of securing America’s future. Protecting the nation's energy grid and nuclear infrastructure from foreign cyber actors is a cornerstone of our national security. The Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence is currently seeking a highly skilled Intelligence Research Specialist to spearhead these efforts. If you are an experienced analyst with a passion for cybersecurity and strategic defense, this is your opportunity to serve.

Job Responsibilities

As an Intelligence Research Specialist, your day-to-day will involve high-level strategic and technical work, including:

Threat Analysis: Conducting all-source analysis of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) campaigns targeting energy infrastructure.
Strategic Reporting: Authoring technical intelligence assessments to support executive decision-making.
Interagency Collaboration: Representing the DOE in forums to synchronize threat priorities and resolve intelligence gaps.
Innovation: Utilizing structured analytic techniques to evaluate foreign adversary capabilities and identify critical intelligence needs.

Requirements

This position requires a deep technical understanding of the cyber threat landscape. Candidates must provide:

One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 or GS-13 level.
A comprehensive two-page resume highlighting specific competencies.
A writing sample demonstrating complex analytical abilities.
Ability to meet suitability and security vetting requirements.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-13	GS-14
Scope	Senior Analyst	Lead/Expert Analyst
Focus	TTP identification & incident reporting	Strategic evaluation & policy support
Experience Req	1 year at GS-12 equivalent	1 year at GS-13 equivalent

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $121,785 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with grade and experience. Employees also enjoy the robust Federal benefits package, including health insurance, generous pension plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, prioritize clarity and precision in your application. Ensure your resume maps directly to the specialized experience requested. Use the recommended PDF format to maintain your document's layout and avoid the use of PDF portfolios. Above all, demonstrate your ability to articulate complex technical threats in a way that informs policy and defensive strategy.

Defending our nation's energy sector requires sharp minds and a dedication to the rule of law. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to U.S. national security, apply before November 9, 2026.

Why This Intelligence Research Specialist Job Matters

Protect the pulse of the nation's energy grid. Join the Department of Energy's Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence as an Intelligence Research Specialist and defend critical infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats.

Intelligence Research Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking a highly skilled Intelligence Research Specialist to join the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence. In this vital role, you will perform all-source cyber threat analysis to safeguard national energy missions. You will bridge the gap between technical threat data and executive decision-making, ensuring that leadership is equipped with the intelligence needed to mitigate risks to national security, nuclear assets, and the broader energy sector.

Requirements for Intelligence Research Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 (for GS-13) or GS-13 (for GS-14) grade level
Ability to analyze cyber threat data, TTPs, and indicators of compromise
Expertise in producing finished cyber intelligence reports and assessments
Experience briefing senior leadership or stakeholders on technical threat findings

Preferred Qualifications for Intelligence Research Specialist

Experience analyzing threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS/SCADA)
Strong background in all-source intelligence methodology and competitive hypothesis testing
Proven ability to lead interagency collaboration and represent agency perspectives in technical forums
Demonstrated skill in identifying intelligence gaps and coordinating with collection management teams

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance
✓Generous Retirement Planning via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with government matching
✓Paid Federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
✓Flexible telework opportunities
✓Life and long-term care insurance options

💡 How to Apply Intelligence Research Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Intelligence Research Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile and resume (maximum 2 pages).
Gather your writing sample and any necessary supporting documentation (transcripts, veteran preference forms).
Complete the online application through the official portal.
Review all assessment questionnaires carefully to ensure your resume explicitly reflects the required competencies.
Submit your complete package by the closing date of November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit as specified.
Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain 0.5-inch margins for optimal readability.
Focus your resume on specific examples of how your work directly addressed the specialized experience requirements.
Upload documents in PDF format to ensure your formatting remains intact during the screening process.
Submit your application early to account for any technical issues that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this position?

This role requires a high-level clearance involving Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, as it is classified as Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience required?

No, there are no education substitutions for this role; you must possess the specific one-year specialized experience at the required grade level.

Is this a remote-eligible position?

While the position is based in Washington, D.C. and involves on-site mission requirements, telework may be eligible according to general government-wide policies.

Is there an education requirement?

There is no formal education substitution for this role; it is strictly experience-based.

Will I need to take a drug test?

Yes, due to the high-risk and sensitive nature of the position, drug testing is a requirement.

Job from Department Of Energy Headquarters

The Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN) plays a critical role in informing national security policy. By identifying threats to energy security and science and technology fields, DOE-IN works to mitigate risks before they impact the U.S. homeland. As an employer, the DOE is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence and was named America’s #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023.