Information Security Engineer

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is seeking an Information Security Engineer to help run an effective program that protects CBO’s information systems. In this hybrid role based in Washington, DC, you will support day-to-day security operations while improving detection, response, and alignment with federal requirements.

What you’ll do

• Lead and participate in investigations of security incidents, ensuring rapid containment and remediation.
• Design, implement, and fine-tune security tools and solutions, including Checkpoint EDR, CheckPoint VPN, iBoss, QRadar, and other security platforms.
• Develop and maintain detection rules, alerts, and dashboards to improve visibility and threat detection.
• Integrate and optimize threat intelligence feeds to strengthen correlation and alerting.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues affecting security tools and systems.
• Monitor and manage security events, responding to alerts from SIEM and other security tools.
• Align engineering and operations activities with federal requirements including NIST 800-53, FISMA, and FedRAMP.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to security tools and processes.
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices to continuously evolve the security environment.
• Track tasks to help ensure timely completion.

Required qualifications

• US citizenship or current permanent residents seeking citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance.
• 8 to 10 years of information technology experience.
• At least 5 years of recent experience conducting risk analysis, analyzing audit logs, developing a zero trust architecture, identifying system vulnerabilities, and performing threat hunting to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Demonstrated expertise across a variety of security systems and technologies currently in place.
• Recent experience with cloud security and advanced threat defense, firewall implementation, system penetration technology, malware detection, and network operating systems (administration of Windows, Linux, or cloud operating systems is a plus).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including explaining complex technical topics clearly to senior staff, information systems professionals, and both technical and nontechnical users.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of information technology security concepts; experience with NIST 800-53 controls and requirements; and familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of AI and machine learning.
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Desirable certifications include CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Cloud+, Security+, Pen Test, and/or other applicable certifications.

Technology areas

• Checkpoint EDR, CheckPoint VPN, iBoss, QRadar, SIEM
• NIST 800-53, FISMA, FedRAMP
• MITRE ATT&CK, zero trust architecture
• Windows, Linux
• AI and machine learning

Work location and schedule

• Location: Washington, DC (hybrid)
• Work site options: telework eligible as determined by agency policy
• Full-time telework: not available
• Requires in-person presence in the Washington, D.C. office on designated core days
• Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs, including on-site support for agency infrastructure and data center operations
• Periodic travel: approximately once per month to the agency’s alternate computer facility

Employment details

• Salary: USD 120,000 - 185,000 per year
• Appointment type: Permanent
• Work schedule: Full-time
• Federal service type: Excepted Service
• Occupations and job series: 2210 Information Technology Management
• Supervisory status: No
• Represented by a union: No
• Drug test: No
• Financial disclosure required: No
• Security clearance: Other (top-secret clearance required to obtain and maintain)
• Remote job: No
• Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
• Travel required: Not required (separately noted travel to an alternate computer facility is approximately once per month)

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in the posting.

Required documents

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three references

How to apply

• Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three reference contacts at www.cbo.gov/careers.
• Apply by November 13, 2026 for consideration; CBO may stop accepting applications at any time after that date.
• This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.

Agency contact

• Human Resources
• Email: [email protected]
• Congressional Budget Office, Ford House Office Building, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20515-6925, US

Next steps

• You will receive an email confirming your application.
• If qualified, your application will be forwarded to the hiring division.
• If you do not meet qualifications, you will be informed by email and your application will not be considered further.
• All qualified candidates will be notified by email when the position has been filled.