This position is for an Examiner/Senior Examiner (IT/Cybersecurity) located in the Division of Enterprise Regulation (DER) at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for assessing the Regulated Entities' IT operations and cyber risk management practices, including the rapidly evolving frontier areas of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
All U.S. Citizens
Division of Enterprise Regulation
The Division of Enterprise Regulation (DER) is responsible for the supervision of the Enterprises - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and U.S. Financial Technology, LLC (the Regulated Entities). Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and US FinTech are critical components of the nation's housing finance system and rely heavily on information technology (IT) systems and data to run their businesses. FHFA's Division of Enterprise Regulation (DER) is responsible for overseeing the Regulated Entities and ensuring their safe and sound condition and operations. DER is seeking dynamic IT Examiners/Senior Examiners to join our team!
Position Overview
The Examiner/Senior Examiner (IT/Cybersecurity) is assigned to a technology risk branch within the Division. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, and completing examinations of the GSEs across a range of information technology disciplines. This will include assessing IT strategies and operations, information security and cybersecurity processes, artificial intelligence, data management practices, and business resiliency planning to ensure these align with regulatory guidance and industry standards. This is an opportunity to apply your IT and cybersecurity acumen to high-stakes, mission-driven work that protects the security and resilience of institutions vital to the nation's housing finance system.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
The Examiner/Senior Examiner (IT/Cybersecurity) duties listed below are at the EL-14 grade level. Depending on the grade level selected, the incumbent will perform the following duties with varying levels of supervision and difficulty:
- Lead or play a key role in the development of examination strategies and work plans; determine the scope of examination activities; and devise new or modify current work methods and procedures, as needed.
- Ensure that the development of examination scope and reports are fully completed according to prescribed FHFA regulatory and supervisory policy and program guidelines and standards.
- Develop sources of material appropriate for the evaluation of new or unique types of activities or operations.
- Perform thorough research to identify material suitable for unprecedented issues.
- Communicate examination findings and their bases to senior management to elicit management's views.
- Facilitate the flow of information and ensure a fully accurate understanding of the key risks, processes. and controls, and the factual basis for findings during the course of an examination.
- Document examination findings thoroughly through a combination of GSE source documents, report comments, and other examination workpapers that address both management practices and conditions.
- Maintain ongoing awareness/knowledge of significant issues or events and emerging risks that may impact the continued safe and sound operations of the GSEs.
- Provide program expertise concerning industry problems and the adequacy of current examination techniques in dealing with them.
- Analyze highly complex and/or extremely contentious banking, financial, housing, operational, and mortgage-market developments affecting the entities.
- Provide detailed and exhaustive written analysis along with innovative, yet effective recommendations encompassing the full range of supervisory issues requiring FHFA approval or attention.
- Maintain an authoritative knowledge of issues, trends, and advances in risk management and risk-based examinations of large, complex financial institutions.
- Provide FHFA management with expert advice on advances in examination management of practices and risk-based examination procedures.
- Conceive and implement new approaches for the enhancement of the examination program.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
- If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
- FHFA participates in e-Verify. All new hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
- This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
- This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the Washington, DC duty location.
- The successful candidate will also enroll in the FHFA Housing Finance Examiner (HFE) Commission Program, unless the person holds a commission from another Federal banking agency.
You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-12 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-11 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.
Examples of specialized experience include:
- Participating in analyses, audits, or other reviews of financial institutions related to information technology (IT) cybersecurity risk and related governance factors.
- Supporting the review and assessment of IT and cybersecurity compliance policies and risk management approaches.
- Contributing to written reports including evaluative commentaries appropriate to IT and cybersecurity risks and internal controls.
Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.
Examples of specialized experience include:
- Conducting analyses, examinations, or audits to evaluate the effectiveness of technology/cybersecurity risk controls and related practices in light of applicable laws, rules, regulations, regulatory guidance, or industry standards.
- Preparing written examinations or analysis of audits or other risk assessments and presenting the reports to management officials.
- Assessing technology/cybersecurity risk analysis and compliance issues in a regulated environment and providing recommendations for enhancements related to these issues.
- Assessing and validating risk management or techniques used in risk assessments or other critical areas working within regulated industries or organizations.
Minimum Qualification EL-14: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-14 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-13 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.
Examples of specialized experience include:
- Leading complex analyses, examinations, or audits to evaluate the effectiveness of technology/cybersecurity risk controls or related practices in light of applicable laws, rules, regulations, regulatory guidance, or industry standards.
- Preparing written examinations/audit reports or analysis and presenting the reports to senior officials within the audited organization or with the regulator/auditor.
- Performing analysis of cybersecurity and IT risk activities in a regulated industry or environment to identify potential risks or compliance issues, presenting findings, and developing recommendations related to technology/cybersecurity risk management and compliance.
- Working with regulatory requirements and guidelines related to technology/cybersecurity risk analysis and compliance.
*Audit or safety and soundness examination experience strongly desired. Commissioned examiners strongly encouraged to apply*
In addition to meeting the above minimum qualification requirements, applicants must also meet one of the following basic requirements for this position:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
To be eligible for the 0570 series, you must meet one of the following requirements:
A. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, banking, business administration, commercial or banking law, economics, finance, marketing, or other fields related to the position.
-OR-
B. Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
- Work requiring a thorough knowledge and the application of commercial accounting or auditing principles and practices (but less than full professional accounting knowledge) with a financial institution.
- Examining or auditing such financial institutions as savings and loan associations, savings or commercial banking institutions or trust companies, farm credit associations, or Federal or State credit unions.
- Professional accounting or auditing work that provided a broad knowledge of the application of accounting or auditing principles and practices.
- Work that provided a thorough knowledge of Federal and State laws applicable to the type of financial institution involved (e.g., savings and loan associations, Bank for Cooperatives, savings or commercial banks, investment institutions, etc.), and of the operations and practices of such institutions.
-OR-
C. Certificate: A certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) obtained through written examination in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia meets the EL/GS-5 level requirements. Applicants with such certificates may also qualify for higher grade levels based on their education and or experience.
**Failure to provide your transcripts, when required, for any of the options above will remove you from the hiring process**
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
An Overview of FHFA's Benefits provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to Federal employees who have been involuntarily separated or whose positions are surplus. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet CTAP/ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified with a score of 90 or above; and (3) submit required documentation. For more information, visit: For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, parental or marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: FHFA provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities unless it would create an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, contact [email protected]. All requests are reviewed case by case.
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is being filled through the Federal Housing Finance Agency's hiring authority granted by the Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA) and is considered a Mission Critical Occupation. For this reason, veteran's preference does not apply to this announcement.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
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Attention to Detail
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Customer Service
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Decision Making
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Flexibility
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Influencing/Negotiating
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Integrity/Honesty
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Interpersonal Skills
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Learning
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Reading Comprehension
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Reasoning
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Self-Management
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Stress Tolerance
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Teamwork
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12994916
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to [email protected] or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.
FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to check out the new USAJOBS Help Center link (USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?), as it details what you should, and should not, include in your resume. Below you will find some of the required information that you should include in your federal resume:
- Contact Information: Your name and the best way to contact you.
- Relevant work experience: Job experience should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
- Education, certifications or licensures: If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure you include the required information on the resume.
Other important information regarding your resume:
- As a part of the Executive Order 14170 titled, "Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service", all applicant resumes must be 2 pages or less. The long-form Federal resume style is now prohibited under this Executive Order. To be compliant with this guidance, please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
- Due to the new 2-page resume limitation, finalists for this position may be asked to provide additional previous employment information for pay setting purposes.
2.
Required, if applicable: This position may require a minimum level of education or a combination of education and experience. Please submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) along with your application.
Failure to provide transcripts, when required, will result in removal from the hiring process. Note: If you are selected for a position, an official transcript will be required before onboarding.
3.
Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
4.
Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).
5.
Other Supporting Documents:
- Cover letter, optional
- SF-50, optional
Important Notes:
- Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
- Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
- Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
- Do not submit encrypted documents.
- Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
- If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Ryan Stanger at [email protected] or 771-233-7320 to obtain an alternative application.
Ryan Stanger
Address
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the qualification requirements for the position. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the qualifications on the information provided in their resume and the completed USA Hire Assessment. Applicants deemed best qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There are currently multiple vacancies available for both locations. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the opening date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s)***
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for FHFA to share your application with others in FHFA for similar positions. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency or at other agencies across the Federal government.
Accepting applications
Posted this month · Apply in 2 days
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 15, 2026
Location
Washington, DC
Many vacancies
McLean, VA
Many vacancies
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$111,677 - $250,888 per year
Reflects the EL-12/13/14 pay range in Washington, DC. Salary will be based on FHFA's geographical salary structure for your duty location.
Pay scale & grade
EL 12 - 14
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0570 Financial Institution Examining
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DER-26-06-DH
