Information Security Specialist: Governance & Compliance Engineer

Overview of Duties

The Information Security Specialist works with the IT security team to ensure the security of court systems and serve as a security resource to courts within the Sixth Circuit for their governance and compliance program. The major responsibilities and duties include the following:

• In coordination with the Circuit IT Security Officer (ITSO), respond to emergent threats, assist court units in the circuit, and track and report progress. Assist in identifying, prioritizing, and coordinating the protection of critical cyber infrastructure and key resources.
• Provide guidance and assistance in implementing and maintaining business objectives (i.e. security scorecard, CIS controls, assessments, internal audit controls, security data calls).
• Manage information security projects (or security-related aspects of other IT projects). Coordinate and lead IT staff and court users to identify, plan, and implement initiatives and projects. Prepare and present reports and training.
• Develop and maintain a documentation template repository; modernize and maintain the circuit's data repository. Review and advise courts on documentation requirements.
• Assist the Circuit ITSO in performing, analyzing, and archiving SWOT and other gap analyses to ensure compliance with required frameworks, controls, and assessment.
• Manage CIS controls self-assessment too; provide guidance and assistance to courts on documentation, program management, etc.
• Assist the Circuit ITSO in creating, tracking, and maintaining KPIs. Prepare scheduled data points and KPIs for use in reports to circuit-wide executives and other Judiciary stakeholders.
•  Research custom solutions for courts as needed.

Qualifications

• Required: Four years of experience in information security systems. Experience with cybersecurity compliance programs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; excellent customer service skills. Detailed, organized, and self-driven. Ability to work under pressure and within the constraints of conflicting deadlines. Proactive, problem-solving approach. Ability to respond effectively in critical situations. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Ability to travel (25% - 50%).
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. Related cybersecurity or IT project management certifications. Related experience in a court, government agency, or equivalent environment.

Total Rewards & Work/Life Balance

• Compensation* : $87,791 - $142,732 (CL 29) (*Salary commensurate with qualifications)
• Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental and vision insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and mass transit subsidies. On-site fitness center. Federal retirement entails a pension plan (FERS-FRAE) and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K). Retirees may carry insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees. Visit ( to learn more about the Judiciary's competitive benefits.
• Work/Life: Annual time off - 13 vacation days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid holidays. Vacation days increase to 20 days after three years and to 26 days after fifteen years. Hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Conditions of Employment

Travel for this position is required. The selected candidate is provisionally hired pending results of background investigation/check and fingerprinting. This position is subject to updated background investigations every five years. Applicants selected for an interview must complete the Optional Background Information section on the Judiciary's application. Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees ( . Electronic Fund Transfer for payroll direct deposit is required. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. For citizenship requirements and additional information about careers in the Judiciary, visit ( The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, or to withdraw the announcement for any reason without notice.

How To Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet, including (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience in relation to the job duties and how you learned of the position, (2) a current resume, to the Director of Human Resources via the Resume button on our online application system. Position is open until filled; preference given to applications received by January 5, 2026 . Virtual interviews available.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is an equal opportunity employer. For a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, contact Human Resources at (513) 564-7250.