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National Vulnerability Database Program Manager


Job Location:

Gaithersburg, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 121785 - 121785
Posted: 6 October 2026 (2 days ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

Join NIST as the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Program Manager! Youll lead teams and software infrastructure while collaborating with global stakeholders to evolve vulnerability management standards. Identify ecosystem gaps and develop new technical guidelines and capabilities to strengthen our national cybersecurity posture.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.


Duties

ZP-IV: National Vulnerability Database Program Manager:

As the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Program Manager you will lead information security projects and technical teams with limited oversight to support NISTs cybersecurity mission.

  • Manage the NVD and its associated software infrastructure overseeing project lifecycles and technical teams to ensure operational excellence.
  • Interact with relevant stakeholder groups to anticipate and determine the needs of end users planning and implementing new capabilities as required.
  • Support the ongoing development of global standards including CVSS CVE and CPE through active participation in international standards organizations.
  • Identify deficiencies in the existing vulnerability management ecosystem to suggest and develop new capabilities and technical guidelines.

ZP-V: National Vulnerability Database Program Manager:

As the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Program Manager you will provide expert leadership and strategic direction for the NVD portfolio and serve as a primary authority on vulnerability management standards.
  • Define program goals and exercise wide latitude to influence the national security posture and the broader vulnerability management portfolio.
  • Coordinate with high-level stakeholders to identify complex end-user requirements and plan the integration of next-generation capabilities.
  • Influence and drive the development of standards (e.g. CVSS CVE CPE) through leadership roles and high-impact contributions within standards-developing organizations.
  • Architect new NIST-developed guidelines and national-level capabilities by identifying and addressing critical gaps in the vulnerability management ecosystem.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No
Qualifications

Experience must be IT-related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific intensive training (for example IT certification) as appropriate GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent): For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific proficiency level required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  1. Attention to Detail- Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Customer Service- Works with clients and customers (that is any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces including the general public individuals who work in the agency other agencies or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs provide information or assistance resolve their problems or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  3. Oral Communication- Expresses information (for example ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example technical sensitive controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others attends to nonverbal cues and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
In addition to the above requirements Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience working with vulnerability management identifiers and specifications such as CVE CVSS CPE and CWE.
  • Experience with CPE Product-URL SBOM SWID or different mechanisms of representing or modeling vulnerability information.
  • Experience working with or in standards development to produce standards.
For the ZP-V: In addition to the above basic requirements all applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience managing software projects.
  • Experience leading the implementation of vulnerability identifiers and specifications (e.g. CVE CVSS CPE CWE).
  • Experience leading and implementing the use of SBOM CPE SWID Product-URL or other vulnerability information modeling mechanisms based on a critical evaluation of their benefits and limitations.
  • Experience spearheading initiatives within standards development to produce and ratify new standards.

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.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Education

Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.



Additional information

This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

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.


Required Experience:

IC