IT Specialist (APPSW) "Software Engineer", GS-2210-15 FPL GS-15 (Direct Hire) (Open Continuous)
What you'd do
This position is in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Federal Student Aid (FSA), Technology Directorate (TD). The Technology Directorate provides information technology services for all FSA systems, promoting the effective and secure use of technology to achieve FSA's strategic objectives through sound planning, investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development, production support, and cybersecurity services.
Major duties
This is an open continuous announcement with cutoff dates. Applications will be referred based on receipt of application and established cutoff dates as follows: 1st cutoff date: 07/10/2026 2nd cutoff date: 07/20/2026 Last cutoff date: 07/30/2026 We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a IT Specialist (APPSW), GS-2210-15, you will be responsible for: Leading the technical direction for FSA engineering by applying deep knowledge of modern software engineering practices to ensure systems are robust, reliable, and user-friendly, while keeping the team focused on outcomes that directly improve the experience for millions of students and families. Evaluating, adopting, and championing new development tools, technologies, and methods that improve both productivity and software quality across the FSA lifecycle, while elevating the work of contractors and setting a higher standard for product excellence across the organization. Fostering a culture that combines technical excellence with a relentless focus on mission outcomes, while providing coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities for both government staff and contractors, raising the bar for engineering practice and delivery across the federal government. Taking ownership of improving not just the product but also the internal processes that surround it, while proactively identifying and fixing inefficient or outdated processes that slow down delivery, serving as a catalyst for change by removing obstacles, building alignment across stakeholders, and modeling a bias toward action. Applying deep experience in building and managing products that serve millions of users at scale, with high stakes for accuracy, security, and reliability, while ensuring FSA systems meet the demands of peak traffic periods, protect sensitive personal and financial data, and deliver seamless experiences for students, families, and institutions.
What you need to qualify
Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-15, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-15: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-14 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience serving as the principal engineer or engineering lead in the development of a scaled technology platform. Experience serving as a lead engineer or senior software developer, overseeing internal and external software development, integration, and operation. Experience communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translating user needs into technical architecture. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). Ability to lead engineering teams to deliver high-quality outcomes for users. Knowledge of software application best practices and emerging technologies tooling, including but not limited to AI and Data. Ability to build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing engineering culture across the organization. Ability to navigate complex systems and process while driving effective change management. Knowledge of building and operating large-scale, mission-critical financial system or comparable complex technology systems.
Before you apply
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