Computer Scientist- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
What you'd do
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional work involving the application of, or research into, computer science methods and techniques to store, manipulate, secure, transform, or present information by means of computer systems.
Major duties
DR-1550-02: Develops, modifies, secures, and automates software, systems, components, applications, and architectures; and advances computing technologies using state-of-the-art industry best practices. Analyzes and resolves complex problems within assigned area, developing new or modifying existing methods, techniques, security, automation, architecture, administration, troubleshooting, system recovery, planning, theories, and creative IT solutions. Assesses and renders advice and assistance; provides formal and informal training to project managers, peers, and end users in specialty area technologies, concepts, interfaces, and issues. Serves as lead or key member in ongoing technical teams involved with the architecture, implementation, and testing of systems, applications, security, and technologies. Reviews requirements, reconciles security vulnerabilities, prevents duplication of effort, determines second and third-order effects, and assesses the impacts that new system or software will have on current or future systems. Provides information within assigned area to support the budget, acquisition, deployment, and retirement of software and equipment. Drafts or prepares a variety of documents to include responses to routine inquiries, reports, briefs, SOPs, architectures, and/or other related documents in a well-organized and timely manner. Provides information and effectively partners within and beyond own organizational unit to influence decisions or recommend solutions. Leads development and execution of projects to execute or advance work unit mission. Generates key ideas and contributes technically to advance the modeling capability of command. Leads, mentors, and performs complex assignments within a team environment to improve capability of a technology area or address command initiatives.
What you need to qualify
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes experience: designing, developing, securing, and/or maintaining complex software systems and/or IT architectures using modern best practices; designing and developing solutions to resolve technical problems with systems administration, software applications, components and/or architecture; participating in technical teams to test systems, applications, security, and/or technologies. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Click on the following link to view qualification requirements for this position: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/ COMPETENCIES: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership. IDEAL CANDIDATE: In addition to the specialized experience statements listed above, the ideal candidate would have the following skills and experience: -Knowledge of multiple AI/ML stacks (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit learn, LangChain) and familiarity with model ops pipelines (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, Azure ML) that enable rapid iteration, testing, and deployment of AI services. -Experience scripting in languages, such as Puppet, PowerShell, and Ansible, with a focus on automating system tasks and developing custom solutions. -Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot by analyzing complex system problems and develop effective solutions, including hardware and software issues, network and connectivity problems, and security and compliance incidents. -Experience with containerization technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes, with a focus on deploying and managing containerized applications in a cloud-based environment. -Experience in implementing DevSecOps practices, including static code analysis, container hardening, DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps), continuous integration, continuous deployment, and continuous monitoring, with a focus on ensuring the security and integrity of systems and data. -Experience applying cybersecurity principles, methods, and security products, including vulnerability assessment, incident response, and cybersecurity frameworks, such as RMF and NIST -Skills in project management principles, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation. -Experience in resolving customer needs, including understanding requirements, providing solutions, and delivering results, with a focus on ensuring customer satisfaction and building strong relationships. Hands on experience in the Secure Software development Lifecycle, managing DEVSECOPS pipelines and establishing security approval thresholds for in house code. Strong understanding of common software weaknesses (e.g., OWASP Top 10, CWE/SANS Top 25) and the ability to evaluate application architectures for exploitable patterns, misconfigurations, and insecure design elements. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
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