Computer Scientist/Computer Engineer-Direct Hire Authority

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is to function as the senior project scientist/engineer in performing advanced hardware/software analysis for equipment or devices by applying state of the art technologies.

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Computer Science Series 1550 and Computer Engineering Series 0854. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Basic requirements for 0854: You must meet one of the following qualification requirements described in Education below in order to qualify for the 0854. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institution. Basic requirements for 1550: 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 institution SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience in the fundamentals and principles of professional computer science/computer engineering gained through formal education and experience; computer hardware, systems software, and computer systems architecture, modeling, and integration; and mathematics, including calculus, probability, statistics, discrete structures, as it relates to the design, development, and model maintenance of network computer systems. 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. Ideal Candidate: Extensive knowledge of networking protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, SNMP, STP, VLANs, etc. Proficient in configuring and troubleshooting network devices: Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers (primarily Cisco and Palo Alto Networks). Solid understanding of network design principles: Layer 2 and Layer 3 architectures, network segmentation, redundancy, high availability. Experience with Network cabling and infrastructure: Copper, fiber, structured cabling, patch panels. Proficient in using network monitoring and management tools: ability to identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot network issues, and to gather information for accurate network diagram creation. Preferred tools (SolarWinds, Wireshark). Experience creating network diagrams: create clear, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing diagrams using software (Visio, SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper). Proficient in reviewing, interpreting, and implementing DISA STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides): ability to harden network infrastructure and ensure compliance with cybersecurity policies and regulations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Expert knowledge of the fundamentals and principles of professional computer science/computer engineering gained through formal education and experience; computer hardware, systems software, and computer systems architecture, modeling, and integration; and mathematics, including calculus, probability, statistics, discrete structures, as it relates to the design, development, and model maintenance of network computer systems. 2. In-depth knowledge of diversified, computer science/computer engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships, and ability to apply such knowledge to theoretical and practical problems with versatility, judgment, and perception in order to analyze performance of complex communication and data storage networks. 3. Skill and ability to organize, prioritize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate computer projects, complex problems, and prediction of results. Ability through study to keep abreast of computer/IT state knowledge technology, and to utilize such knowledge in the solution of theoretical or complex problems. 4. Professional skill and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex scientific issues and reports, or briefings prepared for senior military and civilian officials throughout the government and in private industry. 5. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, conducts research, summarize results, and make appropriate recommendations. 6. Knowledge of policies, programs, organizations, functions, resources, and legislation affecting the program(s) and the organizations studied or served, and related customers, functions, resources, and users. 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.