COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Summary

DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is seeking a Software Engineer, to serve as a technical expert in the multidisciplinary fields of Product Management, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, software development, data management and governance, tool development, systems engineering, sustainment, and related subject matter areas as they pertain to an enterprise system. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA, America's Gatekeeper!

Duties

• As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST you will be responsible for the following duties: Design and implement containerized microservices and Application Programming Interface-first integration frameworks to support enterprise backend systems. Develop and maintain core backend services, including case management Application Programming Interfaces, data ingestion pipelines, and authentication layers. Manage Application Programming Interface connections to 80+ external providers, ensuring secure token authentication, rate limiting, and robust error handling. Establish strict coding standards, security controls, and technical debt governance across Agile software development teams. Integrate Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning capabilities into backend architectures while adhering to Responsible Artificial Intelligence standards and National Institute of Standards and Technology Risk Management Framework compliance. The Office Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security established a Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) for certain Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Cyber positions within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System. Eligibility for the TLMS is based on cyber work roles within certain occupational series and on the work performed. This vacancy is designated as a STEM and/or Cyber position and pay for the incumbent will be based on the STEM and Cyber Pay Table.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 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 institutions. *NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Computer Science Series 1550 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/14/2026 Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-14 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience engineering and maintaining complex, enterprise-level backend software architectures and data integration systems. Experience designing containerized micro-services and Application Programming Interface (API)-first integration frameworks. Experience developing scalable core backend services, robust data ingestion pipelines, and secure authentication/authorization layers. Experience architecting and managing high-volume API connections to numerous external data providers (to include managing rate limiting, error handling, and token authentication). Experience establishing rigorous coding standards and technical debt governance. Experience utilizing Agile methodologies to iteratively develop, test, and release backend software solutions that support critical organizational or national security missions. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used to design systems that perform human intelligence functions. Data Systems and Management: Plan, develop, implement, and administer the collection, storage, maintenance, integrity, and retrieval of data, using knowledge of computer hardware, software, and systems. Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, and practices, and of equipment, tools, mechanical devices, and their uses to produce motion, light, power, technology, and other applications. Requirements Analysis: Knowledge of the principles and methods to identify, analyze, specify, design, and manage functional and infrastructure requirements; includes translating functional requirements into technical requirements used for logical design or presenting alternative technologies or approaches.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13051336. Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).