COMPUTER SCIENTIST (AI INNOVATION LEAD)

Summary

DCSA is hiring a Computer Scientist (AI Platform Lead) to lead major AI/ML initiatives in our innovation program and Software Factory. You will serve as the principal advisor on emerging software architecture, establish the agency's AI standards, and ensure compliance with DoW and NIST AI frameworks. If you possess expert Agile software engineering experience and are ready to secure national security technologies through cutting-edge AI innovation, apply today!

Duties

• As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST (AI INNOVATION LEAD) you will be responsible for the following duties: Serves as a DCSA senior technical advisor on emerging AI, machine learning, and advanced software engineering architecture across all agency mission areas. Serves as the authoritative agency voice on AI policy, standardizing technical criteria, and presenting program briefings to senior oversight bodies. Enables the governance of AI planning, engineering, and deployment of complex AI/ML capabilities within the Software Factory, utilizing Agile methodologies and iterative MVP releases. Establishes the enterprise AI governance framework, registry, and compliance strategies aligned with DoDI 5000.87, NIST AI RMF, and responsible AI guidelines. Leads strategic planning for, AI innovation and participates in other working groups to synchronize DCSA's AI and data capability development with defense, intelligence, and academic partners. Manages high-level liaison with the DoW CDAO, CIO, and industry vendors to negotiate solutions, evaluate emerging technology, and modernize agency operations.

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 09/07/2026 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 GG/GS-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 in computer science theories to design, engineer, and implement complex Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) software architectures within secure, high-impact environments. Experience in Agile methodologies and tools to manage enterprise-level projects, focusing on Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), continuous value assessments, and iterative software releases over traditional waterfall processes. Experience in establishing AI governance frameworks (such as case registries) and ensure compliance with federal standards such as AI NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles. Experience navigating and leveraging the Software Acquisition Pathways to vet, acquire, and deploy modern software capabilities within a defense or national security framework. Experience with High-level communication and negotiation skills to liaise with critical external stakeholders and advocate for program priorities to senior military and civilian leaders. 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. Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise. Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment that takes into consideration the environment, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organization goals and values. Project Management: Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. Enterprise Architecture: Knowledge of principles, concepts, and methods of enterprise architecture to align information technology (IT) strategy, plans, and systems with the mission, goals, structure, and processes of the organization.

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/13043177. 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).