Computer Scientist-Direct Hire Authority

Summary

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose is to apply technical work and professional engineering to modeling and simulation systems that support developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT & E and OT & E) test programs.

Duties

• Serves as project engineer for development of aircraft flight simulators. Conduct and report on simulator tests in the area of dynamic and static stability, performance, and flight control systems. Prepare technical documentation of simulator development and operation which describe, in detail, mechanization techniques, new or unique software algorithms, operations procedures, configuration control; present test results; draw conclusions and make recommendations. Perform technical and engineering work using classified information in various media and formats. Apply technical and safety review processes to minimize any hazards and to ensure technical adequacy. Develop, prioritize and report on organization performance goals and objectives. Develop operating procedures, test plans, and test reports within required suspense dates established by management.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Computer Science series. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards Basic Requirements: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: 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 with computer networks, system integration laboratories (SIL), and/or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) facilities integrating digital and analog processors, cockpit displays and controls, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and operational flight program software; software includes algorithms for navigation, ordnance targeting/delivery, flight controls, energy & propulsion management, communications, sensor imaging, and target locations and identification. Ideal Candidate: 2 years of experience in C++ computer programming desired 2 years of flight test experience desired 2 years of model and simulation experience desired 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. Ability to program (various languages and protocols), integrate/manipulate models and generate computer networks for virtual, live, and constructive simulation of combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems. 2. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and techniques across multiple interrelated and integrated technical and test engineering disciplines (combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems or related systems/subsystems). 3. Knowledge of flight and laboratory air vehicle/missile test conduct, coordination and supervision, data analysis/evaluation and applicable flight test truth sources, joint simulation environment and techniques, technical report preparation, and administrative aspects of flight test programs. 4. Ability to plan and organize work, coordinate between various electronic/aerospace/mechanical engineering and test disciplines, and coordinate with other Air Force, DoW, and other domestic and foreign government agencies. 5. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures to a variety of situations and to recommend timely and economical solutions. 6. Ability to maintain good working relations and to provide technical leadership and project management oversight as well as communicate effectively with a broad range of personnel both orally and in writing and to use modern computer software applications in support of communications and presentations. 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.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/01/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13053695 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.