Computer Scientist (Software/Cloud Architect)

About the role

This position is for a senior Software Engineer specializing in API Integration. The incumbent will lead the design and development of cloud-native applications, focusing on creating scalable, secure, and resilient software systems. This role requires technical leadership, deep expertise in modern software architecture, and the ability to drive innovation within the organization.

Duties

• Designs and develops enterprise software systems using microservices architectures.
• Integrates and manages Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless service communication and data exchange.
• Leads the adoption of data related policies, strategies, and governance into software/cloud architecture research and operations.
• Ensures software solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure.
• Develops and maintains core NBIS backend services, including case management Application Programming Interface (API), data ingestion pipelines, authentication and authorization layers, and inter-service communication protocols.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical leadership on projects.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to define requirements and system design.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12-31-59.
• This is a Drug Testing designated position.
• Position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601.
• Work Schedule: Full Time.
• Overtime: Occasionally.
• Tour of Duty: Flexible.
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): May be Authorized.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt.
• Financial Disclosure: Required.
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• Must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• This position requires Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Practitioner certification in Engineering and Technical Management. Applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain certification within 5 years (60 months) after the first day of starting in the position.
• In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, any Information Technology/Security certifications/education specified in the DCWF Annex as defined by DoD 8570.01-M/DoD 8140-M must be obtained within six months of appointment date.
• The incumbent must sign a Statement of Understanding regarding the certification requirements and maintaining the appropriate certification is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement for the 1550 series: 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. Failure to provide transcripts will result in being rated ineligible.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates 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. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate all 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. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Experience in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level software systems, particularly with a focus on cloud-native and micro-services architectures.
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), data ingestion pipelines, Application Programming Interface (API) design and management, and proficiency in multiple programming languages.
• Experience in leading technical projects, making architectural decisions, and ensuring the security and scalability of software solutions.

Competencies

• Software Development: Expert knowledge in designing, developing, and testing software in a given environment, with a focus on micro-services and cloud-native applications.
• Systems Integration: Proven ability in installing, integrating, and optimizing information systems components, particularly within a cloud environment.
• Programming: Proficiency in implementing design solutions and applying programming languages across multiple platforms and development frameworks.
• Information Technology Architecture: Strong understanding of architectural methodologies used in the design and development of complex information systems.
• Technical Documentation Development: Experience in developing and maintaining technical and operational documentation to support the software life-cycle.

Additional information

• Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
• Veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
• This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant.
• Applicants selected may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
• Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service position.
• Non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
• This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
• This position requires DAWIA Practitioner certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification must be accomplished within 5 years (60 months) after entry into this position.
• Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years.
• This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD. The selectee's inability to successfully pass or refusal to conduct the test may result in the offer being withdrawn or removal from Federal service.
• You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if selected.