COMPUTER SCIENTIST (SOFTWARE/CLOUD ARCHITECT)

Summary

This position is for a senior Software/Cloud Architect specializing in Microservices and 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. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA, America's Gatekeeper!!

Locations:

• Fort Meade, MD
• Hanover, MD
• Boyers, PA
• Farmers Branch, TX
• Quantico, VA
• Stafford, VA

This announcement is open to Current Federal employees in the competitive and excepted service. Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibles, and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles may also apply.

Duties

As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST (SOFTWARE/CLOUD ARCHITECT) you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Designs and develops enterprise software systems using microservices architectures.
• Integrates and manages APIs 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 APIs, 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

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• 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): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• Acquisition position: This position requires DAWIA Practitioner certification in Engineering and Technical Management and is expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
• However, applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain an Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner certification within 5 years (60 months) after the first day of starting in the position.

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: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/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 07/06/2026

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-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

• Designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level software systems, particularly with a focus on cloud-native and microservices architectures;
• Utilizing containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), data ingestion pipelines, API design and management;
• Utilizing multiple programming languages;
• Leading technical projects by making architectural decisions and ensuring the security and scalability of software solutions.

Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies

• Software Development: Expert knowledge in designing, developing, and testing software in a given environment, with a focus on microservices 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 lifecycle.

Education

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

Additional information