Summary
DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is seeking a Computer Scientist/Data Engineer. The incumbent will perform computer science, AI/ML, and analytics to develop tools responsive to dynamic mission data. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA.
Responsibilities
This position may be filled at either GG-11 or GG-12 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent. As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST you will be responsible for the following duties: GG-11: Performs professional work in computer science, that may include data science, intelligence, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), system analysis, risk analysis, predictive analysis and computer simulation. Analyzes, interprets and correlates qualitative and quantitative data providing technical, scientific and engineering advice on efforts of military, civilian and contractor personnel to achieve DCSA objectives on a wide variety of efforts. Applies analytic methods such as regression, decision tree and statistical probability to improve data reliability and quality. Creates unprecedented approaches, analytical tools and methods to analyze unique situations and draw accurate and significant conclusions. Plans, describes and/or develops computer programs required to keep existing software responsive to constant changing data requirements. GG-12: Performs professional computer science work involving data science, AI/ML, system analysis, predictive analysis, and computer simulation to support complex agency-wide intelligence and security objectives. Analyzes, interprets, and correlates qualitative and quantitative data to provide authoritative technical, scientific, and engineering guidance across military, civilian, and contractor personnel on critical DCSA initiatives. Applies advanced analytic methods including regression, decision trees, and statistical probability to elevate data reliability, model quality, and predictive rigor across mission systems. Creates unprecedented approaches, analytical tools, and methodologies to resolve unique situations, address incomplete data, and draw accurate, impactful conclusions. Plans, describes, and develops computer programs and data architectures required to keep mission software agile and responsive to constantly evolving requirements. 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 10/19/2026 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. For the GG-11 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-09 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: Utilizing detailed risk assessments. Utilizing statistical and general-purpose programming languages for data analysis. Developing basic queries for the support of reporting and advanced analytical and machine learning capabilities using programming languages such as HTML, C++, VBA, FOCUS, SQL, Python, R and other computational languages. Utilizing natural language processing, text mining, or machine learning techniques. Leading or following team direction, including project milestones and deliverables. For the GG-12 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-11 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: Implementing detailed risk assessments. Applying statistical and general-purpose programming languages for data analysis. Developing queries for the support of reporting and advanced analytical and machine learning capabilities using programming languages such as HTML, C++, VBA, FOCUS, SQL, Python, R and other computational languages. Implementing natural language processing, text mining, or machine learning techniques. Leading or following team direction, including project milestones and deliverables. 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 Computer Languages: Knowledge of computer languages and their applications to enable a system to perform specific functions. Data Analysis: Analyze, model, and transform data to highlight useful information; suggest recommendations and conclusions, and support senior leader decision making. 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. Database Management Systems: Knowledge of the uses of database management systems and software to control the organization, storage, retrieval, security, and integrity of data.
Education
If substituting education for experience at the GG-11 level, you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related. If substituting or combining education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions. Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/