Summary
DCSA Acquisition and Technology, National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is seeking a Computer Scientist/Data Engineer (GG-13). The incumbent will serve as a technical advisor, developing advanced AI/ML, NLP, and cloud data architectures to safeguard the federal workforce. This role requires strong programming skills (Python/SQL) and containerization expertise. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA.
Responsibilities
As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST you will be responsible for the following duties: 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. Serves as a catalyst for creative engineering/computer scientist thinking to integrate new technology capabilities and opportunities to develop more effective and responsive intelligence. 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. Implements strategies for system development and analysis, operational logistics, project funding/budgeting, project cost, schedule and performance management. 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. 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-12) 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: Applying statistical and general-purpose programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL, and C++) to write clean code and build structured data pipelines for advanced data analysis. Implementing programming languages (e.g, C++, SQL, Python, R and other computational languages) to develop complex queries for the support of reporting and advanced analytical and machine learning capabilities. Utilizing natural language processing, text mining, machine learning techniques, and predictive modeling (including decision trees and regression) to transform large volumes of unstructured data into actionable, structured intelligence that supports risk mitigation. Integrating artificial intelligence and data architecture models seamlessly with secure cloud and enterprise IT infrastructure. Utilizing a strong mathematical foundation, specifically linear algebra, calculus, and statistics, to apply rigorous scientific and quantitative methods to evaluate data reliability, perform detailed risk assessments, and design automated data labeling workflows. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: Artificial Intelligence: This competency requires knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used to design systems that perform human intelligence functions. Data Analysis: This competency involves the ability to analyze, model, and transform data to highlight useful information, suggest recommendations and conclusions, and support senior leader decision-making. Programming: This competency is the skill to implement design solutions and apply programming languages across multiple platforms and development frameworks. Systems Design: This competency entails the ability to design and evaluate software and hardware and develop enterprise and solution architectures that meet user needs and optimize performance, using applicable principles, methods, and tools. Risk Management: This competency requires knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used for risk assessment and mitigation, including assessment of failures and their consequences.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/