Information Technology Specialist (APPSW), AI Software Engineer, GS-2210-15, FPL 15 (DH) (TERM)

Federal Student Aid • San Francisco, CA

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About The Position

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, Technology Directorate. The Directorate provides information technology services for Federal Student Aid systems, supporting strategic objectives through technology planning and investments, integrated architectures and standards, systems development and production support, and cybersecurity services.

The AI Software Engineer provides senior technical consulting, architectural leadership, and expert direction throughout the AI development lifecycle. The role leads software development and integration, coordinates internal and contractor teams, and translates functional and user requirements into secure technical specifications and system architectures. It also provides technical guidance on integrating AI services into enterprise, high-availability, mission-critical financial aid systems, with attention to interoperability, resiliency, reliability, and performance at scale.

The position implements and operates enterprise AIOps pipelines for automated testing, deployment, and monitoring, and maintains tools for data lineage, version control, CI/CD, and model validation to support repeatable production delivery. The role also communicates complex AI concepts, architectures, and strategic recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.

This is a term position for up to two years, which may be extended up to ten years, with the possibility of conversion to permanent. Relocation expenses will not be paid. Applicants must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date. Education cannot substitute for experience at this position and grade level.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-14, performing at least two of the three listed specialized-experience areas.
• Experience designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining enterprise-scale AI applications, including generative AI and large language model solutions; translating requirements into software; evaluating model performance; automating deployments; monitoring production systems; and improving reliability, security, and performance.
• Experience integrating AI models and services into complex enterprise applications using APIs, data pipelines, and cloud technologies; designing secure, scalable architectures; making technical design decisions; reviewing solutions; and collaborating with engineering, security, and business teams.
• Experience implementing AI governance and responsible AI practices throughout the software development lifecycle, including evaluating model risks, protecting sensitive data, testing outputs for accuracy and bias, implementing security and compliance controls, and monitoring safe and reliable operation.
• IT-related experience, paid or unpaid, and/or appropriate intensive training demonstrating the required competencies: attention to detail, customer service, decision making, information management, interpersonal skills, oral communication, problem solving, teamwork, and technical competence.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Males age 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must complete a background investigation and fingerprint check and be determined suitable for federal employment.
• May be required to serve a probationary or trial period; continued employment following that period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the vacancy announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical consulting, architectural leadership, and expert direction across the full AI development lifecycle.
• Implement and operate enterprise AIOps pipelines for automated testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Maintain tools for data lineage, version control, CI/CD, and model validation to enable repeatable production delivery.
• Lead software development and integration efforts and coordinate internal and contractor teams.
• Translate functional and user requirements into secure technical design specifications and system architectures.
• Guide the design and integration of AI services into enterprise, high-availability, mission-critical financial aid systems, ensuring interoperability, resiliency, reliability, and performance at scale.
• Communicate complex AI concepts, architectures, and strategic recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, subject to eligibility.
• Excused leave for parent/teacher conferences (3 hours) and annual health screenings (4 hours), and matching leave for community volunteer service.
• Alternative work schedules may be available.
• May be eligible for a recruitment incentive, subject to a service agreement.
• May be eligible for a relocation incentive, subject to a service agreement.
• May be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program as a recruitment incentive, subject to a service agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed