Computer Scientist

Defense Finance and Accounting Service • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information. This position involves applying knowledge and skill of relevant mathematical and statistical sciences, computer theory, algorithms, data structures, programming concepts, and computer architecture, with a working knowledge of computer hardware. The role develops and applies principles, theories, and techniques of computer science, software engineering, hardware design, enterprise computing, commercial cloud adoption, and information engineering. It directs the research of complex automated processes in the development of information systems in support of AI’s goal of accelerating the delivery of AI automation and AI enabled capabilities, services, and systems for the agency. The role also researches the applicability of new technological developments in the field to solve continuing problems or meet current/future needs of the agency’s AI information systems infrastructure. Additionally, it defines and designs mappings and models of technical computing architectures, high-speed systems architectures, interconnection structures, centralized and distributed control, data-driven architectures, and parallel programming languages. The role develops performance measures and performance models for automated information systems components and networks in order to define configuration design tools and to establish evaluation criteria for the acquisition of products. This position is developmental, and selections may be made at the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-12 and GS-13 grade levels without further competition.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation
• Suitable for Federal Employment
• Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
• 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.
• For entry at the GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-09 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Developing software systems; integrating information structures, new computing systems, or computer software and/or hardware solutions.
• For entry at the GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Developing software systems; transforming and integrating information structures, new computing systems, or computer software and/or hardware solutions; solving a variety of technical challenges/problems throughout the automated information systems life cycle in support of AI product development.
• For entry at the GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-12 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Advising on the development of software systems; development of software and systems; solving technical challenges and problems throughout the automated information systems life cycle; providing technical advisement on data and AI-related technical feasibility.
• Must submit copies of transcripts; failure to provide transcripts may render you ineligible for the position.
• For entry at the GS-11: Substitution of education for experience: A qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed higher-level graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
• If using education to substitute for the specialized experience, must submit transcripts at the time of application.
• Education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• For entry at GS-12 and GS-13: Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at these grade levels.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service.

Nice To Haves

• The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher.
• Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date.
• If selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn.
• Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.
• Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination.
• In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
• Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
• This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions.
• Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
• Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
• PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
• DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here ).
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge and skill of relevant mathematical and statistical sciences, computer theory, algorithms, data structures, programming concepts, and computer architecture, with a working knowledge of computer hardware.
• Develop and apply principles, theories, and techniques of computer science, software engineering, hardware design, enterprise computing, commercial cloud adoption and information engineering.
• Direct the research of complex automated processes in the development of information systems in support of AI’s goal of accelerating the delivery of AI automation and AI enabled capabilities, services, and systems for the agency.
• Research the applicability of new technological developments in the field to solve continuing problems or meet current/future needs of the agency’s AI information systems infrastructure.
• Define and design mappings and models of technical computing architectures, high-speed systems architectures, interconnection structures, centralized and distributed control, data-driven architectures, and parallel programming languages.
• Develop performance measures and performance models for automated information systems components and networks in order to define configuration design tools and to establish evaluation criteria for the acquisition of products.

Benefits

• health, vision, and dental insurance
• retirement benefits
• paid time off
• educational benefits
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level