Scientist

Naval Sea Systems Command • Panama City Naval Surface Warfare Center, FL

17h • Onsite

About The Position

This public notice flyer announces anticipated vacancies for a Scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division. Applications are not accepted through the flyer; interested applicants must follow the directions in its How to Apply section. There may or may not be vacancies filled, and applicants will not receive Notice of Result letters.

The Scientist plans, executes, and delivers complex computational, software engineering, and software integration efforts supporting NSWC PCD mission areas. The role applies advanced computer science theories, modern software development lifecycles such as DevSecOps and Agile, systems architecture principles, and cyber resilience. It works across technical departments to support interdisciplinary system development, establishes development milestones and automated metrics, addresses setbacks with corrective action, anticipates vulnerabilities and edge-case failures, and communicates technical concepts and risk to non-software engineers and naval leadership. The Scientist also prepares technical white papers, root-cause analyses, and executive summaries.

The position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project and may be filled at ND-02, ND-03, or ND-04, corresponding respectively to GS-05/08, GS-09/11, and GS-12/13. The position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program and DAWIA requirements. It may require travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote or isolated sites, and extended travel on military or commercial aircraft. Depending on grade, the role has basic or intermediate cyberspace workforce qualification requirements under DoDM 8140.03 and Department of Navy policies.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and determined suitable for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct-deposit pay program.
• New Department of the Navy employees must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Must obtain and maintain the required interim and/or final security clearance before entering duty.
• Must meet applicable DAWIA certification and continuous learning requirements within established timeframes.
• Must meet applicable cyberspace workforce qualifications for work role code 661: Basic proficiency for ND-02/03 or Intermediate proficiency for ND-04, under DoDM 8140.03 and Department of Navy policies.
• Must be able to travel from the normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS locations, potentially including remote or isolated sites, and travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods.
• For ND-04, must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to ND-03/GS-09/11 conducting design, development, test and evaluation, integration, or in-service sustainment of system software, or equivalent experience.
• For ND-03, must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to ND-02/GS-05/08 applying fundamental computer science theories, algorithmic design principles, or modern software development methods, or equivalent experience.
• For ND-02, must meet the basic education requirement for the position.
• For the 1550 Computer Science Series, must have a computer science degree or a degree including 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science; at least 15 of those hours must be in mathematics and statistics including differential and integral calculus.
• Retired military members appointed to a civilian DoD position within 180 days immediately following retirement are subject to 5 U.S.C. 3326.

Nice To Haves

• For ND-04, relevant experience may include designing and deploying prototype software for naval systems such as robotics, unmanned platforms, or additive manufacturing using agile methods.
• For ND-04, relevant experience may include integrating and testing software with custom sensors, actuators, and commercial-off-the-shelf systems.
• For ND-04, relevant experience may include creating and managing simulation environments and digital twins to model system behavior and validate software performance.
• For ND-04, relevant experience may include working with military personnel, engineers, and project managers to translate operational needs into technical specifications and communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• For ND-04, relevant experience may include implementing secure coding practices and vulnerability assessments in accordance with Department of War standards.
• For ND-04, relevant experience may include supporting testing, demonstrations, and fielding of prototype systems and troubleshooting in naval environments.
• For ND-03, relevant experience may include planning and executing software assignments of basic to intermediate scope with moderate independence.
• For ND-03, relevant experience may include developing software components, implementing algorithm modules, integrating software and hardware, or establishing test routines.
• For ND-03, qualifying education may include a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; a combination of specialized experience and graduate education may also qualify.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and deliver complex computational, software engineering, and software integration efforts.
• Apply advanced computer science theories, modern software development lifecycles such as DevSecOps and Agile, systems architecture principles, and cyber resilience to support NSWC PCD mission areas.
• Cultivate working relationships across technical departments to support interdisciplinary system development.
• Establish development milestones and automated metrics tracking.
• Take ownership of project setbacks or technical difficulties and implement corrective action plans promptly.
• Anticipate operational vulnerabilities and edge-case failure modes.
• Explain computational algorithms, edge-computing trade-offs, and software risk postures to non-software engineers and naval leadership.
• Write technical white papers, root-cause investigative analyses, and executive-level summaries.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Certain incentives, such as recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment, may be authorized for eligible selectees.
• Relocation incentive may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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