COMPUTER ENGINEER Job in Colorado Springs, CO

Vacancy No. 6V-AFPC-12704141-743873-MHS Department U.S. Air Force Academy
Salary $127,818.00 to $166,163.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/26/2025 Close Date 3/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Colorado Springs, CO


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the expert cyberspace technical officer within Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP), providing specialized technical direction, consultation, advice, review, project management, and assistance to the leadership of AF TENCAP, HQ ACC, United States Cyber Command.

Duties

  • Directs and manages AF TENCAP cyberspace projects and provides oversight of personnel working AF TENCAP and SIDC cyber activities.
  • Serves as senior technical subject matter expert (SME) on offensive and defensive cyberspace methodologies, and the technical aspects required for information system reconnaissance and incident response.
  • Serves as AF TENCAP cyberspace and cyber-related projects Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), enabling rapid non-traditional acquisition of cutting-edge capabilities.
  • Serves as senior AF TENCAP Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE) on cyberspace contracts, ensuring capabilities are quickly delivered to customers, while managing realistic cost/performance/schedule constraints.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station. Travel may be by military or commercial aircraft. Employee must be willing and able to travel on military and commercial aircraft.
  • Incumbent must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Incumbent is required to work in a vaulted area which requires a Top Secret/SCI security clearance and routine access to DoD Special Access (CONT)
  • Programs/Special Access Required (SAP/SAR) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Compartmented Access Programs (CAPs). Therefore, it is highly desirable the incumbent come to the position with the appropriate security clearance.
  • Graduate work and/or advanced computer science or computer engineering degree are highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated technical experience in the form of certifications in the computer, networking, or information security arena is highly desired. Applicant should possess at least three of the following certifications: (CONT)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)/Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)/Certified Cisco Network Professional (CCNP) or Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA) / (CON'T)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) (CON'T)
  • GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) /RSA Certified Security Professional (CSP)/ Project Management Professional (PMP) Security+ or Network+
  • Highly desired to possess a minimum often years' experience working within the Intelligence Community (IC)-­ Familiar with AF Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (JSR) assets' collection, processing, exploitation, (CONT)
  • dissemination, and reporting concept of operations (CONOPS), tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs), and policies.
  • Highly desired to possess a minimum of 7yrs experience in cyber systems project management--familiar with AF acquisition processes, policies, and procedures, and how they relate to AF cyber systems projects and programs.
  • Highly desired to possess a minimum of 4yrs experience with space systems development, acquisition, or project management, or operations- familiar with AF acquisition processes, policies, and procedures, (CONT)
  • and how they relate to AF space systems projects and programs (Space Professional Level I certification desired as a minimum).

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT GS-0854-14: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes mastery expert professional knowledge computer engineering systems (hardware and software) related to information security and thoroughly understands each step in the penetration testing methodology, including reconnaissance, scanning, fingerprinting, enumeration, vulnerability identification, exploitation, to rootkits and command and control. Conducts and advises on testing operations for acceptance and operation of complete systems and equipment to be used in a variety of projects by various agencies. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Mastery of professional computer engineering knowledge in cellular and wireless systems, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),GSM, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, and Wifi, including their encryption, authentication, and operating specifications involving the design, construction, and operation of advanced computer systems including hardware and software and their integration and in the application of engineering and scientific theories and principles to unique complex computer-based systems and resolving unusual and controversial problems.

2. Expert knowledge of Engineering, signal processing, database management, and programming to include knowledge of systems backup, incident response, continuity planning, and disaster recovery and knowledge of the function, operation, and limitations of Intrusion Detection Systems, AntiVirus systems and firewalls to include evaluating and advising on the feasibility of new technology and state-of-the-art equipment for incorporation into existing systems and equipment.

3. Expert knowledge of high-level computer programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Ruby, and lower-level scripting languages such as Shellscript, Javascript, Pearl, and/or Python.

4. In-depth knowledge of the 7 layers of the OSI model and the communications and operations of the various protocols at each layer. Protocol knowledge should include Domain Name Service (DNS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Transport Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Control Messing Protocol (ICMP), Internet Protocol (IP), and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to include routing protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).

5. Knowledge of Asymmetric and Symmetric cryptography (including the Data Encryption Standard (DES), 3DES, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), El Gamal, Elliptic Curve, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the methods of key exchange (such as Diffie-Hellman), methods of hashing, such as MD5 and the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), stenography, and covert channels.

6. Ability to lead a team of contractor and government personnel developers and testers to accomplish technologically challenging objectives to conceive new approaches and modify strategies to meet novel interfacing and integration conditions for the innovative cyber projects for an AF level program which may interface with a variety of agencies. Ability to manage programs to ensure adherence to cost/performance/schedule. Ability to educate coworkers and leadership on complex computing, networking, communications, and information security details, trends, limitations, and operations. Skill in working with and monitoring contracts and writing statements of work to include knowledge of contracting requirements to include evaluating contractors' performance. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to include briefing skills for a wide variety of high-ranking personnel while using tack and diplomacy in keeping a supportive rapport with all levels of personn

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information


Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

  1. Online Application: Questionnaire
  2. Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
  5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
  6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/12/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12704141

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

  • It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Address
USAF Academy
5136 Eagle Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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