Computer Scientist/Computer Engineer-Direct Hire Authority Job in Eglin AFB, FL

Vacancy No. AFMC-1550085403-12784937-BH Department Air Force Materiel Command
Salary $88,621.00 to $137,000.00 Grade 3 to 3
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/18/2025 Close Date 9/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Eglin AFB, FL


Summary

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform software engineering and other professional work in the computer sciences/engineering and related scientific disciplines. To provide a technical authority in the areas of operating system theory, data structures, computer system architecture, software engineering and computer communications.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

Duties

  • Provides senior level professional computer engineering and computer sciences guidance in the development of new software applications/systems and modifications to existing software applications/systems
  • Provides on-site support and analysis to all assigned projects
  • Ensures all development and implementation efforts are performed using organizationally approved configuration management processes and procedures
  • Provides technical direction and training to lower level professionals and provides guidance, technical experitse, and asssistance to other engineers, and computer scientists in support of computer hardware and software applications

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
  • The position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
  • This position may require travel.
  • This position may require drug testing, and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
  • Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • This position requires completion of a full 4-year curriculum in an accredited college leading to a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. An advanced degree is preferred
  • The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and overtime on an emergency.
  • This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
  • The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DA WIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Computer Science Series 1550 and Computer Engineering Series 0854.

INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Basic requirements for 0854: You must meet one of the following qualification requirements described in Education below in order to qualify for the 0854. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institution.

Basic requirements for 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 institution

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 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes expert knowledge of full software development lifecycle, encompassing analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, and maintenance of complex software systems; proven ability to analyze intricate technical data, prioritize requirements, and develop innovative solutions to theoretical and practical data processing challenges; being a skilled negotiator and communicator, effectively conveying complex technical information orally and in writing to senior military, civilian government officials, and private industry stakeholders. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Ideal Candidate Statement (cannot be used for qualification determination):
  • Experience with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) management, using Agile project management principles and practices.
  • Experience with software test design and result analysis.
  • Skill in coding/developing software using contemporary software languages (e.g. C/C++, Python, C#, Java, etc.). Java experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of systems analysis and applications software concepts, functions, techniques, and capabilities sufficient to evaluate new and emerging data methods, and principles is a plus.
  • Experience with TSPI, radar, and optical data analysis is a plus

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. Application of the disciplines and science of analysis, design, development, implementation, test evaluation and maintenance of computer software and associated software products over the system software life cycle.
2. Ability to organize, prioritize, analyze, interpret and evaluate technical data, complex requirements and prediction of results in the solution of theoretical or practical data processing problems.
3. Extensive knowledge of complex data formats, systems architecture, data analysis and display concepts and automated computational processes and methodology to respond to customer requirements with versatility and sound judgment.
4. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, conducts research, summarize results, and provide appropriate recommendations and solutions to management.
5. Ability to plan and execute complex, multi faced projects and/or studies within established time, financial, and/or time constraints to resolve software engineering questions.
6. Skill and ability to negotiate complex issues, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex technical issues, report and briefing for senior military and civilian officials throughout the government and in private industry.
7. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key individuals/ groups inside and outside immediate working unit using high degree of tact and diplomacy.

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

Basic requirements for 0854:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.

4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

Additional information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13.

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.

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.

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.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The 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.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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.

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.
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/discharge 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.

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 09/17/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12784937

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 a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, 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.

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).

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

Air Force Test Center Recruitment
Address
Eglin AFB
310 W Van Matre Ave
Ste 102
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
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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