IT Specialist - Principal Software Engineer Job

Vacancy No. Q2-2025-0041 Department Technology Transformation Service
Salary $146,481.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/21/2025 Close Date 10/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Phoenix, AZLos Angeles, CASan Francisco, CALakewood, CO


Summary

As an IT Specialist - Principal Software Engineer, you will serve as an expert software engineer and applications developer, providing technical leadership to cross-functional teams, architecting and deploying secure, scalable applications that advance services for the American people.

The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) is responsible for providing scalable software products and services to federal agencies.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is located within the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service, Technology Transformation Services (TTS), Office of TTS Delivery. We are currently filling 9 vacancies in any of the duty locations listed. Additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

Duties

Software Engineering/Applications Security Development

Serves as an expert software engineer and applications developer, managing and directing multiple highly complex and innovative IT and information security products, projects, and initiatives.

Employs modern software development languages and frameworks such as Python, Go, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, React, Ruby on Rails, Terraform, Next.js, HTML+CSS, and/or Rust.

Serves as a principal authority on a diverse range of highly technical and complex software engineering, development, security, and usability issues, as well as more widespread issues affecting customer agencies’ missions.

Provides authoritative subject matter expertise in software, security, and service design to internal agency, program office, and employing organization management and staff, as well as external government partners/customers and other stakeholders.

Works to determine product scope and approach, appropriate financial resources, personnel resources, and monitoring overall development and performance of IT products.

Provides Leadership to Product Delivery Teams

Provides leadership in the design, development, security, and deployment of IT software, applications, programs, and/or services leveraging current and emergent technologies and best practices.

Plans, develops, and executes large-scale critical IT software development/engineering security projects that transform the manner in which software engineering is accomplished.

Relationship Management

Establishes and maintains mutual understanding and cooperation with executive, management, and staff stakeholders within GSA and at customer agencies.

Employs creativity, builds coalitions, and maintains situational awareness to solve stakeholder software, security, and related engineering, development, and similar problems.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
  • Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
  • Register with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
  • Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
  • Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
  • Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
  • Perform on-call duty outside typical scheduled duty hours, as needed, and directed to respond to and resolve issues related to fraud, platform, engineering, partnership, and/or other comparable issues.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

  • the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year);
  • number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

The GS-15 salary range starts at $146,481 per year.

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the step 1.

To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level or higher in the federal service.

IT SPECIALIST COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Attention to Detail - This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant keeps abreast of latest technology, information, research, etc., to maintain knowledge in field of expertise (for example, reads trade journals, participates in professional/technical associations, maintains credentials).
  • Customer Service - This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant promotes or develops and maintains good working relationships with key individuals or groups.
  • Oral Communication - This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant serves on panels, committees, or task forces as a representative for the organization on technical or professional issues.
  • Problem Solving - This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant monitors current trends or events (for example, technological, economic, political, social, educational, or employment trends or events) and applies the information as appropriate.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

  • Serving as a recognized authority in designing, developing, managing, and directing multiple highly complex IT and information security projects, including large-scale, public-facing applications serving a large number of users. This includes developing digital products using server-side programming, relational and/or non-relational databases, test-driven development, and modern frameworks or languages such as Python, Go, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, React, Ruby on Rails, Terraform, Next.js, HTML/CSS, or Rust.
  • Integrating security and privacy best practices throughout the software development lifecycle, performing technical risk assessments, resolving complex cybersecurity or compliance issues, and advising leadership and stakeholders on security strategy, identity and access management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Leading and mentoring cross-functional teams at scale in highly complex, dynamic and agile environments to include planning, developing, and executing large-scale critical IT software projects.
  • Serving as a principal technical liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership and customer agencies to communicate highly technical information, develop cooperative relationships, resolve conflicting priorities, and provide authoritative guidance on software engineering, security, and IT program strategy.

In addition to the criteria indicated in the Qualifications section, you will be scored using a multiple hurdles approach as part of the application process which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Mastery of, and skill in applying applications software development, design, and information security principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices.
  • Providing expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical IT issues.
  • Expert knowledge of, and skill in estimating resource requirements, defining milestones and deliverables, monitoring activities, and evaluating and reporting on accomplishments.
  • Expert knowledge of, and related skill in systems engineering development, concepts and factors, sufficient to ensure applications are optimized for current/state-of-the-art technology and functionality.
  • Expert knowledge, and related skill in employing state-of-the-art tools, methods, and methodologies for developing, testing, and deploying IT and information security products and services to evaluate technical advancements.
  • Expert knowledge of IT product and project management principles, methods, and practices sufficient to lead ad hoc multifunctional development / cross-functional projects or other teams in software security analysis, design, development, and implementation for new or major enhancements to existing IT products, applications, and systems.
  • Knowledge of, and skill in applying written and verbal communications sufficient to building and maintaining business relationships with customer agencies, stakeholders and/or other involved parties at various levels within customer agencies throughout the product life cycle.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.

Additional information

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Applicants are encouraged to make their resume searchable in their USAJOBS.gov profile. This will allow federal hiring specialists and hiring managers across agencies to find their resume as part of agency recruitment campaigns or staffing searches.

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/find-apply-for-and-land-a-job-at-gsa/resources-and-related-links/fair-chance-act .

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

  • Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government;
  • Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee;
  • Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government.

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.

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.

You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans);
  • Life insurance coverage with several options;
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year;
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan);
  • Flexible work schedules and telework;
  • Transit and child care subsidies;
  • Flexible spending accounts;
  • Long-term care insurance;
  • Training and development.

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.

You are being evaluated under the category rating method, which means if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the 'Best Qualified,' 'Well Qualified,' or 'Qualified' category by Subject Matter Experts (SME) based on your knowledge and experience related to the required competencies of this position.

Technical Assessment: 

Shortly after the job posting closes, eligible applicants will receive an email with a link to a technical assessment to complete. Responses to the assessment will be used to measure the depth of knowledge in relation to the required competencies for the position. Candidates who pass the assessment will move to the next phase.

Resume Review:

GSA HR will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies, including the required IT competencies and the specialized experience.

Technical Interview:

At this phase, you will have a technical interview to further assess whether your experience meets the required competencies. You may meet with more than one subject matter expert for a determination to be made.

All interviews will be conducted virtually. Live captioning and other accessibility assistance is available for all candidates. If you require reasonable accommodations at any point of the application or hiring process, please submit your request to reasonableaccommodation@gsa.gov.

Ranking and Preference:

Your final score will be based on your Technical Interview. Your results will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:

  • Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100;
  • Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (85 and above for Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP);
  • Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84.

Veterans preference will be applied to applicants who move forward after the Technical Interview. Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

  • Resume: Your resume should not exceed 2 pages and must demonstrate the specialized experience related to the position for which you are applying. Resumes exceeding two pages will not be accepted by USAJOBS and will prevent your application from moving forward in the hiring process. Your resume must contain the following information:

    Name, address, telephone number, email address;

    Job title (if federal service, provide series and grade; if not in GS plan, provide GS equivalent grade);

    Relevant work experience—should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.

    Your resume should contain enough information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic, general, or specialized experience requirements for each grade level you are applying for. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. If you do not provide enough information for us to determine your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible.

If you are claiming veterans' preference:

(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.

(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1)completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.  For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.

  • Resumes exceeding two pages will not be accepted by USAJOBS and will prevent your application from moving forward in the hiring process. Please see Required Documents for additional details.

  • Once you have clicked Apply for This Position Now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.

  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance?

  • Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.com or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM EST.
  • Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday - Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline.
You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Loyola Ukpokodu
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
loyola.ukpokodu@gsa.gov
Address
GSA, Technology Transformation Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION:  Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for the U.S. General Services Administration!

Additional Locations

  • Washington, DC
  • Orlando, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Boston, MA
  • Detroit, MI
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Charlotte, NC
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Columbia, SC
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • Tacoma, WA


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


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