Computer Scientist (Software/Cloud Architect)

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA); Hanover (MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) seeks a senior Software Engineer specializing in API integration and cloud-native architectures. You will lead design and development of scalable, secure software systems and mentor junior engineers across NBIS backend services, authentication layers, and inter-service communication.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, drive technical leadership, and ensure data governance is integrated into software and cloud

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is required.
• Expertise in designing, developing, and testing software with microservices and cloud-native architectures.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and mentor engineers.
• Strong understanding of IT architecture and technical documentation development.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops enterprise software systems using microservices architectures.
• Integrates and manages API for service communication and data exchange.
• Leads data governance and architecture efforts in software and cloud environments.
• Ensures scalable, reliable, and secure software solutions.

Skills

Software Development

Systems Integration

Programming

IT Architecture

Technical Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Job description

Summary

This position is for a senior Software Engineer specializing in API Integration. The incumbent will lead the design and development of cloud-native applications, focusing on creating scalable, secure, and resilient software systems. This role requires technical leadership, deep expertise in modern software architecture, and the ability to drive innovation within the organization. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA, America's Gatekeeper!

Duties

• Designs and develops enterprise software systems using microservices architectures.
• Integrates and manages Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless service communication and data exchange.
• Leads the adoption of data related policies, strategies, and governance into software/cloud architecture research and operations.
• Ensures software solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure.
• Develops and maintains core NBIS backend services, including case management Application Programming Interface (API), data ingestion pipelines, authentication and authorization layers, and inter-service communication protocols.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical leadership on projects.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to define requirements and system design.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• This is a Drug Testing designated position
• Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): May be Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• This position requires Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Practitioner certification in Engineering and Technical Management and is expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
• However, applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain an Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner certification within 5 years (60 months) after the first day of starting in the position.
• In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, the position compliance requirement details are outlined in the Defense Cyber Workforce Annex.
• Any Information Technology/Security certifications/education specified in the DCWF Annex as defined by DoD 8570.01 – M/DoD 8140-M within six months of appointment date.
• The incumbent must sign a Statement of Understanding regarding the certification requirements and maintaining the appropriate certification is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 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 institutions.

• NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Computer Science Series 1550 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/14/2026

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-14) in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.

Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies

• Software Development: Expert knowledge in designing, developing, and testing software in a given environment, with a focus on micro-services and cloud-native applications.
• Systems Integration: Proven ability in installing, integrating, and optimizing information systems components, particularly within a cloud environment.
• Programming: Proficiency in implementing design solutions and applying programming languages across multiple platforms and development frameworks.
• Information Technology Architecture: Strong understanding of architectural methodologies used in the design and development of complex information systems.
• Technical Documentation Development: Experience in developing and maintaining technical and operational documentation to support the software life-cycle.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL

In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.

For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.

For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.

ACQUISITION POSITION:

This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Practitioner certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 5 years (60 months) after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)

• DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Practitioner certification in Engineering & Technical Management within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.

You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

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.

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.

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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.