Computer Scientist (Super Intelligence)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 126,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Minneapolis, MN, is seeking a Computer Scientist to apply expertise in computer science, AI, and large language models to modernize HR IT functions. The role covers development, automation, and evaluation of systems across the Office of Human Resources Management.

Salary starts at $125,776 (GS-14, Step 1) to $163,514 (GS-14, Step 10); locality pay may apply. Duties include coordinating software tools, designing workflows, and implementing scalable tech

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or equivalent with math/statistics coursework as described in the qualification note.
• Experience GS-14 level requires one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating and maintaining computer science applications, software tools, and technical systems to support organizational information technology, data management, automation, and advanced analytical needs.
• Developing technical requirements based on user, program, and mission needs, and design workflows, applications, algorithms, or system processes that improve and control critical business and technology functions.
• Performing function-by-function and element-by-element reviews of technical processes, operating procedures, data flows, and system performance to recommend and implement more efficient solutions.
• Developing, testing, integrating, and maintaining software, data systems, models, or emerging technology capabilities, ensuring solutions meet performance, reliability, security, scalability, and operational requirements.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

30 semester hours in math, statistics, and computer science

Job description

Please see announcement on USAJOBS for available locations.

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Human Resources Management, Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate, Business Process Solutions Division located in: Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Washington, D.C.

Duties

In this position, you will serve as a Computer Scientist and technical advisor, applying expertise in computer science, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and large language models to develop, automate, and modernize human resources information technology functions and business processes throughout the Office of Human Resources Management This position starts at a salary of $125,776.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $163,514.00 (GS-14, Step 10). Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

Major Duties:

• Coordinating and maintaining computer science applications, software tools, and technical systems to support organizational information technology, data management, automation, and advanced analytical needs.


• Developing technical requirements based on user, program, and mission needs, and design workflows, applications, algorithms, or system processes that improve and control critical business and technology functions.


• Performing function-by-function and element-by-element reviews of technical processes, operating procedures, data flows, and system performance to recommend and implement more efficient solutions.


• Developing, testing, integrating, and maintaining software, data systems, models, or emerging technology capabilities, ensuring solutions meet performance, reliability, security, scalability, and operational requirements.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities. Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you meet the basic requirement below. 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. Experience GS-14: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Designing, developing, and evaluating computer systems, software applications, algorithms, or data-driven tools to solve complex technical, operational, or business problems.


• Developing workflows, models, applications, or system processes that improve, automate, or control complex technical, operational, or data management functions.


• Applying computer science principles to build, test, integrate, and maintain software systems, databases, applications, or technology platforms.


• Implementing emerging technologies, advanced analytics, automation tools, or system enhancements to improve performance, reliability, scalability, and user functionality.


• Designing and maintaining data pipelines, software integrations, technical documentation, system controls, or governance processes that support reliable technology operations.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 10/23/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional Information

Telework: This position MAY be eligible for situational telework, consistent with Agency policy. The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13082404 The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR

• 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR


• 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with CBP, the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. At CBP, we: Secure and facilitate trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, agricultural products and prohibited goods. Prevent unauthorized entry into the country Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our border Connect with us: X: CBP, CBPJobs, CBPHRAsstComm LinkedIn: U.S. CBP Instagram: CBPJobs Facebook: CBP Jobs Threads: CBPJobs CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about