IT Specialist (Software Development).

Bonneville Power Administration; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonneville Power Administration is seeking an IT Specialist (Software Development) to design scalable web applications and build modern dashboards for grid operations. You will develop RESTful services, integrate with control center systems, and deliver responsive interfaces for real-time telemetry data.

You will mentor teams, apply agile practices, and implement security-by-design while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity benchmarks.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, coding, testing, and modifying web-based applications using modern frameworks such as .NET and Java.
• Developing and integrating RESTful services and data exchange interfaces across systems.
• Establishing automated testing and CI/CD practices to improve software reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end software development leveraging enterprise frameworks (.NET/Java).
• Engineer robust APIs and real-time data services for mission-critical systems.
• Collaborate with operators and engineers to translate data into intuitive visual interfaces and dashboards.
• Mentor teams, review code, and drive agile workflows from concept to production.

Skills

Software development

RESTful APIs

CI/CD pipelines

Secure coding

Tools

.NET

Java

Job description

Duties

As An IT Specialist (Software Development), You Will

• Lead end-to-end software development using modern enterprise frameworks (including .NET and Java). You will design scalable web applications, implement modular architectures, and build modern client-side user interfaces that power high-consequence grid operations.
• Engineer robust RESTful APIs and real-time data services that seamlessly connect mission-critical control center systems, legacy electrical engineering databases, and high-volume utility operational feeds.
• Collaborate directly with transmission operators and engineers to transform complex electrical flow, telemetry, and system telemetry data into intuitive, lightning-fast visual interfaces and responsive web consoles.
• Drive project success from concept to production. You will translate operational user requirements into technical blueprints, mentor multidisciplinary developer teams, conduct code reviews, and establish modern agile development workflows.
• Benchmark cutting-edge software practices, build prototypes to test new methodologies, and establish rigorous automated testing and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to elevate software reliability.
• Embed security-by-design into every layer of the software stack. You will ensure critical control center applications comply with federal cybersecurity and bulk electric system reliability benchmarks (including NERC CIP and FISMA).

Requirements

Conditions of employment

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration

When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.

Key Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.

Conditions of Employment:

• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Position may be required to participate in scheduled or ad hoc on call duties, including after hours, weekends, and holidays at management's discretion to support mission needs.
• This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

• Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

To meet this requirement, you must demonstrate proficiency in each of the four competencies listed above as follows:

GS-13: Advanced -

You can perform the actions associated with each of these competencies without assistance. You are recognized within your immediate organization as "a person to ask" when difficult questions arise regarding each of these competencies. Focus is on broad organizational/professional issues; You have consistently provided practical/relevant ideas and perspectives on process or practice improvements which may easily be implemented; You are capable of coaching others in the application of each of these competencies by translating complex nuances relating to each competency into easy to understand terms; You participate in senior level discussions regarding these competencies; You assist in the development of reference and resource materials in these competencies.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience 1) designing, coding, testing, and modifying web-based applications using programming languages and frameworks such as .NET, Java, or modern client-side technologies; 2) developing and integrating RESTful web services or application interfaces to facilitate data exchange across systems; and 3) conducting systems analysis to define functional requirements, assess software quality, and resolve operational or technical issues across the systems development life cycle.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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 qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information

• Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• This position is located in Vancouver, WA, a splendid place to live because of its picturesque downtown area full of trendy shops, delicious restaurants, and exclusive breweries. There are several breathtaking nature parks, miles of bike trails, and amazing panoramic mountain views! Vancouver is the perfect place for anyone who loves to be outdoors and really enjoys nature!

EEO Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.

Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments

Veterans Information

Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Telework

Selective Service Registration

BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.

We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.

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.

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.