Public Notice - Computer Scientist (Direct Hire)

US Goddard Space Flight Center; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking candidates at GS-11 to GS-15 levels to advance computational methods and data processing for Earth and space science missions. The role emphasizes teamwork, software development, and data analysis to support mission objectives.

The position requires a strong foundation in computer engineering or related fields and the ability to apply advanced computational techniques to complex datasets.

Qualifications

• Directly related specialized experience or graduate study aligned with GS-11 to GS-15 requirements in computer science, data analysis, or software engineering.
• Ability to work in a team to achieve objectives and to apply computational methods to Earth/space science data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational systems, models, or data processing methods to understand Earth and space science data.
• Collaborate with teams to advance algorithms, software engineering, and data management for mission objectives.
• Analyze datasets and contribute to modeling, simulation, or high-performance computing efforts.

Skills

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Programming fundamentals

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering

Related majors with required coursework in CS/Math/Engineering

Tools

Python

C++

Data analysis tools (MATLAB/R/SQL)

Job description

Positions advertised are in various organizations and locations. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-11/12/13/14/15 levels). In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-11

you must have:

a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:

• Working with others in a team environment to complete tasks and achieve goals set by team leads and/or supervisors;
• Using methods developed by others to apply basic computer science concepts and techniques in areas such as algorithms, software engineering, data management, modeling, or simulation to support scientific or engineering objectives;
• Using computational systems, models, or data processing methods to work with Earth and/or space science data, remote sensing information, or other scientific data sets.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field

OR

d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above

To qualify for GS-12

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Working with others in a team environment to achieve goals set by team leads and/or supervisors;
• Using methods developed by others to apply computer science concepts, advanced computational techniques, and methods in areas such as algorithms, software engineering, data management, modeling, simulation, or high-performance computing to support scientific or engineering objectives;
• Using computational systems, models, or data processing methods to understand, characterize, or solve problems related to Earth and/or space science data, remote sensing information, or other complex scientific data sets.

To qualify for GS-13

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Working with others in a team environment to achieve goals set by team leads and/or supervisors;
• Independently applying computer science concepts, advanced computational techniques, and methods in areas such as algorithms, software engineering, data management, modeling, simulation, or high-performance computing to support scientific or engineering objectives;
• Developing, analyzing, or applying computational systems, models, or data processing methods to understand, characterize, or solve problems related to Earth and/or space science data, remote sensing information, or other complex scientific data sets.

To qualify for GS-14

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

• Setting goals and leading others in a team environment to achieve them;
• Independently applying and advancing computer science concepts, advanced computational techniques, and methods in areas such as algorithms, software engineering, data management, modeling, simulation, or high-performance computing to support scientific or engineering objectives;
• Developing, analyzing, or applying computational systems, models, or data processing methods to understand, characterize, or solve problems related to Earth and/or space science data, remote sensing information, or other complex scientific data sets.

To qualify for GS-15

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level:

• Setting goals, providing technical direction, and leading others in a team environment to achieve organizational objectives and mission requirements;
• Independently applying, advancing, and integrating computer science concepts, advanced computational techniques, and methods in areas such as algorithms, software engineering, data management, modeling, simulation, and high-performance computing to address complex scientific or engineering objectives;
• Leading the development, analysis, and application of computational systems, models, and data processing methods to understand, characterize, and solve complex problems related to Earth and/or space science data, remote sensing information, and other complex scientific data sets.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of undergraduate or graduate education only (GS-7 through GS-11 and GS-12 research): Computer Engineering. Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: a. Computer Science and Pure Mathematics are fully qualifying for Data Analysis, Modeling and Theoretical Simulation Techniques positions without further course requirements. For Data Systems, Hardware Systems and Software Systems positions, Computer Science and Pure Mathematics are qualifying if the major includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) in appropriate Physical Science or Engineering courses and includes or is supplemented by at least two courses shown under "b.2." b. Applied Mathematics is qualifying if includes or is supplemented by at least two of the following courses: 1. For Data Analysis, Modeling and Theoretical Simulation Techniques: numerical methods (or numerical analysis); linear algebra, theory of equations, differential equations, mathematical statistics (if six semester hour course), operating systems, theory of computation, computer networks, programming languages, data structures, data base management, computer graphics, compiler construction, computer architecture, software engineering. 2. For Data Systems, Hardware Systems and Software Systems: electronics, electrical networks, solid-state physics (for transistors, tapes, etc.), optics (for simulation), electricity and magnetism, computer organization, logic design, control systems, communication theory. c. Other appropriate physical science and engineering majors are qualifying if the major includes or is supplemented by six semester hours (or the equivalent) in Mathematics beyond Basic Calculus and includes or is supplemented by at least two courses shown above under "b."

Promotion Potential

The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.