SCIENTIST

US Naval Sea Systems Command; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

US Naval Sea Systems Command seeks a professional scientist for design, development, test, and sustainment of system software used in naval platforms. You will design prototypes, integrate software with hardware, and build digital twins for rigorous validation.

Collaborate with military personnel and engineers to translate needs into specifications while applying secure coding practices and supporting field demonstrations of prototype systems.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience at ND-04/03 level in design, development, test & evaluation of system software.
• Experience with integrating software with diverse hardware and COTS systems.
• Experience designing simulations/digital twins to validate software performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy prototype software for naval systems.
• Integrate and test software across hardware and COTS components.
• Create and manage simulation environments and digital twins.
• Collaborate with military personnel, engineers, and managers to translate needs into specs.
• Apply cybersecurity measures throughout development and testing processes.
• Provide technical support during testing and fielding of prototype systems.

Skills

Software design

Software integration testing

Simulation environments

Cross-functional collaboration

Cybersecurity practices

Prototype fielding

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Simulation software

Secure coding tools

Git/version control

Job description

In addition to the OPM Basic Education requirement:

FOR THE ND-04: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-03 (GS-09/11 equivalent) pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional scientist conducting design, development, test & evaluation, integration, or in-service sustainment of system software. Examples of specialized experience may include:

• 1) Designing, developing, and deploying prototype software for next-generation naval systems, including robotics, unmanned platforms (UxS), and additive manufacturing, utilizing agile methodologies to rapidly iterate on solutions in response to warfighter feedback and evolving mission requirements;
• 2) Integrating and testing software with a diverse range of hardware components, from custom-built sensors and actuators to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems, ensuring seamless communication and functionality across the entire technology stack;
• 3) Creating and managing simulation environments and digital twins to model system behavior, validating software performance, and accelerating development cycles, allowing for rigorous testing before deployment on physical assets;
• 4) Collaborating with cross-functional teams of military personnel, engineers, and project managers to translate operational needs into technical specifications, and effectively communicating progress and technical details to both technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• 5) Implementing robust cybersecurity measures throughout the development process, including secure coding practices and vulnerability assessments, to protect prototype systems from cyber threats in accordance with Department of War (DoW) standards;
• 6) Providing technical support during testing/demonstrations and fielding of prototype systems, and troubleshooting issues in real-time to ensure successful operational validation in realistic naval environments.

FOR THE ND-03: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-02 (GS-05/08 equivalent) pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional scientist applying fundamental computer science theories, algorithmic design principles, or modern software development methods. Examples of specialized experience may include:

• 1) Working with moderate independence to plan and execute technical software assignments of basic to intermediate scope and complexity;
• 2) Performing work developing software components, implementing algorithm modules, conducting software-hardware integration, or establishing test routines.

FOR THE ND-02: Your resume must demonstrate that you meet the basic education requirement for this position as specified in the Education section of this announcement.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.