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COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Department of Defense
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Information & Technology Dir, Assessment Analysis, Assignment Div, AI Center of Excellence, ZTFD

Summary

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in
finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/15/2026 to 05/29/2026
Salary
$75,278 - $144,481 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Locations
3 vacancies in the following locations:
Indianapolis, IN
Limestone, ME
Rome, NY
Cleveland, OH
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
DFAS-DHA-12912841-26
Control number
869331400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens

Duties

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  • Apply knowledge and skill of relevant mathematical and statistical sciences, computer theory, algorithms, data structures, programming concepts, and computer architecture, with a working knowledge of computer hardware.
  • Develop and applies principles, theories, and techniques of computer science, software engineering, hardware design, enterprise computing, commercial cloud adoption and information engineering.
  • Directs the research of complex automated processes in the development of information systems in support of AI’s goal of accelerating the delivery of AI automation and AI enabled capabilities, services, and systems for the agency.
  • Researches the applicability of new technological developments in the field to solve continuing problems or meet current/future needs of the agency’s AI information systems infrastructure.
  • Defines and designs mappings and models of technical computing architectures, high-speed systems architectures, interconnection structures, centralized and distributed control, data-driven architectures, and parallel programming languages.
  • Develops performance measures and performance models for automated information systems components and networks in order to define configuration design tools and to establish evaluation criteria for the acquisition of products.
  • Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen or National
  • Background or Security Investigation - Position Sensitivity and Security Levels may vary and is dependent upon position being filled - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period..

BASIC REQUIREMENT:
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. Make sure the response you select is supported by your resume and transcripts. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts, failure to provide transcripts may render you ineligible for the position.

FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-11:

In addition to the Basic Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-09 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

  • Specialized experience is defined as: Developing software systems; integrating information structures, new computing systems, or computer software and/or hardware solutions.
FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12:
In addition to the Basic Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
  • Specialized experience is defined as: Developing software systems; transforming and integrating information structures, new computing systems, or computer software and/or hardware solutions; solving a variety of technical challenges/problems throughout the automated information systems life cycle in support of AI product development.
FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-13:
In addition to the Basic Requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-12 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
  • Specialized experience is defined as: Advising on the development of software systems; development of software and systems; solving technical challenges and problems throughout the automated information systems life cycle; providing technical advisement on data and AI-related technical feasibility.

Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-11:Substitution of education for experience:A qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed higher-level graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).

FOR ENTRY AT GS-12 AND GS-13:Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at these grade levels.

Additional information

  • In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
  • Moving expenses may be paid.
  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
  • Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
  • This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Travel requirement is Seldom.
  • This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance.(See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here)
  • The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.
You will be evaluated on how well your qualifications, as demonstrated in your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application, meet the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.


Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

DFAS' (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) mission is to lead the DoD (Department of Defense) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information. We take pride in serving the men and women who defend America. DFAS is seeking goal-oriented people who like a challenge and care about serving our country. We offer rewarding careers in finance, accounting, information systems, contracting services, human resources, clerical work and many other areas.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Phone
(317) 212-0454
Email
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil
Address
DFAS - INFO AND TECHNOLOGY DIR OFFICE
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Finance and Accounting Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dfas.mil/careers/

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