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Public Notice - Information Technology Specialist (Direct Hire)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center

Summary

Positions advertised are in various organizations at Kennedy Space Center. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series and at any grade level listed in this announcement (GS-2210 at the GS-09/11/12/13/14/15 levels).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/15/2026 to 05/18/2026
Salary
$68,545 - $197,200 per year

Salary range reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries of the locations. Actual salary range varies by selectee(s) location.

Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 15
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Vandenberg AFB, CA
Kennedy Space Center, FL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None - Contingent - Promotion potential will be based on the position to which appointed.
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
KSC-26-DE-12962847-CWO
Control number
869466800

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Duties

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  • Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
  • Lead analysis and evaluation of technology systems, architectures, or operational environments to identify opportunities for modernization, optimization, and increased mission effectiveness across multiple organizations and functional domains.
  • Direct development, integration, and governance of system requirements, technical standards, engineering documentation, or implementation strategies supporting the full lifecycle of mission-critical systems, programs, or operational initiatives.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership, program managers, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and stakeholders to manage, architect, implement, and sustain innovative solutions aligned with mission priorities and evolving operational requirements.
  • Provide expert technical leadership in the management, diagnosis, and resolution of highly complex enterprise system, network, application, and infrastructure issues with significant mission, operational, or organizational impact.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, best practices, and evolving federal IT and cybersecurity initiatives to develop strategic recommendations that enhance system resilience, interoperability, operational capability, and organizational readiness.
  • Lead coordination and integration efforts across multiple organizations, programs, and stakeholder groups to ensure enterprise alignment with mission objectives, governance requirements, federal policies, and Directorate strategic priorities.
  • Develop, present, and defend high-level technical briefings, executive reports, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making, resource prioritization, and execution of mission objectives.
  • For supervisory positions, you will perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
  • This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
  • You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
  • Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
  • A one-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
  • To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on May 18, 2026.

Qualifications

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.

You may meet the basic requirements through substitution of education for experience.

To qualify for the GS-9, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level:

  • Assisting others in analyzing technical or system requirements to help identify issues and support the operation of IT or mission systems;
  • Assisting others in developing, testing, or maintaining software, tools, or system components to support functionality, performance, or user needs;
  • Assisting others in researching and evaluating technical data, identifying potential risks or problems, and recommending basic solutions using established methods and policies.
OR
b) Completed all requirements for a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with (1) a major in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management OR (2) a major that provided a minimum of 24 semester in one or more fields of computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management, and that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.
OR
c) Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with (1) a major in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management OR (2) a major that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more fields of computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management, and that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.

To qualify for the GS-11, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:
  • Supporting coordinating system monitoring activities, identifying operational issues, and directing timely resolutions that support safe and reliable mission or training operations;
  • Supporting analyzing operational data and updating requirements to improve procedures, tools, and system configurations that contribute to mission readiness;
  • Supporting efforts to troubleshoot complex technical issues, communicating impacts and recommended actions, and providing technical guidance that supports continuity of mission or training activities.
OR
b) Completed all requirements for a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree with (1) a major in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management OR (2) a major that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more fields of computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management, and that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.
OR
c) Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree with (1) a major in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management OR (2) a major that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of fields of computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management, and that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
  • Coordinating system monitoring activities, identifying operational issues, and directing timely resolutions that support safe and reliable mission or training operations;
  • Analyzing operational data and updating requirements to improve procedures, tools, and system configurations that contribute to mission readiness;
  • Leading efforts to troubleshoot complex technical issues, communicating impacts and recommended actions, and providing technical guidance that supports continuity of mission or training activities.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
  • Leading the development, integration, or improvement of mission or training systems, including defining requirements, resolving high-impact issues, and guiding teams through design or operational decisions;
  • Conducting advanced analysis of mission, operational, or system performance data to inform organizational strategies, optimize procedures or tools, and drive decisions affecting mission readiness;
  • Providing technical leadership for cross-disciplinary teams, including coordinating complex workflows, delivering high-level recommendations to management, and communicating operational or system needs.
To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
  • Analyzing and resolving complex technology system or application issues to support operational performance and mission requirements;
  • Developing or refining system requirements, technical solutions, or business processes to improve system functionality and organizational effectiveness;
  • Collaborating across organizations to evaluate technical needs, implement technical solutions, and recommend improvements based on performance trends or operational requirements.
To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
  • Leading enterprise-level analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of highly complex technology system, application, infrastructure, and integration issues with significant impact on mission execution, operational continuity, and organizational performance across multiple functional areas;
  • Directing the development, modernization, and governance of system requirements, enterprise technical solutions, and business process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, cybersecurity posture, interoperability, scalability, and long-term mission capability;
  • Serving as a senior technical authority and strategic advisor collaborating with executive leadership, program managers, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders to assess enterprise technical needs, lead implementation of mission-critical solutions, and develop data-driven recommendations aligned with organizational priorities and evolving operational requirements.
Qualifications continued in the Education section below

Education

Qualifications, Cont'd

IF you are qualifying based on experience, you MUST also have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below:

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

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.

Basic Requirement:

If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a college or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation

Additional information

In the Announcement Questionnaire, you will be prompted to select locations and series you wish to be considered for. You will also be prompted to select the lowest grade you wish to be considered for. You will not be considered for grades below the selected grade. You will not be considered for locations or series that you do not select.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.
If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
- Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
- Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position
- Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/.

Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.

Probationary Period

You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;

  • the needs and interests of the agency;

  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Supervisory probationary periods are not subject to the above process, although, if a standard probationary period is required. You are subject to the conditions of both a standard probationary period and the supervisory probationary period.

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.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or assessment questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

  • Flight and Ground Data Systems
  • Technical Management
  • Technical Competence
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Oral Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Attention to Detail
  • Accountability
  • Technology Application
NASA considers 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.

NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency-FCCJ@NASA.gov.

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Explore the Extraordinary
Calling all the innovators, pioneers, visionaries, and adventurers! We are a diverse group of professionals united by a common purpose: to discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. We're building on our rich legacy by embarking on new and exciting missions, both on Earth and beyond and we're looking for fresh ideas to help us get there. Do you have a passion for exploration? Do you want your work to leave an enduring impact? Join us in a career that can take you farther than you can imagine. At NASA, our work is more than just a profession-it's a lifelong pursuit, a passion, and a chance to change the world. NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians and many other kinds of people working together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Explore the extraordinary, every day; explore a career at NASA!

Agency contact information

Hiring Support Hub
Fax
1-866-779-6772
Email
nssc-hiring@mail.nasa.gov
Address
Kennedy Space Center
Space Commerce Way
Titusville, FL 32899
US

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