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COMPUTER SCIENTIST (SOFTWARE/CLOUD ARCHITECT)

Department of Defense
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

Summary

This position is for a senior Software/Cloud Architect specializing in Microservices and API Integration. The incumbent will lead the design and development of cloud-native applications, focusing on creating scalable, secure, and resilient software systems. This role requires technical leadership, deep expertise in modern software architecture, and the ability to drive innovation within the organization. Visit www.dcsa.mil to learn more about DCSA, America's Gatekeeper!!

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/06/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 6, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$167,446 - $197,200 per year

Minimum and maximum salary encompasses the 2026 target local market pay for DCIPS STEM/CYBER work roles.

Pay scale & grade
GG 15
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DCSA-26-12993608-MP
Control number
874293400

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Duties

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As a COMPUTER SCIENTIST (SOFTWARE/CLOUD ARCHITECT) you will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Designs and develops enterprise software systems using microservices architectures.
  • Integrates and manages APIs for seamless service communication and data exchange.
  • Leads the adoption of data related policies, strategies, and governance into software/cloud architecture research and operations.
  • Ensures software solutions are scalable, reliable, and secure.
  • Develops and maintains core NBIS backend services, including case management APIs, data ingestion pipelines, authentication and authorization layers, and inter-service communication protocols.
  • Mentors junior engineers and provides technical leadership on projects.
  • Collaborates with stakeholders to define requirements and system design.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
  • This is a Drug Testing designated position
  • Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): May Be Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
  • If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
  • Acquisition position: This position requires DAWIA Practitioner certification in Engineering and Technical Management and is expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
  • However, applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain an Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner certification within 5 years (60 months) after the first day of starting in the position.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1550: 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.
*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 07/06/2026

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GG-14) in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level software systems, particularly with a focus on cloud-native and microservices architectures;
  • Utilizing containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), data ingestion pipelines, API design and management;
  • Utilizing multiple programming languages;
  • Leading technical projects by making architectural decisions and ensuring the security and scalability of software solutions.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  1. Software Development: Expert knowledge in designing, developing, and testing software in a given environment, with a focus on microservices and cloud-native applications.
  2. Systems Integration: Proven ability in installing, integrating, and optimizing information systems components, particularly within a cloud environment.
  3. Programming: Proficiency in implementing design solutions and applying programming languages across multiple platforms and development frameworks.
  4. Information Technology Architecture: Strong understanding of architectural methodologies used in the design and development of complex information systems.
  5. Technical Documentation Development: Experience in developing and maintaining technical and operational documentation to support the software lifecycle.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.

For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.

For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.


ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Engineering & Technical Management, Advanced level. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 60 months after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)

  • DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Engineering & Technical Management, Advanced level certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire.

EXCEPTED SERVICE PILOT REVIEW: Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. All applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

Mission Statement
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is a separate Agency of the Department of Defense (DoD) under the direction, authority, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD (I&S). The mission of the DCSA is as follows:

- Deliver efficient and effective background investigations, adjudications and continuous vetting to safeguard the integrity and trustworthiness of an agile federal and contractor workforce, and preserve military readiness and warfighting capabilities
- Identify and neutralize foreign intelligence threats to the USG's trusted workforce and critical technologies
- Develop and articulate holistic threat picture of risk posed by foreign intelligence entities and hostile insiders, enabling the USG to strengthen our security posture, continuously protect against the evolving threat, and enable action agencies to more effectively counter adversaries
- Contribute meaningful analysis to the Intelligence Community (IC)-Manage the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) on behalf of the Secretary of Defense by clearing industrial facilities, personnel, and associated IT systems
- Identify and defeat threats presented to critical technologies and through the supply chain
- Provide education, training, research, and security awareness to DoD, other federal government organizations, and industry
- Execute enterprise management responsibilities for DoD Security and Insider Threat Programs.

Agency contact information

DCSA Servicing Team
Phone
614-693-4444
Email
DHRS-DDCSA@dla.mil
Address
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
27130 Telegraph Road
Quantico, VA 22134
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.dcsa.mil

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