Federal

Computer Scientist/ Computer Engineer- Direct Hire Authority

Air Force Materiel Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Edwards AFB, California NH-3 $89,508 - $138,370/yr
Posted: Apr 3, 2026 Deadline: May 3, 2026 (Closes in 27 days days left)

About This Position

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior computer scientist/computer engineer to perform software engineering and other professional work in the computer sciences/engineering and related scientific disciplines.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Computer Science Series 1550 and Computer Engineer Series 0854. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Basic requirement for 0854: You must meet one of the following qualification requirements described in Education below in order to qualify for the 0854. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institution.

Basic requirement for 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 institution

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience in in the fundamentals and principles of professional computer science/computer engineering gained through formal education and experience; computer hardware, systems software, and computer systems architecture, modeling, and integration; and mathematics, including calculus, probability, statistics, discrete structures, as it relates to the design, development, and model maintenance of network computer systems.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. IDEAL Candidate: Provide a technical authority in the areas of operating system theory, data structures, computer system architecture, software engineering and computer communications. Translate user requirements to Software features Write and maintain database procedures and functions using T-SQL Participate in design meetings and code reviews Troubleshoot and fix software bugs Write Formal software documentation Follow CMMI (Level 3) processes for software development Design and implement web application code including: Design new and modify existing database tables and schemas Code User interface (Razor/Blazor, .NET) CSS Stylesheets Client scripts Business Logic Web Application Programming Interface (API) Unit testing Required Experience & Skills Must be proficient in the following: .Net, JavaScript, CSS3, HTML5, C# Must have database experience in SQL Server 2019+, Stored Procedures, Table Design Must be able to work independently and within a group Must have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and speaking Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills along with customer interaction and presentation capability Must have the ability to quickly understand the customer's overall technical objectives and missions and provide effective solutions.

Bachelor's Degree (Computer Science or related field) and 8 years of coding experience Desired Experience & Skills Experience supporting DoD SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) experience Team Foundation Server (TFS)/Azure DevOps/Git Cloud experience Master's Degree (Computer Science or related field) and 10 years of relevant experience is desired. 12 years of related experience may be substituted for the MS degree. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Application of the disciplines and science of analysis, design, development, implementation, test evaluation and maintenance of computer software and associated software products over the system software life cycle. Ability to organize, prioritize, analyze, interpret and evaluate technical data, complex requirements and prediction of results in the solution of theoretical or practical data processing problems.

Extensive knowledge of complex data formats, systems architecture, data analysis and display concepts and automated computational processes and methodology to respond to customer requirements with versatility and sound judgment. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, conducts research, summarize results, and provide appropriate recommendations and solutions to management. Ability to plan and execute complex, multi faced projects and/or studies within established time, financial, and/or time constraints to resolve software engineering questions.

Skill and ability to negotiate complex issues, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex technical issues, report and briefing for senior military and civilian officials throughout the government and in private industry. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key individuals/ groups inside and outside immediate working unit using high degree of tact and diplomacy. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

Provides senior level professional computer engineering and computer sciences guidance in the development of new software applications/systems and modifications to existing software applications/systems to meet customer requirements. Serves as the computer scientist/computer engineer authority on software and hardware related issues associated with the design and development of systems. Prepares technical reports, memorandum, and other documentation in clear, concise, and logical form suitable to management and the scientific community.

Serves as the division authority within the organization 011 the application of software engineering principles, practices, and techniques.

Education

Basic requirements for 0854: A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration.

For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

  1. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  2. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  3. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.) ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY?

If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education must accredit education.

Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.

You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Additional Information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This job announcement may close at any time- apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to Gs-13 Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/03/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12929057 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.

Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).

If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.

Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.

Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

  1. A complete Application Questionnaire
  2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
  3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE

NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.

You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Computer Scientist/ Computer Engineer- Direct Hire Authority position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $89,508 - $138,370/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Computer Scientist/ Computer Engineer- Direct Hire Authority job located?
This position is located in Edwards AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Computer Science Series 1550 and Computer Engineer Series 0854. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Basic requirement for 0854: You must meet one of the following qualification requirements described in Educa...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 3, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.