Federal

Public Notice - Information Technology Specialist (Direct Hire)

John F. Kennedy Space Center ยท National Aeronautics and Space Administration
๐Ÿ“ Vandenberg AFB, California GS-9/15 $68,545 - $197,200/yr
Posted: May 15, 2026 Deadline: May 18, 2026 (Closes in 3 days)

About This Position

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).

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

Major Duties

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.

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: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 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. 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.

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

How You Will Be Evaluated

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: [email protected].

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 government within 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

  1. 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.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application and have all required information available. We encourage you to provide a complete description of your educational achievements and include both paid and non-paid work in the experience portion of your resume. If you submit a resume that does not contain the required information, you may lose consideration.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, you will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application process. Once logged in to your account, click on the "Apply" link.

Follow the prompts to select your resume (2 pages or fewer) and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be rejected by the system. Resumes submitted via other document types will not be forwarded to the hiring manager, nor will they be used in the review of your qualifications.

We strongly encourage you to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder when creating your resume. Using the resume builder will help you ensure your resume includes important information related to your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

During the application process you can review, edit, delete and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the 'Include Personal Information' section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the vacancy questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position.

Complete the online application, verify all required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. NASA's online application process provides step by step guidance to ensure you provide all needed information. If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Be advised - application materials faxed, emailed, and/or mailed to Kennedy Space Center will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement.

The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Required Documents

All submitted resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two pages will be rejected by USAJOBS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize including experience and relevant qualifications that directly align with the position advertised. All work experience and accomplishments must be associated with dates (month/year) to allow for accurate qualification assessment. A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume.

Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. If you are using a Curriculum Vitae (CV) as a resume, it must meet all requirements listed above for a complete resume package. Please

note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package will be disqualified: Classified or government sensitive information. Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents.

If your resume contains any of the above information, you must redact that information prior to the submission of your application. The following documents are required: Resume To be found qualified on the basis of education, you must provide a copy of your college transcript that fully demonstrates you meet the requirements listed in the Qualifications section.

You may provide either an unofficial transcript or a copy of an official transcript. Failure to provide a complete copy of your college transcript that shows you have completed degree program or coursework may result in you being found not qualified for the job and you may lose consideration. There may be other supporting documents (licenses, certification, veterans preference, etc.), depending on your answers to the questionnaire and job announcement description, that you may have to submit, please verify your application.

Do not submit an OF-306 with your application. If you are a surplus or displaced employee (CTAP and ICTAP), submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes copies of your agency notice, most recent Performance Rating and most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

Official documents are required at the time of appointment for verification of eligibility and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Public Notice - Information Technology Specialist (Direct Hire) position at John F. Kennedy Space Center?
The salary range for this position is $68,545 - $197,200/yr. This is a GS-9/15 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Public Notice - Information Technology Specialist (Direct Hire) job located?
This position is located in Vandenberg AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 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. 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. 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
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 18, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
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.