IT SPECIALIST (APPSW)

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for Java, .NET, and Python backend APIs and AI/RAG implementations. Expert in applying security controls, federal compliance, and AI guardrails while leading code reviews and mentoring junior developers to ensure technical excellence.

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Duties

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As a IT SPECIALIST (APPSW) at the GS-2210-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Serves as a senior software developer responsible for implementing complex application components within established engineering, software, and technology frameworks.
• Performs software development activities across the application life cycle by translating technical requirements into functional components and features supporting mission needs.
• Developing and optimizing user interfaces, implementing backend services, resolving complex technical issues within assigned systems and contributing technical recommendations to support project planning and system enhancements.
• The incumbent provides expert input on development approaches participates in technical discussions ensuring solutions meet mission needs but does not architect standards or direct enterprise technical strategy.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• Recruitment and Relocation Incentives: May be Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:

• Performs software development activities across the application life cycle by translating technical requirements into components and
  features supporting mission needs; Implements and integrates backend services and APIs Java, .NET, and Python within defined architectural frameworks.; Implements Artificial Intelligence and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) components using established workflows and tools support processing of unstructured data within existing system designs; Applies established security controls for data-in-transit and data-at-rest. Implements AI guardrail policies and ensures compliance with federal laws, directives, and organizational security standards within assigned systems; Provides advanced technical guidance to team members by leading code reviews within assigned projects, promoting adherence to established coding standards, and mentoring junior developers in modern development practices and tools.

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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

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

Additional information

This is a Security Cooperation (SC) position due to the nature of the position's and responsibilities. Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384 and DoD Instruction 5132.15, "Implementation of the Security Cooperation Workforce Certification Program". Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Basic-level certification courses within one year.

SC4D1

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs : This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information:

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities : For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:

Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A

Special Hiring Authority for Veterans

Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses

Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit for more information.

For more information, please visit

Other Notes:

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:

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower 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.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.