IT Specialist (APPSW) "Software Engineer", GS-2210-15 FPL GS-15 (Direct Hire) (Open Continuous)

IT Specialist (APPSW) Software Engineer, GS-2210-15, at Federal Student Aid in San Francisco, CA onsite. Salary range USD 147,945 to 197,200 per year. This role leads engineering direction, ensures scalable and secure software delivery for millions of users, and drives technical excellence within the Technology Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Direct the FSA engineering trajectory by applying modern software engineering practices to build robust, reliable, and user-friendly systems, focusing on outcomes that improve the experience for millions of students and families.
• Assess, adopt, and advocate for new development tools, technologies, and methods to boost productivity and software quality across the lifecycle, while elevating contractor work and raising product excellence standards.
• Cultivate a culture of technical excellence aligned with mission outcomes, providing coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities for government staff and contractors to raise federal engineering practice.
• Own product and process improvements, proactively identifying and removing inefficient or outdated workflows to accelerate delivery, and aligning stakeholders with a bias toward action.
• Leverage deep experience building and managing scalable products for millions of users, ensuring accuracy, security, and reliability during peak traffic, and protecting sensitive personal and financial data for students, families, and institutions.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check.
• Males 18 years and older must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.
• You may be subject to a one-year probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
• Experience serving as the principal engineer or engineering lead in developing a scaled technology platform.
• Experience serving as a lead engineer or senior software developer overseeing internal and external software development, integration, and operation.
• Experience communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translating user needs into technical architecture.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal benefits package
• Family-friendly work environment
• Excused leave for Parent/Teacher Conferences (3 hours)
• Excused leave for annual health screenings (4 hours)
• Matching leave for community volunteer service
• Alternative work schedules
• Recruitment incentive
• Relocation incentive
• Student Loan Repayment Program

THIS JOB IS OPEN TO

• The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the United States.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees whose job, agency, or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
• Clarification from the agency: This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens. This position may be filled through the Direct Hire Authority for Information Technology Specialist positions. All applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration. Category Rating, Veterans Preference, Schedule A and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

CLARIFICATION FROM THE AGENCY

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens. This position may be filled through the Direct Hire Authority for Information Technology Specialist positions. All applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration. Category Rating, Veterans Preference, Schedule A and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Veterans’ Career Counseling: If you are a veteran looking for tips on preparing a Federal resume or interview preparation, you may email [email protected] to schedule a session with a career counselor.
• Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED

• Evaluations are based on how well you meet the listed qualifications and competencies. Your application materials, including resume and supporting documents, will be reviewed, along with the results of any required competency assessments.
• Non Supervisory competencies include Oral Communications, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, and Self-Management.
• You may be assessed by a Subject Matter Expert panel. Highly qualified applicants may be referred to the selecting official and could be invited to a structured interview, references check, and possibly a writing sample or written assessment. Questions for this vacancy may be previewed by applicants.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education, and contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series, and grade.
• You must submit a resume demonstrating your education, experience, training, and accomplishments relevant to the qualifications, substantiating your responses. Limit the resume to 2 pages, with a font size no smaller than 10 points. If the resume is longer, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed.
• Veteran’s Preference: Submit a copy of DD-214 showing active service and character of discharge, or certification of expected discharge within 120 days if on active duty, and/or the SF-15 form and any required documents for the type of preference claimed.
• ICTAP/CTAP eligibility: If claiming special priority selection rights, provide the required documentation.
• Displaced federal employees seeking priority consideration: submit the necessary documents listed for ICTAP/CTAP consideration.
• Required documents for Interagency/CTAP consideration: All required documents must be provided.