Senior Software Engineer

In Macon, Georgia, the Senior Software Engineer role at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management centers on building and sustaining enterprise application systems that support the agency’s mission. The position blends hands-on development with architectural leadership, guiding modernization efforts and ensuring compliance with federal IT and data governance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, development, deployment, and modernization of enterprise application systems that support mission-critical needs.
• Provide technical leadership across the software development lifecycle by defining engineering approaches, standards, and delivery plans.
• Assess and adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, to enhance functionality and agency effectiveness.
• Diagnose and resolve cross-system issues related to architecture, integration, performance, security, and interoperability across major systems.
• Develop technical roadmaps, standards, design principles, and integration strategies for application portfolios.
• Present technical recommendations, risks, tradeoffs, and modernization plans to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure development and integration activities comply with federal IT, cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance requirements.

Requirements

• Detail orientation, customer service mindset, strong oral communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing, testing, implementing, or maintaining application software using programming languages, frameworks, or software engineering tools.
• Support modernization and system design efforts by recommending technical approaches or design solutions.
• Integrate application software with platforms, services, databases, data sources, or other systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across development, integration, performance, security, or operations.
• Communicate technical requirements, risks, recommendations, or implementation options to stakeholders, customers, or technical teams.

Benefits

Note: A federal career offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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 consideration.

Education

This position does not require a formal education qualification.

Additional Information

• This announcement may fill vacancies using Direct Hire Authority due to critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates.
• Veteran preference and traditional rating or ranking do not apply.
• For more information on Direct Hire Authority, visit the OPM site linked in the listing.
• Relocation expenses are not paid; incentive payments may be considered.
• The announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
• If you cannot apply online, contact the agency for information about Alternate Application processes.
• Reasonable accommodation requests for USA Hire assessments may be submitted with supporting documentation.
• A one-year probationary period may be required after employment to evaluate fitness and alignment with agency needs.
• Probation considerations include performance, conduct, agency needs, and whether continued employment advances public interest.
• Upon probation completion, employment ends unless you receive written certification that continued employment serves the public interest.

Required Documents

• Resume showing name, email, work schedule, hours per week, dates of employment, and duties performed, including pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience; ensure complete information for each entry. Only the first two pages will be used to verify qualifications.
• Do not include sensitive information such as SSN, photos, age, gender, religious affiliation, or encrypted/digitally signed documents.
• Other supporting documents: optional cover letter; CTAP/ICTAP documentation if applicable; SF-50 documenting RIF action; most recent performance appraisal.
• If requesting reasonable accommodation for USA Hire assessments, include supporting documentation with the request.
• Incomplete submissions may result in loss of consideration; ensure all required documents are provided.

How to apply

• Review the entire announcement and follow all instructions; submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and documents by the closing date.
• Click Apply Online, answer questions, and attach all necessary documentation.
• Submit before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
• If USA Hire assessments are required, you will be notified within the application and by email with a unique assessment link.
• Access USA Hire using your USAJOBS login credentials and complete the assessments; accommodations are available if needed.
• Set aside about three hours for assessments; you can pause and resume later if required.
• Assessment responses are typically reusable for one year for future applications.
• Additional guidance and resources are available via the USA Hire help pages.

Agency contact information

OPM Human Resources, 202-606-9321, [email protected], 1900 E St., NW, Washington, DC 20415, US

Next steps

• If referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, a written demonstration, and/or a fit interview.
• Falsifying information may affect eligibility or continued employment.
• After submission, you will receive an electronic confirmation and ongoing updates on your application status.
• A job offer is expected within about 40 days after the closing date, followed by a suitability and security background investigation if an offer is made.

Overview

• Open for applications: 05/15/2026 to 05/22/2026
• Salary: 125,776 - 163,514 USD per year
• Pay scale: GS 14
• Location: Macon, GA, multiple vacancies
• Remote job: No
• Telework eligibility: Yes, as determined by agency policy
• Travel: Occasional
• Relocation: Not reimbursed
• Appointment type: Permanent