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

This senior IT Specialist (APPSW) Software Engineer role, classified at the GS-2210-15 level, operates within the Federal Student Aid Technology Directorate to guide engineering direction, assess development tools, and ensure scalable, secure software delivery for millions of users.

Summary

As a principal software engineering lead, the position directs technical strategy, emphasizes quality and reliability, and sustains secure, user-centric experiences across the federal student aid platform serving students, families, and partnering institutions.

Responsibilities

• Steer the technical direction of FSA engineering by applying advanced software engineering practices to build robust, dependable, and user-friendly systems, prioritizing outcomes that enhance experiences for millions of students and families.
• Evaluate, adopt, and champion new development tools, technologies, and methods to boost productivity and software quality across the FSA lifecycle, while elevating contractor work and raising standards of product excellence.
• Cultivate a culture of technical excellence aligned with mission outcomes, providing coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities for both government staff and contractors, elevating federal engineering practice and delivery.
• Own efforts to improve internal product-related processes, proactively identifying and addressing inefficiencies to accelerate delivery, and acting as a catalyst for change through stakeholder alignment and action-oriented leadership.
• Apply broad experience building and managing scalable products that serve millions of users, ensuring accuracy, security, and reliability during peak usage and protecting sensitive data for students, families, and institutions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Successful completion of a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check.
• Males 18 years of age and older must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• A one-year probationary period may be imposed.
• All qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the vacancy closing date.
• Experience serving as the principal engineer or engineering lead on the development of a scaled technology platform.
• Experience as a lead engineer or senior software developer overseeing internal and external software development, integration, and operation.
• Ability to translate user needs into technical architecture and communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

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 individuals who owe allegiance to the United States
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees whose prior position was eliminated and who are eligible for priority consideration
• Clarification from the agency: This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens and may be filled under Direct Hire Authority for Information Technology Specialist positions. All qualified applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration. Category Rating, Veterans Preference, Schedule A, and traditional ranking do not apply to this vacancy.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens. The position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority for Information Technology Specialist roles. All applicants meeting the qualification requirements will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Traditional rating and ranking processes and related preferences do not apply to this vacancy.

Additional information

• Veterans’ Career Counseling: Veterans seeking guidance on Federal resumes and interviews may email [email protected] to arrange a session with a career counselor.
• Student Loan Default: If selected, officials 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

• Applications will be reviewed to determine basic and targeted qualifications aligned with the stated requirements and competencies.
• Evaluation focuses on knowledge, skills, and abilities reflected in your resume and supporting documents, including the Monster Competency Based Assessments required for this role.
• Core competencies include Oral Communications, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, and Self-Management.
• Highly qualified candidates may be referred to a Subject Matter Expert panel. If qualifications are not substantiated by your materials, consideration may be limited.
• Applicants may be invited to a structured interview, with references or a writing sample requested as part of the process.
• Questions for this vacancy may be previewed by applicants.

Required documents

• A resume showing education, experience, training, and accomplishments relevant to the position, including contact information. For current or former federal employees, include pay plan, series, and grade.
• Submit a resume that demonstrates your qualifications; limit to two pages with a font size of at least 10 points. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed.
• If claiming Veteran's Preference, provide DD-214 (active service and character of discharge) or certification of expected discharge within 120 days, and any required SF-15 forms or other proof specified.
• If applying under ICTAP/CTAP, provide the required documentation as specified for priority consideration.
• Current or former Federal employees seeking priority consideration should submit the applicable displacement documentation.
• Note: Documentation requirements for ICTAP/CTAP must be provided as part of your application package.