The Applications Software Engineer role at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management centers on designing, developing, integrating, modernizing, and sustaining enterprise application systems and services to support OPM mission requirements. The position is based onsite in Macon, GA and requires at least one year of specialized federal experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Overview
- Accepting applications: Yes
- Open period: 05/15/2026 to 05/22/2026
- Salary: USD 106,437 - 138,370 per year
- Pay scale and grade: GS-13
- Location: Macon, GA (onsite) with no remote work; telework may be eligible per agency policy
- Travel: Occasional travel may be required
- Relocation expenses: Not reimbursed
- Appointment type: Permanent
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, implement, and maintain enterprise software that supports critical organizational requirements
- Lead or support the full software development lifecycle using modern methodologies, including Agile and DevSecOps
- Develop and maintain solutions that integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation to enhance functionality
- Evaluate tools, frameworks, and platforms to modernize application environments and boost performance
- Assess requirements, constraints, and integration needs to create secure, interoperable, and maintainable applications
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to development, integration, performance, security, or operations
- Communicate technical information, requirements, risks, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship or National status required
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation
- Possible probationary period
- Employment decisions not based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
- Complete initial online assessment and USAHire assessment if required
- Report to an OPM assigned office
- Not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit
- Competencies: Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Oral Communication; Problem Solving
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-12 level in the Federal service, performing application software development work
This job is open to
- The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
- Career Transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees eligible for priority consideration due to involuntary separation or surplus status
How you will be evaluated
Selection will be based on how well candidates meet the stated qualifications. Evaluation will consider application materials, responses to the questionnaire, and required assessments. Competencies include accountability, attention to detail, customer service, decision making, flexibility, influencing, integrity, interpersonal skills, learning, reading comprehension, reasoning, self-management, stress tolerance, teamwork, and other relevant characteristics. Applicants should provide accurate information and avoid overstating qualifications, as misrepresentation may affect consideration.
Additional information
- This vacancy may use direct hire authority to fill critical hiring needs; veteran preference and traditional rating may not apply.
- Relocation assistance is not provided.
- This announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
- Reasonable accommodations for assessments are available if disability is indicated in the online request.
- A probationary period may apply as a condition of employment.
Required documents
- Complete application package including a resume with name, email, work schedule, dates of employment, duties, and pay plan/grade information for relevant federal experience
- Do not include sensitive information such as SSN or photos in the resume
- Cover letter (optional) and CTAP/ICTAP documentation if applicable
- Documentation for reasonable accommodation requests if needed
How to apply
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the application questions and attach all necessary documents.
- Submit the application before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
- If USA Hire assessments are required, you will receive a notification with a unique access link.
- Access USA Hire using your USAJOBS login to complete assessments, with accommodation options available if applicable.
- Most applicants complete assessments within a few hours; you may pause and resume later using the same link.
- Your responses may be reused for future applications in many cases.
Agency contact information
OPM Human Resources
Phone: 202-606-9321
Email: jobs@opm.gov
Address: OPM Human Resources, 1900 E St., NW, Washington, DC 20415, US
Next steps
- Applicants may be referred for structured interviews, written demonstrations, or fit assessments.
- Submit accurate information to avoid removal from consideration during or after the probationary period.
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation by email and ongoing updates about the application status.
- A tentative offer may precede a suitability and security background investigation.
