Computer Scientist

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Full-Time Computer Scientist (NH-1550-02 TARGET 03) to work at Air Force Materiel Command, (AFMC) in the Air Force Sustainment Center at Hill Air Force Base, located in Layton, Utah. This federal job offers a rewarding and exciting career with benefits. This job may close at any time! Apply now!!! Recruitment, Relocation, Retention and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized. Roster may be used to fill like vacancies for the next 120 days. Salary Range ($40,736 - $138,370) Yearly with locality pay included) Job Open Date 11/02/2026 Job Close Date 11/09/2026 Who May Apply: All U.S. Citizens Computer Scientist (Developmental to Journeyman) Series/Grade: NH-1550-02 (Target NH-1550-03) Location: Multiple Openings | Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Software Directorate Launch your career on the cutting edge of national defense. This developmental-to-journeyman position is your pathway to becoming a high-performing Computer Scientist within the AFSC Software Directorate. Working under expert mentorship, you will rapidly transition from foundational training to independently developing, modernizing, and sustaining the mission-critical software systems that keep our nation's military dominant. Your Career Progression: Phase 1: NH-02 Developmental Level (Learn & Build) • Guided Development: Master the fundamentals of military software engineering and systems design under the direct guidance of a senior Technical Lead or Supervisor. • Hands-on Programming: Write, modify, and test code using higher-order and assembly-level computer programming languages. • System Integrity Support: Assist in establishing software baselines, performing testing/debugging, and identifying software deficiencies in developmental environments. Phase 2: NH-03 Journeyman Level (Execute & Lead) • Independent Software Engineering: Design, develop, and modify critical Operational Flight Programs (OFP), Mission Support Software, Test Program Sets (TPS), or Jet Engine Test systems. • Lifecycle Traceability: Provide robust configuration management, verification, validation (IV&V), and change control for advanced weapon system software. • Technical Advisory: Serve as an organizational subject matter expert, providing engineering assistance to program management offices (PMOs) and coordinating with joint defense agencies. Technical Focus Areas (Varies by Placement): Selected candidates will be placed into specialized flights supporting a wide array of mission-critical portfolios: • Avionics & Weapon Systems: Software development and sustainment for aircraft platforms (such as the B-1, B-2, B-21, B-52, and E-3). • Command & Control (C2): Building and maintaining tactical planning systems (such as the Theater Battle Management Core System or Personnel Recovery C2 apps). • Propulsion & Industrial Software: Developing jet engine test software and test systems for advanced military engines (including the state-of-the-art F135). • Automatic Test Equipment (ATE): Designing software for automated test stations used to calibrate and troubleshoot aircraft hardware on the battlefield. Who We Are Looking For: - Adaptable Problem Solvers: High-performing individuals who thrive on change, complexity, and learning modern software design principles. - Aspiring Tech Leaders: Candidates eager to build skills in data analytics, software automation, and agile software development. - Qualified Professionals: Individuals possessing (or pursuing) a degree in Computer Science or a closely related field, meeting the basic professional requirements for the 1550 occupational series. QUALIFICATIONS: - U.S. Citizenship - Obtain & maintain a security clearance - Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft - May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours - Designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Professional knowledge of computer science, policies, theories, principles and concepts to apply to scientific methods and techniques to solve assigned problems. 2. Professional knowledge of theoretical foundations of computer science, including digital computer systems architecture and systems software organization. 3. Professional knowledge of computer science and related disciplines to design, develop and adapt scientific methods and techniques to recommend solutions for computer problems. 4. Ability to analyze, interpret and apply computer science procedures in a variety of situations and recommend effective solutions to senior scientists. RESUME: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on how to complete the two-page resume is located at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit. Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Click the apply button to complete an application and upload a resume no more than 2 pages (PDF Form) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."