Summary As an IT Specialist (APPSW) with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Data & AI Engineering Division, Software and AI Engineering, you will design, develop, test, and maintain artificial intelligence and application software solutions in cloud-based Agile DevSecOps environments. Responsibilities Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain application software and artificial intelligence solutions using Agile DevSecOps methods. Build and refine machine learning models, language models, algorithms, and data analysis methods to support predictive capabilities. Use cloud services and deployment pipelines to deliver secure, reliable artificial intelligence and application software solutions. Develop, debug, integrate, and tune applications using programming languages, frameworks, databases, and application programming interfaces. Identify, test, and use approved training data; conduct quality assurance, security, performance, usability, and accessibility testing. Consult with product owners, customers, and stakeholders to define requirements, document solutions, and communicate technical options. Translate technical concepts, data findings, uncertainty, limitations, and potential bias into plain language for technical and nontechnical audiences. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit. Qualifications Basic Requirement: Applicants must have Information Technology (IT) related experience that demonstrates proficiency in each of the following competencies. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. 3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, considering the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND For the GS14: In addition to the basic requirement above, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level or pay band in the Federal service n the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors), performing application software and artificial intelligence solution development that includes: Designing, developing, testing, implementing, or maintaining application software using programming languages, frameworks, databases, or software development tools; Developing, integrating, testing, or maintaining artificial intelligence or machine learning solutions, such as models, algorithms, natural language processing, or data analysis methods; Using cloud services, deployment pipelines, or DevSecOps practices to deliver, monitor, secure, or maintain application software solutions; Evaluating software requirements, technical issues, testing results, security considerations, performance concerns, or data limitations and recommending implementation approaches; and Communicating technical requirements, solution options, risks, progress, or limitations to customers, stakeholders, product owners, or development teams. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Additional Information This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/ Relocation expenses will not be paid. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable\Accommodations\for\USA\Hire As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.