Job Summary

DCSA Program Executive Office (PEO) is seeking a Chief Software Architect for the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), responsible for leading the design & development of software systems that align with the program's business strategy, technology direction, and priorities. As the highest authority in the architectural software design, this position collaborates with senior management, product teams, and engineers to deliver scalable, high-quality software solutions.

Job Description

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQ): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. You must address each technical qualification separately. Please limit your written statements to 2 pages per technical qualification. Extensive Software Development Experience & Architectural Design and Patterns: Expert knowledge in software development, with hands-on experience in coding and development practices. This typically involves proficiency in multiple programming languages and paradigms such as object-oriented, functional, and concurrent programming. A deep understanding of software architecture principles and design patterns is essential. This includes experience with architectural styles such as microservices, service-oriented architecture (SOA), and event-driven architecture. Familiarity with design patterns like Model View Controller, Django, ASP, Angular, Spring, Symfony, or Ruby. The Chief Software Architect must have a solid command on technology and industry trends. Must be well-versed in current technology trends and tools, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and emerging technologies like AI/ML and blockchain. Experience in System Integration and Scalability: Demonstrated proficiency in designing systems that are scalable, robust, and secure. This means having a solid understanding of load balancing, distributed systems, cloud computing, and integration of disparate systems through APIs or middleware. Exceptional problem-solving skills are necessary to address complex software design and architectural issues. This involves the ability to critically analyze technology problems, assess the feasibility of technology solutions, and make data-driven decisions to ensure optimal architecture alignment with business goals. Demonstrated mastery of communication skills, both written and oral, to represent the concepts and programmatic proposals internal to and externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies and enlist them in support of program and acquisition direction and requirements. Experience in developing and maintaining technology strategy and oversight of complex IT acquisition programs; portfolio management expertise should include prioritization, workforce optimization, architecture integration, and agile development, resource planning, to include agile lean portfolio management. Expert knowledge and experience in agile program management of large-scale information technology systems acquisition programs, and an /Advanced Level III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certified. Joint Duty Credit: All DCSA executive level positions require Joint Duty Credit. Unless a waiver is approved (see Note below), only those candidates who meet the Joint Duty Credit requirement will be eligible to compete/be considered for a senior executive position. Employees will receive joint duty credit for almost any rotational assignment to another IC component and may also be eligible to receive credit for service outside the IC (military, other government, or private sector) that was at least at the GS/GG-11 or DCIPS Pay Band 3 level, that occurred on or after September 11, 2001. An external candidate, if selected, will be required to immediately apply for Joint Duty credit. Note: Employees without Joint Duty Credit may apply for the position and can be considered. If selected, a waiver would be required prior to final appointment. DCSA seniors without Joint Duty at the same tier level may lateral into the position if selected without requesting a waiver.