Computer Scientist

JOB DESCRIPTION

At the FBI, we don’t just recognize talent—we build it from the ground up. We employ individuals who are not only ready to enhance their technical proficiency in areas such as penetration testing, software development, and vulnerability research but also looking to contribute effectively to their teams.

As a computer scientist, you will conduct forensic analysis; perform reverse engineering; and develop software solutions using advanced programming languages like Python, Java, Swift, C++, and C. Your role will involve identifying vulnerabilities in mobile platforms such as iOS and Android and ensuring the integrity of various systems with the precision and expertise that comes from analyzing complex systems, troubleshooting issues, and implementing secure coding practices.

When urgent situations demand immediate attention, computer scientists are there to provide their invaluable support. You excel using your analytical skills to uncover insights, solve complex cases, and ensure system integrity. From initial system setup to final software optimization, you are adept at every phase, always striving to outpace emerging threats by pushing the boundaries of your skills.

With the FBI’s comprehensive benefits package, you’ll find career advancement opportunities, a competitive salary that values your contribution, impactful work, and continual training. Working at the Bureau will help you become more efficient, expand your skill set, and advance your career—all while making a significant impact on national security.

Set yourself apart. Apply today.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Click on the “Apply” button to be directed to the FBIJobs Careers website.

STEP 2: Click the “Start” button to begin. You will be prompted to either sign in to continue or register with FBIJobs if you don’t already have an account.

STEP 3: Follow the step-by-step process to submit your interest. You will be guided through each step. You must complete all sections of the form AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE ATTACHED to successfully submit your interest.

1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates.
2. Other supporting documents:

• College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement.
• Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF-15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later.

Please see instructions on the site for attaching documents.

Note: This is NOT a vacancy announcement. By completing the application, you are joining a repository of interested applicants who will be considered to fill current and future Computer Scientist opportunities. Additional selections may be made to fill positions with similar duties, responsibilities and qualifications.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develop, deploy, and maintain bespoke capabilities, tools, and analytics needed to conduct the FBI's counterterrorism mission.
• Understand and partner with enterprise environments, architectures, applications, policies and compliance to provide capabilities.
• Partner with mission teams to build automation capabilities, exploit data, and provide technical support.
• Perform design analysis, testing, documentation, and implementation of complex computer programs and secure databases.
• Apply both theoretical and application-oriented computer science methodologies.
• Conduct requirement elicitations and analyses for improving the design of existing tools and gathering needs for new capabilities.
• Create tailored data visualizations from disparate enterprise data repositories.
• Advise on and review designs of other application projects to ensure quality products are delivered.
• Develop and extend cost methods for the purpose of support comparisons.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

GS-7: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Use existing tools and methods to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.
• Assist with implementing custom tools, techniques, and procedures used to address unique investigative situations.
• Provide basic technical and other professional assistance in conducting interviews; searches; and other investigative, operational, liaison, and/or outreach activity.
• Assist in drafting documents on basic technical and other professional matters.

GS-9: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

In addition to the above:

• Troubleshoot and modify, as needed, existing tools and methods to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.
• Assist with developing custom tools and methods to identify, analyze, and preserve digital evidence.
• Assist in drafting documents on more advanced technical matters.

GS-11: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

In addition to the above:

• Assist others with basic system and network procurement, installation, administration, and security.
• Use, troubleshoot, and modify existing cyber tools and methods to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.
• Assist with developing and implementing custom tools and methods.
• Provide basic technical and other professional assistance in conducting interviews, searches, and other investigative and operations activities.
• Draft documents on basic technical and other professional matters and assist in drafting documents on advanced matters.
• Assist in coordinating with the private sector and other divisions.

GS-12: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

In addition to the above:

• Perform basic computer system and network procurement, installation, administration, and security and assist others on more complex matters.
• Use, troubleshoot, and modify existing cyber tools and methods to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.
• Develop and implement basic custom tools.
• Provide technical and other professional assistance in conducting interviews, searches, and other investigative activities.
• Draft documents on technical and other professional matters and assist in drafting documents on advanced matters.
• Perform liaison duties and outreach.

GS-13: Applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience (SE) equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

In addition to the above:

• Perform advanced computer system and network procurement, installation, administration, and security, and assist others on more complex matters.
• Use, troubleshoot, and modify existing cyber tools and methods to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.
• Identify, develop, vet, and implement new tools and methods.
• Provide advanced technical and other professional assistance in conducting interviews, searches, and other investigative activities.
• Coordinate with the private sector and other divisions to lead in resolving technical and other relevant issues.
• Acts as a subject matter expert and testify as such in court.
• Remain current with major new advances in cyber and technology topics and provide guidance, tools, and methods on addressing these advances at the national level.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
• Must be willing to travel as required.
• Must meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science from a U.S. accredited college or university.

Education may be substituted for Specialized Experience (SE) as follows:

• GS-7: Applicant must have a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of graduate-level education. Superior academic achievement is the completion of all the requirements of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average of 3.0 or higher as recorded on an official transcript, or as based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum, or (3) honor society membership.
• GS-9: Applicant must have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LLB or JD, if related.
• GS-11: Applicant must have a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LLM, if related.
• GS-12 and above: Education may not be substituted for SE at this grade level.

All degrees must be verified by submitting college transcripts.

The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex, pregnancy and related conditions, or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other nonmerit factors.