Computer hardware engineer Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is : To serve as the expert cyberspace technical officer within Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP), providing specialized technical direction, consultation, advice, review, project management, and assistance to the leadership of AF TENCAP, HQ ACC, United States Cyber Command.

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses relocating under PCS orders or whose spouse is 100% disabled or died while on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT GS-0854-14 :

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below :

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes mastery expert professional knowledge computer engineering systems (hardware and software) related to information security and thoroughly understands each step in the penetration testing methodology, including reconnaissance, scanning, fingerprinting, enumeration, vulnerability identification, exploitation, to rootkits and command and control. Conducts and advises on testing operations for acceptance and operation of complete systems and equipment to be used in a variety of projects by various agencies. NOTE : You must submit a copy of your college transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS : Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE : Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) : Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and / or competencies in the following areas :

1. Mastery of professional computer engineering knowledge in cellular and wireless systems, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),GSM, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, and Wifi, including their encryption, authentication, and operating specifications involving the design, construction, and operation of advanced computer systems including hardware and software and their integration and in the application of engineering and scientific theories and principles to unique complex computer-based systems and resolving unusual and controversial problems.

2. Expert knowledge of Engineering, signal processing, database management, and programming to include knowledge of systems backup, incident response, continuity planning, and disaster recovery and knowledge of the function, operation, and limitations of Intrusion Detection Systems, AntiVirus systems and firewalls to include evaluating and advising on the feasibility of new technology and state-of-the-art equipment for incorporation into existing systems and equipment.

3. Expert knowledge of high-level computer programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Ruby, and lower-level scripting languages such as Shellscript, Javascript, Pearl, and / or Python.

4. In-depth knowledge of the 7 layers of the OSI model and the communications and operations of the various protocols at each layer. Protocol knowledge should include Domain Name Service (DNS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Transport Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Control Messing Protocol (ICMP), Internet Protocol (IP), and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to include routing protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).

5. Knowledge of Asymmetric and Symmetric cryptography (including the Data Encryption Standard (DES), 3DES, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), El Gamal, Elliptic Curve, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the methods of key exchange (such as Diffie-Hellman), methods of hashing, such as MD5 and the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), stenography, and covert channels.

6. Ability to lead a team of contractor and government personnel developers and testers to accomplish technologically challenging objectives to conceive new approaches and modify strategies to meet novel interfacing and integration conditions for the innovative cyber projects for an AF level program which may interface with a variety of agencies. Ability to manage programs to ensure adherence to cost / performance / schedule. Ability to educate coworkers and leadership on complex computing, networking, communications, and information security details, trends, limitations, and operations. Skill in working with and monitoring contracts and writing statements of work to include knowledge of contracting requirements to include evaluating contractors' performance. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to include briefing skills for a wide variety of high-ranking personnel while using tack and diplomacy in keeping a supportive rapport with all levels of personn

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE : Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE : Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY : If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION : Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) : For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants) : Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register : This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible : MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain / download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible : PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain / download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit : All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on / after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here .

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING :

Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group : Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements

Fully Qualified Group : Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.

Basically Qualified Group : Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and / or experience requirements.

The resume / documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS / AWARDS : Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and / or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility / eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

Online Application : Questionnaire

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS : The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following :

Note : The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS :

Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.

Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note : Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 03 / 12 / 2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link :

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE : It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and / or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center

Phone

1-800-525-0102

Email

[email protected]

Address

USAF Academy

5136 Eagle Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility / eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS : The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following :

Note : The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS :

Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.

Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note : Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 03 / 12 / 2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link :

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE : It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and / or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center

Phone

1-800-525-0102

Email

[email protected]

Address

USAF Academy

5136 Eagle Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.