Data Scientist - Data Engineer (Direct Hire)

Job Summary – Direct‑Hire STEM Data Engineer (GS‑13‑15)

Agency: Social Security Administration (Risk & Quality) – Washington, DC (HQ Woodlawn, MD)

Open to: All U.S. citizens (including career‑transition applicants). Veterans’ preference does not apply under the Direct Hire Authority.

Employment type: Competitive‑service, non‑bargaining‑unit, full‑time. New civil‑service appointment (current federal employees receive a new appointment).

Salary range: $143,913 – $187,093 per year (GS‑13 to GS‑15, locality‑pay varies).

Location options:  Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Queens, NY; San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Woodlawn, MD.

Key duties (public‑notice only):

• Serve in a talent‑pool; positions will be filled as they become available (up to 6 months after the closing date).

Minimum qualifications (must be fully documented in the resume):

1. Specialized experience – 52 weeks at the GS‑13 level (or equivalent) covering all of the following:

   • Write, optimize, and troubleshoot complex SQL queries for ETL.
   • Develop Python scripts for feature engineering, data processing, and workflow orchestration.
   • Implement data‑validation, cleansing, and quality‑check procedures throughout pipelines.
   • Optimize code written by Data Scientists for speed and consistency.

2. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) – either:

   • (a) A bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a directly related field or
   • (b) Equivalent coursework (≥30 semester hours) in those subjects plus additional education or relevant experience.

   Transcripts (unofficial acceptable at application) must be uploaded by the deadline (04/03/2026, 11:59 PM ET).

Other conditions of employment:

• U.S. citizenship, Selective‑Service registration (if applicable).
• Fingerprinting/background‑security investigation; offer contingent on results.
• One‑year probationary period (subject to performance review).
• No relocation assistance.

Application package (must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET, 04/03/2026):

• Resume (max 2 pages, per OPM’s new guidance; include work schedule, hours/week, dates, duties).
• Transcripts showing degree or qualifying coursework (name, institution, course titles, credits, grades, completion dates).
• Any other supporting documents (e.g., ICTAP or CTAP proof, performance ratings, SSA‑45, etc.).

How to apply:

1. Click Apply Online on USAJOBS.
2. Complete the questionnaire, attach required documents, and submit before the deadline.
3. You may update the application any time before the closing date via your USAJOBS account.

Selection process:

• Applications are placed in a talent pool; referrals may occur up to six months after the closing date.
• Candidates may be interviewed (in‑person or via video).
• Final disposition will be communicated by email.

Contact for questions:

• Careers at SSA – Careers@ssa.gov (email)
• Phone: 000‑000‑0000 (use TTY/relay services if needed).

Key dates:

• Open: 03/23/2026
• Close: 04/03/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

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Bottom line: This is a Direct‑Hire, GS‑13‑15 data‑engineering role for U.S. citizens with at least one year of GS‑13‑level experience in advanced SQL and Python data‑pipeline work, plus a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent coursework). The position offers a salary up to $187 K, multiple location options, and a 6‑month talent‑pool window for hiring. All required documents—including a two‑page resume and transcripts—must be uploaded by the April 3 deadline.