Advance Your Career as an IT Specialist (End User SME) with Federal Student Aid
Are you a seasoned IT professional looking to make a massive impact on the nation's educational infrastructure? The Department of Education, through Federal Student Aid (FSA), is currently hiring an IT Specialist (End User SME) to join the Technology Operations Division. This high-impact role is perfect for leaders who excel in network architecture, security, and strategic procurement.
Job Responsibilities
As an End User Subject Matter Expert at the GS-15 level, your responsibilities are vast and vital:
- Architectural Leadership: Conduct research into network products and standards to guide the enterprise infrastructure.
- Strategic Communication: Translate technical requirements into language understandable by non-technical stakeholders and present complex findings to senior management.
- System Security: Develop and maintain plans for boundary defense, incident response, and security hardening (ZTA, SASE).
- Contract Management: Oversee large-scale IT investments and procurement efforts.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirements equivalent to a GS-14 level.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | Equivalent to one year at GS-14 level |
| Security | Must be able to pass a high-risk background check |
| Testing | Position is subject to random drug testing |
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $146,481 to $197,200 per year, depending on the specific locality of the duty station.
Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the Department of Education offers a suite of benefits designed to promote work-life balance:
- Leave Benefits: Excused leave for parent-teacher conferences and community volunteer service.
- Incentives: Potential for recruitment or relocation bonuses, and participation in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
- Flexibility: Opportunities for telework and alternative work schedules.
Application Tips
This position is limited to the first 200 applications received. Prepare your resume ahead of time—it must be strictly limited to two pages and clearly demonstrate how your previous experience meets the qualification criteria listed in the announcement.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the technology landscape for the future of American education. If you possess the expertise in network security and IT leadership, apply today to join the Federal Student Aid team.
Why This It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only) Job Matters
Shape the future of educational technology by driving the enterprise network architecture for Federal Student Aid at the GS-15 level.
It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only) Job Overview
The Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office is seeking a highly skilled IT Specialist to serve as an End User Subject Matter Expert (SME). Based within the Chief Technology Office, this high-level position plays a pivotal role in managing secure, scalable, and modern IT infrastructure. You will influence the agency's strategic technology direction by overseeing enterprise network design, cloud integration, and critical security frameworks. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior-level IT professional to impact the delivery of vital financial assistance programs for millions of students nationwide.
Requirements for It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must complete a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Position is subject to drug testing.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males 18 and over).
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to GS-14 level.
- Must be able to maintain a critical-sensitive security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only)
- Experience with enterprise network architecture design, including SD-WAN, ZTA, and SASE frameworks.
- Expertise in managing large-scale IT and telecommunications contract vehicles.
- FAC-COR Level III certification or equivalent experience in managing complex IT investment acquisitions.
- Demonstrated ability to present complex technical issues to senior-level management.
- Advanced knowledge of IPv4/IPv6 protocols and cloud hosting security standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Excused leave for parent-teacher conferences and annual health screenings.
- ✓Matching leave for community volunteer service.
- ✓Potential eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance programs.
💡 How to Apply It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for It Specialist 'End User Sme', Gs-2210-15 Fpl Gs-15 (Ed Only) Job
- Prepare a concise, 2-page federal resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Apply online through the official portal before the 200-application limit is reached or the closing date.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire and assessment.
- Submit all necessary documents, including SF-50 if currently or formerly employed by the federal government.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your federal job titles, grades, and hours worked per week.
- Apply early to avoid the 200-application cap, which may close the announcement prematurely.
- Review the USA Hire assessment practice materials linked in the official announcement to prepare.
- Carefully check your SF-50 forms for accuracy if you are a federal employee; missing information can result in disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully remote position?
The position is eligible for remote or virtual work. However, if you reside within 200 miles of a Department of Education facility in certain major cities, you may be required to work on-site under current 'Return to In-Person Work' directives.
Does this position accept education in lieu of experience?
No. For this specific GS-15 grade level, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized professional experience.
Job from Department Of Education Headquarters
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is the largest provider of student financial assistance in the United States. FSA manages the administrative and oversight functions for programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965, supporting nearly 12.9 million students. As part of the Chief Technology Office, you will help modernize the digital systems that ensure these programs run securely and efficiently.