Revolutionizing Federal Data: Software Engineer and Data Automation Specialist
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer and Data Automation Specialist to advance its mission through technological innovation. This is a unique opportunity to work within the Judicial Branch, designing and maintaining mission-critical applications that drive federal sentencing policy and research.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the modernization of data workflows. Key responsibilities include:
- Application Development: Design and maintain modular Python applications.
- Data Pipelines: Build and monitor ETL/ELT workflows to ingest, validate, and transform complex datasets.
- Document Processing: Utilize OCR and text-parsing techniques to extract structured data from unstructured PDF and scanned document repositories.
- System Integration: Manage SQL and Oracle PL/SQL solutions to ensure seamless database operations.
- Collaboration: Partner with subject-matter experts to bridge technical specifications with business logic.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must possess:
- An undergraduate degree in Information Technology or a related field.
- A minimum of 3 years of application development experience.
- At least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- A commitment to rigorous accuracy and professional documentation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package aligned with the Judicial Branch pay scales.
| Pay Grade | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| JS-12 to JS-14 | $102,415 - $187,093 |
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits suite:
- Retirement & Savings: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and federal pension.
- Health & Wellness: Extensive FEHB health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Alternative work schedules (AWS) and telework eligibility.
- Commuting: Monthly transit subsidies.
- Growth: Access to the Judiciary’s Online University and professional training programs.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly link your experience to the mandatory requirements.
- Mind the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
- Include Evidence: If you have performance evaluations, include them to bolster your application.
This role is an ideal fit for a software engineer who enjoys solving complex data challenges and wants to contribute to the integrity of the federal justice system. Submit your application today to join a dedicated team of professionals.
Why This Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist Job Matters
Join the U.S. Sentencing Commission and leverage your engineering expertise to modernize federal data automation and document processing systems.
Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is hiring a Software Engineer and Data Automation Specialist to join its Information Systems team. This role focuses on designing and maintaining robust data pipelines, analytics systems, and sophisticated document extraction workflows. You will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between complex federal sentencing policies and modern technical solutions, ensuring accurate data transformation and system reliability for the Judiciary.
Requirements for Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in information technology or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of professional application development experience.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- U.S. citizenship or proof of authorization to work in the United States.
- Ability to reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
- Successful completion of a background security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist
- Expertise in Oracle databases, SQL, and PL/SQL development.
- Experience with advanced OCR, layout analysis, and context-preserving segmentation.
- Knowledge of machine learning, NLP, or LLM-based information extraction.
- Experience deploying applications in restricted or air-gapped network environments.
- Proficiency with data warehousing and business intelligence tools such as Oracle ODI, OAS/OBIEE, or APEX.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
- ✓Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
- ✓Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts (dependent and health care)
- ✓Commuter reimbursement and monthly transit subsidy
- ✓Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)
- ✓Telework opportunities
- ✓Professional development via LinkedIn Learning and Judiciary Online University
💡 How to Apply Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Software Engineer And Data Automation Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement at the official USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a two-page electronic resume highlighting relevant technical experience.
- Draft a cover letter that addresses specific mandatory and preferred qualifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application materials via the USAJobs platform before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically maps your experience to the mandatory requirements listed.
- Keep your resume concise; it is strictly limited to two pages.
- Address all preferred qualifications in your cover letter to stand out to the screening panel.
- Double-check that all materials are submitted before the deadline to avoid automatic disqualification.
- If available, attach a recent job performance evaluation to strengthen your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role is eligible for regular telework, though it is not a full-time remote position. Employees must follow approved telework arrangements.
What is the security requirement for this role?
A background security investigation is required for all selectees. Appointment is contingent upon the successful completion and favorable adjudication of this investigation.
Does the position offer promotion potential?
Yes, this role is open at the JS-12 to JS-14 grade levels, with promotion potential up to the JS-14 level.
What type of database environment does the Commission use?
The Commission primarily utilizes Oracle databases, with a preference for candidates experienced in PL/SQL and data modeling.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation is not offered for this position.
Job from U. S. Sentencing Commission
The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent agency tasked with establishing fair and consistent sentencing policies for the federal criminal justice system. With a staff of approximately 100 professionals, the Commission relies on data-driven research to provide Congress and the courts with evidence-based insights into federal crime and sentencing trends.