Launch Your Engineering Career with the Defense Media Activity

Are you a visionary engineer looking to merge technical expertise with a mission that spans the globe? The Defense Media Activity (WMA) is hiring a Computer Engineer (GS-13) to join our Technology Support Office at Fort Meade, Maryland. This role is pivotal in maintaining the broadcast standards that inform and connect our service members around the world.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-13 Computer Engineer, you will tackle a diverse range of technical challenges, including:

Systems Engineering: Designing, developing, and testing hardware and software for radio and television broadcast missions.
Network Modernization: Implementing state-of-the-art Audio over IP (AoIP) architectures.
Acquisition Oversight: Drafting Statements of Work (SOW) and managing complex technical contracts in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
Readiness Inspections: Conducting technical audits of CONUS and OCONUS bureaus to ensure military standards are met.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-impact position, you must meet strict federal qualifications:

Requirement Type	Detail
Education	Bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET accredited) or equivalent
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level
Security	Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance
Compliance	Completion of DoD 8140 cyber certification within 6 months

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Federal employees also enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and the flexibility of telework options.

Application Tips for Success

Applying for federal jobs can be competitive. To stand out:

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages. Extra pages will lead to automatic disqualification.
Tailor Your Content: Use your resume to highlight your experience with broadcast systems, network design, and contract administration.
Formatting: Use legible fonts and ensure your uploaded documents are in PDF format for the best results.

If you are ready to apply your engineering skills to a mission that matters, the Defense Media Activity offers a career path defined by challenge, purpose, and professional growth. Review the announcement requirements carefully and submit your application by November 5, 2026.

Why This Computer Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of global communications. Join the Defense Media Activity as a Computer Engineer and deploy cutting-edge broadcast and network technology to support warfighters worldwide.

Computer Engineer Job Overview

The Defense Media Activity (WMA) is seeking a skilled Computer Engineer to join its Technology Support Office. In this role, you will design, manage, and modernize critical audiovisual and broadcast systems, including Radio Automation and Audio over IP (AoIP) networks. You will play a vital role in ensuring that Department of War audiences, from stateside locations to international bureaus, receive seamless, high-definition broadcast services. This is a unique opportunity to leverage Agile methodologies in a high-stakes, mission-critical environment at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Requirements for Computer Engineer

U.S. Citizenship.
A bachelor's degree or higher in professional engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to professional engineering standards.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be able to pass an initial drug screening and comply with random testing.
Registration as a professional engineer or completion of an EIT examination may be required depending on qualifying path.
Must obtain a DoD 8140.1-03 compliant cyber-related certification within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications for Computer Engineer

Proven experience in designing and integrating Radio Automation and AoIP networks.
Expertise in technical acquisitions, including drafting Performance Work Statements (PWS) and Statements of Work (SOW).
Experience managing contractor performance under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
Proficiency in Agile methodologies for systems development.
Strong background in maintaining satellite, digital switching, and high-definition television systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Telework opportunities available.
✓Professional development and cyber-certification support.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits and savings plans (TSP).

💡 How to Apply Computer Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Computer Engineer Job

Register for a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Gather your academic transcripts and recent SF-50 (if applicable).
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 5, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Stick to the two-page limit for your resume; applications exceeding this will be excluded.
Use a clear, professional font like Lato or Calibri.
Ensure your transcript clearly shows your name, school, and degree awarded.
Clearly label your veterans' preference if you are claiming it.
Review the questionnaire thoroughly before submission to ensure all competencies are addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and mission requirements.

What is the security requirement for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a non-critical sensitive/moderate risk position.

What happens if I miss the resume page limit?

Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.

Is there a drug testing requirement?

*A: Yes, this position requires an initial drug screening and is subject to random testing.*

Can I use education to substitute for experience?

*A: At the GS-13 level, specialized professional experience is mandatory and cannot be substituted by education alone.*

Job from Defense Media Activity

The Defense Media Activity (WMA) serves as a vital component of the Department of War. Our mission is to inform, educate, and entertain DoD audiences. From operating combat camera units to managing the prestigious Stars and Stripes newspaper, we ensure that accurate information flows to our forces regardless of their location. As a Computer Engineer here, you aren't just maintaining systems—you are ensuring the heartbeat of global military communications.