Advance Your Career: Lead Computer Scientist at Naval Undersea Warfare Center

The Department of the Navy is looking for a seasoned technical leader to serve as a Lead Computer Scientist within the Digital Transformation Division at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Keyport, Washington. This high-impact role is designed for professionals who thrive at the intersection of complex software engineering and mission-driven strategic planning.

Job Responsibilities

As the principal technical expert and Product Owner, you will:

Oversee Software Lifecycles: Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of high-priority software applications.
Modernize Systems: Conduct deep-dive modernization studies to improve system security, efficiency, and productivity.
Drive Innovation: Implement advanced data science and artificial intelligence projects into existing workflows.
Lead Technical Roadmaps: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate operational needs into actionable technical solutions.
Manage Complexity: Navigate evolving cybersecurity guidelines and conflicting project objectives while ensuring project success.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with 30 hours of math/science, including differential and integral calculus.
Professional Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in software project management.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Documentation: A concise, 2-page resume highlighting specialized skills and relevant project outcomes.

Comparison of Key Roles

Feature	Lead Computer Scientist (This Role)	Standard Developer
Focus	Strategy & Product Ownership	Coding & Execution
Scope	Program Lifecycle Management	Task-level Implementation
Leadership	Cross-functional & Stakeholder	Peer-level technical coordination
Clearance	Secret Required	Variable

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $119,630 to $155,521 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scale regulations.

Benefits

Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
Robust retirement planning (FERS + Thrift Savings Plan).
Work-life balance through telework eligibility.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.

Application Tips

Focus on Accomplishments: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your resume to demonstrate your project management impact.
Adhere to Limits: Do not exceed the 2-page resume limit; hiring managers will not review excessive documentation.
Prepare for Assessments: The hiring process includes the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment; set aside quiet time to complete this efficiently.

If you are a visionary computer scientist, this role at NUWC Keyport offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence national defense technology. With a clear focus on digital transformation and AI, you will be at the forefront of naval modernization.

Why This Lead Computer Scientist Job Matters

Lead the next generation of digital transformation at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. If you are a visionary computer scientist ready to shape the future of secure, scalable software solutions for the U.S. Navy, your mission begins in Keyport, Washington.

Lead Computer Scientist Job Overview

The Digital Transformation Division of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport is seeking a Lead Computer Scientist to serve as a principal technical expert and Product Owner. This role focuses on high-priority software applications, system modernization, and the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and data science projects. As a leader in this division, you will bridge the gap between operational needs and technical execution, managing complex lifecycles and ensuring the delivery of mission-critical software capabilities.

Requirements for Lead Computer Scientist

U.S. Citizenship.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science OR a bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science (including at least 15 hours of differential and integral calculus).
At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
Demonstrated experience in project management, data science, AI projects, and Agile methodologies.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Submission of a concise resume (maximum 2 pages).
Successful completion of required USA Hire Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Computer Scientist

Experience translating operational requirements into actionable technical software solutions.
Proven track record of managing software lifecycles, including security and scalability.
Strong background in cross-functional team leadership and stakeholder management.
Demonstrated success in navigating complex regulatory and cybersecurity environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with potential for growth.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Lead Computer Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Computer Scientist Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages.
Click the Apply Online button to answer the questionnaires.
Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Monitor email for the unique USA Hire Assessment link.
Complete the online assessments within 48 hours of notification.
Submit your final package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required data points are included.
Be specific about your technical achievements and project management experience in your resume.
Ensure your transcripts clearly show required coursework hours.
If claiming veterans' preference or disability status, attach all necessary proof early.
Set aside at least two hours to focus on the USA Hire Assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role acts as a Product Owner for software engineering projects, overseeing the lifecycle, architecture, and deployment of complex digital solutions for the Navy.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The role is telework eligible, but it is not a fully remote position. You will be based in Keyport, Washington.

How long should my resume be?

Your resume must be strictly limited to a maximum of 2 pages. Applications exceeding this limit may not be considered.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation expense reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on current funding availability and agency policy.*

What is the significance of the 2-page limit?

*A: The agency uses this limit to evaluate your ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable, and concise summaries.*

Job from Naval Sea Systems Command

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport is a cornerstone of the Navy’s undersea dominance. Joining this team means contributing to the research, development, and support of naval systems that safeguard national security. Civilian employees are offered a stable, challenging environment where purpose and patriotism unite, coupled with the generous benefits package associated with federal service.