Are you a skilled software engineer, DevSecOps specialist, or scientist passionate about cutting-edge technology in national defense? The Department of the Navy is seeking talented professionals for an exciting Engineer/Scientist role at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Dahlgren, Virginia. This position focuses on DevSecOps, Kubernetes cluster administration, and developing robust combat systems software — ideal for experts in platform services, high availability, security, and integrated combat systems.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical U.S. Navy combat systems using modern agile practices like DevSecOps. The announcement (posted December 2025) serves as a public notice flyer for anticipated vacancies, with applications accepted on a rolling basis through December 1, 2026.
Why This Naval Engineer/Scientist Job Stands Out
- Salary Range: $101,401 – $156,755 per year (ND-4 pay band, equivalent to GS-12/GS-13)
- Location: Dahlgren, VA (1 anticipated vacancy)
- Telework: Eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework at management’s discretion
- Security Clearance: Secret level required (interim/final must be obtained/maintained)
- Key Focus Areas: Lead DevSecOps efforts for combat systems, including design, development, integration, testing, and fielding. Handle platform services like high availability, log aggregation, and security.
This role is perfect for professionals experienced in Kubernetes, container orchestration, cloud-native development, and defense software engineering.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
As an Engineer or Scientist in the Software Engineering and Development Division (Integrated Combat Systems Department), you’ll:
- Lead DevSecOps teams to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy combat systems software.
- Administer Kubernetes clusters and build high-availability platform services.
- Conduct software engineering for Command and Control Systems, including analysis, problem-solving, and modifications.
- Document technical work through reports, presentations, testing results, and specification changes.
- Collaborate with developers, engineers, end-users, and stakeholders on hardware/software interfaces, system design, implementation, and maintenance.
- Analyze requirements to plan new applications or enhance existing ones.
If you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments delivering secure, reliable software for national security, this position aligns perfectly with your expertise.
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify, you need at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the ND-03 pay band (GS-09 to GS-11 level), demonstrating:
- Professional experience in platform or DevSecOps software development, including Kubernetes cluster administration.
- Examples include leading teams in requirements/architecture development, combat system evaluations, project planning, performance management, engineering assessments, or mentoring juniors.
Education Requirements (must meet one of the following series):
- 0801 Professional Engineering: Bachelor’s in engineering (ABET-accredited preferred) or equivalent combination of education/experience (including calculus and advanced physics/engineering courses).
- 1550 Computer Science: Bachelor’s in computer science or 30 semester hours in math/stats/computer science (with calculus).
- 1515 Operations Research or 1520 Mathematics: Relevant degree with substantial math coursework.
U.S. citizenship is mandatory. Additional conditions include:
- Cyberspace Workforce qualifications (DoDM 8140.03, role 621, Basic proficiency).
- DAWIA certification in assigned acquisition category.
- Potential travel (CONUS/OCONUS, including military/commercial aircraft).
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Review full OPM standards for your series via the links in the original announcement.
How to Apply for This DevSecOps Engineer/Scientist Role
This flyer notifies of anticipated vacancies — direct applications aren’t accepted here. Submit your resume and application package via email to: DLGR_NSWC_jobinfo@navy.mil
- Include DE-12842892-26-JLM in the subject line.
- Limit resume to 2 pages (clear, specific, focused on relevant experience).
- Include transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Veterans: Submit DD-214, SF-15 if claiming preference (though preference may not apply under this authority).
- Deadline: Applications accepted until December 1, 2026 (or until filled).
Ensure your resume highlights DevSecOps, Kubernetes, combat systems, software integration, and leadership experience. Illegible or incomplete submissions won’t be considered.
Benefits of Working for the U.S. Navy at Dahlgren
Joining the Naval Surface Warfare Center offers comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
- Professional development in defense technology.
- Contribution to national security through innovative software solutions.
This position falls under the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project and DoD Priority Placement Program.
Ready to advance your career in federal DevSecOps, Kubernetes engineering, or defense software development? Don’t miss this long-open opportunity at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.
For the official details and to prepare your application, visit the USAJOBS announcement: https://ai.usajobs.gov/job/851204700