Lead Computer Scientist
About this role
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is hiring a Lead Computer Scientist at the GS-14 level to lead artificial intelligence and machine learning work that supports the Department of Defense’s finance and accounting mission. As the senior technical authority for a team of professional computer scientists, you will guide the research, design, development and integration of AI and machine learning solutions, from experiments and predictive models to production systems. The announcement is open to all US citizens under Direct Hire Authority and closes on November 10, 2026, with duty locations in Indianapolis, Rome, Cleveland and Whitehall.
We added this government jobs opening on November 04, 2026 after reviewing the employer's posting. The role is based on site in Indianapolis, IN; Rome, NY; Cleveland, OH; Whitehall, OH, United States, so it suits candidates within commuting distance. Read the sections below before applying — they break down what the job involves day to day, who it suits, and how the application process works.
Job snapshot
| Employer | Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) |
|---|---|
| Job title | Lead Computer Scientist |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN; Rome, NY; Cleveland, OH; Whitehall, OH, United States |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | See source listing |
| Posted | November 04, 2026 |
| Listing source | USAJOBS |
What you will do day to day
While every employer organises the work slightly differently, the core of this Lead Computer Scientist role at Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) covers the following:
- Serve as senior technical authority and team leader for a group of professional computer scientists
- Lead the research, design, development and integration of AI and machine learning solutions
- Guide the team in distributing and balancing workload by workflow, skill level and specialisation
- Perform advanced work in research, development, testing, prototyping and integration of AI-enabled products and systems
- Conduct complex experiments, analyse results, build predictive and classification models and evaluate performance
- Recommend technically feasible solutions based on model evaluation and testing
What you will need
- US citizenship and a favourable suitability review and security clearance
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a degree with 30 semester hours in mathematics, statistics and computer science including calculus
- One year of specialised experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service
- Experience with AI and machine learning, cloud computing architectures, and large and small language models
- Transcripts must be submitted to document the education requirement
- Willingness to complete DoD 8140 foundational qualifications within 9 months and residential qualifications within 12 months
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has not published a fixed salary range in this listing, which is common for roles where pay is set by experience, grade, or location. Check the source listing for the current pay details, and compare the benefits below when judging the overall package.
Benefits listed by the employer
- Federal GS-14 pay with standard government benefits
- Federal health insurance, retirement (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan
- Paid annual and sick leave plus federal holidays
- Direct Hire Authority — a streamlined federal hiring path
- Work on AI and machine learning at national scale for the Department of Defense
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the source listing (USAJOBS), where the original posting is linked — always confirm the role, pay and deadline there before applying.
- Complete every field of the application on the source listing and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
When does this announcement close?
The announcement closes on November 10, 2026, and selections may be made at any point during the open period.
Who can apply?
The announcement is open to all US citizens under Direct Hire Authority for certain Department of Defense personnel.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Indianapolis, IN; Rome, NY; Cleveland, OH; Whitehall, OH, United States and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.
Need help applying? Read our guide: Job Interview Preparation: A Practical Guide — written for government jobs applicants in the USA.
Related jobs you may like
Agricultural Commodity Grader (Grain)
Electrician (Motor Vehicle Operator)
Veterans Service Representative
Browse more: Government Jobs