Entry Level Computer Science Degree Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

To qualify for the position of Computer Scientist, at GG-1550-7/9/11/12, you must meet the minimum and/or basic qualification requirements listed below.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
AND
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
FOR THE GS-07:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: assisting in software and system development in a professional and/or academic environment; assisting in the development of software through various techniques such as data structures, software engineering, and computer communication.
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Education: 1 year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement 3.0 or higher GPA
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Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience (less than one year, matching experience as described above) AND directly related graduate education (less than one year of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement.
FOR THE GS-09:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: providing routine maintenance and design of software development and software testing throughout the software development life cycle; analyzing needs and product requirements to create codes; AND conducting routine program testing to ensure quality control.
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Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree
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Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience (less than one year, matching experience as described above) AND directly related graduate education (less than two years of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement.

• Note: Only graduate education in excess of one year (generally 18 semester hours) may be used in this calculation.

FOR THE GS-11:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: assisting in the overall planning, design, and implementation of large and more complex programs; preparing and testing systems to ensure quality and efficiency; modifying software code to correct errors and improve performance; AND providing assistance and guidance to customers on software related issues.
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Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
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Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience (less than one year, matching experience as described above) AND directly related graduate education (less than three years of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement.

• Note: Only graduate education in excess of two years (generally 36 semester hours) may be used in this calculation.

FOR THE GS-12:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: overseeing complex software and system developments through various techniques such as data structures, software engineering, and computer communication; Participating in the planning, development, and implementation of large more complex programs within time and budget constraints; Developing and implementing major testing strategies to ensure quality and efficiency; Providing assistance and guidance to customers on software related issues.
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Education: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer.
After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement, 07/23/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.