Independent Contractor Political Science Jobs in Utah

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.
OPENS: 11 AUGUST 2026
CLOSES: 25 AUGUST 2026
*IMPORTANT**
• AFNWC requires the 2-page resume format for our job announcements. Please access this link to learn more about what to include in your resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
• Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience, education, and professional development is reviewed and considered, which is *a common practice in both the public and private sectors.
• The hiring manager will reject any illegible/unreadable resumes or resumes that do not comply with the 2-page limitation.
• Provide all academic degrees, professional military education and any other professional certifications on your 2-page resume.
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking a full-time Computer Scientist to work in the ICBM Futures Division, Digital Futures Branch, at Hill Air Force Base near Layton, Utah.
This position is an NH-1550-03. The basic salary range for this position is $76,463 - $106,177 based on the Value of Position, which does not include Hill AFB locality pay.
**Value of Position: If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated Value of Position, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.
*Recruitment, Relocation, Retention, and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized.
The AFNWC ICBM Digital Futures Branch is responsible for the discovery, maturation, and insertion of cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance ICBM digital systems, ensuring continued & future dominance.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Computer Scientist supporting the discovery, maturation and insertion of cutting-edge digital solutions to support the ICBM Directorate. This position serves as a computer scientist providing critical technical oversight and guidance for government and contractor-driven software engineering efforts. The position will include evaluating software architecture, facilitating integration, and ensuring software solutions meet the rigorous ICBM software requirements. Ultimately, this role assists in ensuring ICBM Digital Futures Branch delivers secure, reliable, and advanced software capabilities to the Air Force.
DUTIES:
• Conducts comprehensive technical design and peer reviews of software architectures, source code, and technical documentation to ensure alignment with ICBM requirements. Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues or deficiencies within software deliveries, collaborating directly with contractors and government mission partners to implement corrective actions, mitigate programmatic risks, and ensure final deliverables meet stringent Department of War quality and security standards.
• Actively collaborates and coordinates with cross-functional government and contractor stakeholders across a large-scale Agile/Lean software development enterprise. Participate in iterative planning, sprint reviews, and technical exchanges to ensure software development and deployment efforts align with the strategic objectives, fostering a culture of continuous integration and rapid-capability delivery.
• Participates in program milestones, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and design reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, TRR, CDR) as a recognized government software authority, holding contractor and government mission partners accountable for technical baselines.
• Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts. Represent the organization in a professional manner.
SKILLS:
• Positions at this level typically have 5 years of relevant computer scientist experience
• Proficiency in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) management, using Agile/Lean project management principles and practices is highly desired
• Proficiency in design/evaluation of large complex software and network architectures using Unified Modeling Language (UML) and/or Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is highly desired
• Experience in coding/developing software for either large enterprise information systems or complex electro-mechanical systems using contemporary software languages (e.g. C/C++, Python, Rust, GO, JavaScript, C#, Java) is highly desired
• Experience with low-code environments (e.g. Envision, Power BI) is preferred
• Experience with AI/ML and LLMs is preferred
• Excellent communication and presentation skills required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• U.S. CITIZENSHIP
• Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance and will be required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management "Practitioner" certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
• This is a DoD Cyber Workforce position; selected individual must be able to meet position qualification requirements IAW DoDM 8140.3 in the required timeframes. The DoD Cyberspace Workforce Role Code(s) and Proficiency Level(s) assigned to this position are:"
o 621 (Software Developer) (Proficiency Level: Intermediate)
• For more information concerning Cyberspace Work Roles (CWR), review the latest "DCWF Tool" at https://www.cyber.mil/dod-workforce-innovation-directorate/dod-cyber-workforce-framework
• In accordance with DoDM 8140.03; employees will have 9 to 12-months to become fully qualified in all position qualification requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in either Computer Science or Computer Engineering is preferred. To qualify for the Computer Scientist occupation in the Federal Government, a candidate must have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a 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.