Remote Junior Python Developer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Summary
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE AND POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION EMPLOYEES. OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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Duties
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This announcement provides the opportunity for a reassignment/promotion to the Full Stack Developer position in the Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC) in Arlington, Virginia. In this role, you will build robust, data-driven applications that directly support federal oversight, audits, and investigations. Bring your technical expertise to a mission that matters! Bring your skills and voice to our team!
The RISC Chief Data Office sits at the intersection of innovation and federal oversight. We empower auditors, special agents, and stakeholders by transforming massive, disparate datasets into actionable intelligence. From generating investigative products to uncovering critical operational insights, our team uses advanced technology to address the organization's toughest challenges.
At RISC, we solve complex technical puzzles at a nationwide scale. We are looking for a Python Full Stack Developer to take ownership of end-to-end web application development. You will join a high-velocity team, serving as our subject matter expert for data-heavy applications and custom software engineering. If you are a versatile developer who thrives across the entire stack-from architecting secure Python-driven APIs to building dynamic user interfaces with modern front-end frameworks-we want you on the team!
Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 07/01/2026 will be considered.
The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience.
This position is being advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-9 to GS-13. The salary range for this position is $70,623.00 - $158,322.00. The salary figures include locality pay. Promotion potential to a GS-13 is at management's discretion.
Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The following description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.

• End-to-End Development: Lead all phases of the Agile software development lifecycle. Take ownership of existing Python-based applications developed by data scientists, enhancing their architecture, scalability, and maintainability for enterprise use.
• Front-End & Data Visualization: Lead user interface development by creating responsive Single Page Applications (SPAs) and interactive dashboards. Use core web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and modern front-end frameworks to translate complex datasets into clear, user-friendly experiences for our stakeholders.
• Backend Engineering & APIs: Develop high-quality, scalable backend services and secure RESTful APIs utilizing asynchronous programming with Python and modern frameworks (e.g., FastAPI) to support seamless frontend integration.
• Data Integration & Database Management: Connect web applications to complex data environments using modern platforms like Azure Databricks and PySpark. Design and tune SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., Azure Cosmos DB) to ensure high performance across large-scale datasets.
• AI & Process Automation: Leverage artificial Intelligence by seamlessly integrating machine learning models and external AI APIs into production web applications. Develop automated scripts to streamline data processing and reduce manual data handling.
• Cloud Security & Governance: Implement cloud security best practices, including Single Sign-On (SSO) integration via Microsoft Entra ID, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), secrets management (e.g., Azure Key Vault), and data protection protocols for highly sensitive investigative data.
• Quality Assurance & Documentation: Maintain rigorous standards for code quality through testing and code reviews, while producing clear technical documentation and user guides for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy: Partner cross-functionally with data scientists, designers, and stakeholders via Azure DevOps to define project scope, gather requirements, and deliver strategic technical presentations to executives.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to pass a drug screening
• Must be able to pass a background investigation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Moderate Background Investigation security clearance
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card
• May be required to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
You must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications listed below.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Analytics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development, Information Systems, or a related field.

AND

• Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience in the following areas:
  
  • Languages: Python and query languages (e.g., SQL).
  • Frameworks: Python-based back-end frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Django, Flask) and front-end fundamentals (JavaScript, HTML, CSS).
  • Cloud Infrastructure: Experience developing, deploying, and securing applications within major cloud environments (e.g., Azure).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Front-End: Knowledge of advanced web application development techniques, including demonstrated experience with TypeScript and building scalable, enterprise-grade user interfaces using front-end frameworks such as React or Angular.
• Azure Mastery: Demonstrated experience in Cloud Architecture specifically within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including Azure Databricks, Cosmos DB, and containerization using Docker.
• Data Ingestion: Experience with custom data collection, pipeline integration, and extraction techniques (e.g., web scraping or building data connectors).
• Domain Knowledge (Postal): Knowledge and experience with Postal Service processes and related data systems for mail processing, delivery, logistics, or other business functions.
• Domain Knowledge (OIG): Knowledge and experience in law enforcement, auditing, and/or the mailing industry.

EVALUATION FACTORS
You must have the experience, knowledge and skills as listed in EACH of the evaluation factors. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements in your resume.

• Full Stack Development & Architecture - Demonstrated experience building large-scale, end-to-end web applications, analytical dashboards, and internal tools, including designing and integrating RESTful APIs.
• Programming Languages & Front-End Frameworks - Proficiency in Python, backend API frameworks (e.g., FastAPI), relational databases (SQL), and front-end fundamentals (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Database & Cloud Infrastructure - Demonstrated experience working within modern database and cloud environments to manage sensitive data and deploy applications securely (e.g. Azure, Databricks, SQL Server, and Key Vault).
• Systems Development & DevOps - Knowledge of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, CI/CD practices, containerization (e.g., Docker), and modern development environments (e.g., VS Code).
• Communication & Technical Documentation - Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) to gather requirements from internal customers and write clear program documentation.

You will no longer be considered for this position if you: fail to respond to all of the questions in the self-assessment questionnaire; fail to address a factor in the narrative section (no response or "See resume" or similar language will be scored a zero (0)); or receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor.
Failure to demonstrate that you meet all evaluation factor requirements will result in a score of zero (0). Upon receipt of a zero score, you will be deemed "not minimally qualified," and you will not be referred for further consideration.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation.
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
Additional information
Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the USPS OIG. We offer a broad array of benefits programs:
As a result of the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA), USPS employees (including USPS OIG) and retirees will transition from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 1, 2025. Detailed information about eligibility and enrollment will be provided upon hiring. For more information, visit the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program website at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/pshb/.
We offer Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Care Insurances with Flexible Spending options as well.For more information about these programs visit: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/Federal-Employees/
Retirement and Thrift Savings. For more information about these programs see https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/ and tsp.gov/.
Flexible Work Schedules. USPS OIG offers a range of family-friendly flexibilities including flexible work schedules, telework and employee assistance programs.
Leave and Holidays. In addition to eleven (11) paid holidays each year, you will earn thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave and thirteen (13) to twenty-six (26) paid vacation days each year depending on your years of service.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt (Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; Exempt employees are not).
This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to jobs@uspsoig.gov. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case-by-case basis.
For further information, please refer to our website at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/frequently-asked-questions
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.