IT Specialist (APPSW), (IS-2210-11/12)

Application Deadline: 22 February 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $84,579 - $109,959 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: February 17, 2026
CLOSING DATE: February 22, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Business Operations
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12. Selection will be made at grade level 11. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 12, upon the supervisor's recommendation, based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY
This is the position of IT Specialist (Applications Software) in the Business Operations - Administrative Information Systems group at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to provide end user production support and the overall design, development, and integration of core financial and human resources applications. The employee reports to the Supervisor of the Administrative Information Systems Group within the Business Services Operations Department.

MAJOR DUTIES

Participate in many aspects of the software development lifecycle: requirements generation, design, code, verification and test, maintenance, and support; provide schedule assessment from a technical standpoint, and overall integration of software modules and other subsystem components, both commercial and custom. Support frequently requires extensive troubleshooting and research into reports, processes, interfaces, and data structures, both delivered and customized. Design software following SAO Information Technology Services (ITS) and SI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) software design standards, applicable vendor’s literature, and established ITS practices. Conduct software development interpreting specific software project standards and developing software documentation, accordingly, ensuring compliance with applicable standards at a detailed level. Verify and evaluate all generated software and maintain code as part of an overall system. Obtain data necessary to define application and system by working closely with technical and administrative staff
Application Development and Enhancement:
Designs, codes, tests, and deploys application modules or components using established programming languages, frameworks, and development tools. Modifies and enhances existing applications to improve functionality, performance, and user experience. Conducts unit and integration testing, resolves defects, and ensures compliance with agency coding standards and security requirements. Participates in technical reviews

Application Maintenance and Lifecycle Support:
Performs routine maintenance on production applications, including patching, version updates, and configuration adjustments. Troubleshoots application issues, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions to restore functionality. Monitors application performance and availability, recommending improvements to optimize stability and efficiency. Maintains technical documentation, including release notes, configuration guides, and change records.

Requirements Analysis and User Support:
Works with stakeholders to gather, refine, and document functional requirements for new or enhanced applications. Under supervisor direction translates user needs into technical specifications, workflow diagrams, and system logic. Provides Tier 2 support for application-related incidents, offering guidance to users and resolving escalated issues. Conducts user acceptance testing (UAT) coordination and support training or demonstrations of new features.
Data Management:
Supports database queries, data validation, and data migration activities as part of application deployments or upgrades. Collaborate with system administrators, cybersecurity staff, and database administrators to ensure seamless integration.
Security, Compliance, and Quality
Assurance: Implement application security controls in accordance with agency policies, FISMA, and industry best practices. Conducts code reviews, vulnerability scans, and remediation activities to ensure secure software development. Ensures applications meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and other compliance standards. Participates in quality assurance reviews and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

• Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations ;knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

AND

Candidates for grade 11 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, such as the duties listed above.
OR
Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of application development principles, programming languages, and softwareengineering practices sufficient to design, develop, evaluate, and deploy application components.Knowledge of system architecture, APIs, data structures, and relational databases to support integration anddata exchange.
• Knowledge of relational database management systems and database design concepts, including expertisein SQL.Skill in troubleshooting application issues, analyzing logs, debugging code, and applying structuredproblem-solving techniques.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, secure coding practices, and agency policies governing applicationdevelopment.Ability to interpret user requirements, translate them into technical specifications, and develop solutionsthat meet functional needs.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials through the user interface as well as through queries of underlyingdata structures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project/Project Server or other project management software.
• Knowledge of basic project management concepts and related software including development andmaintenance of a networked, resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule, monthly schedule status andupdate cycles, schedule projections, and risk assessments.
• Knowledge of and experience with the LINUX/UNIX operating systems, utility software, Web services,Web-based and database applications development in a multi-user LINUX/UNIX systems environment.
• Knowledge of one or more of the principal programming languages in use in SAO applications, includingJava, Java Script, Java Server Pages, Perl, PHP, Drupal, Tableau, and Visual Basic.
• Knowledge of CSS,HTML, and XML. Knowledge of LINUX/UNIX editors and text formatting software is essential.Knowledge of system software development lifecycles, including requirements generation, design, code,verification and test, systems integration, maintenance, and support.
• Knowledge of security issues in a distribution, Internet-connected environment, and ability to developsecure applications for LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems
• Knowledge of people skills required to obtain accurately or to effectively communicate information in anenvironment that can sometimes be marked with urgency or conflict to ensure the timely resolution ofsupport and development-related issues with users and other technical staff. The ability to write concise,readable, user-oriented documentation for software and/or hardware systems, and to write systemmaintenance documentation is essential.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resume/CV should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. College Transcript should be provided if using education for qualification.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at