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Posted: March 5, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Mainframe/CICS Architect

Social Security Administration

Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Fresh

Location

Salary

$169,279 - $197,200

per year

Closes

September 3, 2026More SSA jobs →

GS-15 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $123,041 - $159,950

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-14. Senior leader or top expert.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves designing, building, and fixing complex mainframe computer systems that handle important online services for the Social Security Administration, especially as they update their old technology.

It's a high-level role for someone with deep experience in these systems, focusing on tools like CICS for processing transactions and DB2 for managing data.

A good fit would be a seasoned IT expert who thrives on solving tough technical problems in a government setting.

Key Requirements

  • At least 52 weeks of specialized experience at GS-14 level or equivalent in supporting, designing, implementing, and troubleshooting enterprise CICS, MQ, and DB2 systems
  • IT-related experience demonstrating competencies in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Resume must be two pages or less and explicitly document specialized experience
  • Ability to work on IBM mainframe upgrades and CICS-based online applications
  • New civil service appointment; veterans preference does not apply under Direct Hire Authority

Full Job Description

IT Specialist positions are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens.

Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service.

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information. READ ALL SECTIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY.

THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION. To qualify for the 2210 IT Specialist series, you must demonstrate the following competencies. Experience must be IT related.

It may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

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; know about available products and services; and 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.

In addition, to qualify for this GS-15 position you must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 level or above, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Such experience must primarily consist of supporting, designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex enterprise CICS, MQ, and DB2 systems.

This is particularly critical as the agency continues to upgrade the IBM mainframes and increase the reliance on CICS processing for the agency's many online applications.

PLEASE NOTE: Specialized Experience is REQUIRED and must be explicitly documented/described in your resume or you will be disqualified from further consideration.

Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found here: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/ Major Duties:

  • This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
  • Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
  • Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where Artificial Intelligence duties occupy the majority of the work performed.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/5/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: SSA-12901781-26-CIO