Summary The incumbent oversees quality management tasks and activities for the testing efforts for the RD Technology Office, which includes, but not limited to, information/quality assurance management, cybersecurity and solution/service/application testing, automated test scripting, quality management testing, User-Acceptance Testing (UAT) management, and deployment of information technology (IT) solutions that integrate seamlessly into the RD enterprise architecture. Responsibilities Applies an in-depth knowledge of federal and industry IT security guidelines. Responsible for the integration of quality assurance best practices throughout the IT solution development lifecycle (SDLC) through IT system-specific and agency-wide cyber defense planning; and the delivery of enterprise services. Represents the Branch/Team in dealings with managers internal and external to the Office. The Test Architect ensures all external/internal requirements are met prior to a solution, service, or software application is deployed to production. Enforces information assurance activities not only related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but also to the safety, privacy and recovery of information processed by the IT solutions in compliance with regulatory requirements. Ensures conformance to the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Project Management Institute (PMI) best practices for project management. Leads or participates in decisions related to procuring resources related to investments including implementing or utilizing contracts for testing services. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: In-depth knowledge of federal and industry IT Security guidelines. Experience with the process of integrating cybersecurity and qualtiy assurance best practices throughout the IT software development lifecycle (SDLC). Ability to lead IT activities such as quality assurance management, cybersecurity and solution/service/application testing, automated test scripting, quality management testing, User-Acceptance Testing (UAT) management, and deployment of information technology (IT) solutions that integrate seamlessly into the RD enterprise architecture. IT solutions include, but are not limited to, custom built applications, SaaS and cloud platform technologies. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-13 level. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-2210 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. To be eligible for appointment to this position, the new hire must be cleared to come on board once the results of the fingerprint check, review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the candidate's Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory. This position requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).