IT Specialist (AI Architect)

Summary

The Division of Administration (DA or Division) directs the innovative internal management of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC or Commission) business, human resources, financial, technological, security, and strategic operational resources. The Division's role is to effectively and efficiently ensure the fulfillment of the Commission's mission through continued success in continuity of operations.

Duties

As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architect, you will design, build, and sustain secure, scalable, and compliant AI capabilities using Microsoft technologies as the primary platform (e.g., Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio), with the integration of other approved cloud services (e.g., AWS Bedrock) when mission needs require. At the full performance level you will: Design secure, scalable enterprise AI architectures and solutions using approved cloud platforms; Develop and deploy AI agents, including orchestration workflows, tool-enabled agents, and integration with enterprise APIs; Implement RAG solutions, vector databases, and semantic search to support knowledge retrieval and advanced AI capabilities; Integrate AI services with enterprise applications, identity management, telemetry, monitoring, and logging; Design, implement, and govern Model Context Protocol (MCP) architectures and enterprise MCP servers to securely broker access data sources, databases, and core APIs to orchestrated AI agents; Maintain and optimize AI agents and workflows, monitoring performance, accuracy, cost, and operational reliability; Ensure AI governance, safety guardrails, documentation, and federal compliance, while advising leadership; Implement AI safety, content filtering, and guardrails. Requirements

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas: Attention to Detail - Being thorough and conscientious when performing work and ensuring accuracy in technical tasks. Customer Service - Working with clients and customers (internal or external) to understand needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and deliver high‐quality services. Oral Communication - Expressing information effectively to individuals or groups, taking into account the audience and the nature of the information. Problem Solving - Identifying issues, evaluating information, analyzing alternatives, and making sound recommendations. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on‐the‐job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Systems Integration - Skill in integrating hardware, software, or other components to solve problems, increase productivity, or improve operations. Qualifications

CT-13 Level: To qualify for the CT-13 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-12 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Experience applying knowledge of enterprise AI architecture and platforms such as Microsoft AI Foundry to support the design and implementation of AI solutions across a range of business or mission use cases. Experience using AI architecture models, policies, and planning processes to contribute to identifying improvements and ensuring AI solutions align with organizational requirements and goals. Experience applying understanding of machine learning algorithms and frameworks to assist in the development, integration, and evaluation of AI capabilities within enterprise environments. Experience using problem‐solving and communication skills to address technical challenges and effectively convey technical concepts to non‐technical stakeholders. CT-14 Level: To qualify for the CT-14 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-13 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Experience applying expert knowledge of enterprise AI architecture and platforms such as Microsoft AI Foundry, designing and building scalable enterprise AI architectures, including Retrieval Augmented Generation systems and semantic search infrastructure. Experience applying enterprise AI architecture models and governance frameworks to ensure AI specifications, designs, and implementations align with organizational strategies and requirements. Experience developing and deploying production-grade AI agents and multi-agent workflows using modern integration frameworks and open protocols (e.g., Model Context Protocol (MCP), LangChain, pydantic-AI) Experience using strong problem‐solving and communication skills to address complex technical challenges and convey technical concepts to non‐technical stakeholders for informed decision‐making.

Education

Education is not required, nor may it be substituted for specialized experience. Please refer to the OPM IT Management Series 2210 Qualifications Standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position. How You Will Be Evaluated

This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply to this vacancy. All applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. You may preview questions for this vacancy. Other Information

This position is not in the Bargaining Unit. Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid. Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; The needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement. The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information. The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.