Welcome to the ClearanceJobs weekly hiring news roundup. Please email hiring news tips and NatSec opportunities to editor@clearancejobs.com.
The White House is once again intensifying efforts to enhance the federal workforce’s expertise in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) initiated a broad-scale hiring action to recruit data scientists across various federal agencies. The pooled hiring notice allows applicants to apply for multiple GS-14 data scientist positions within different agencies simultaneously.
OPM accepted applications until reaching 750 submissions or the February 2 deadline – a similar approach they had about two years ago. Last time, applicants maxed out the all call within 48 hours. The President’s executive order pushes to expedite AI adoption in the government, emphasizing responsible AI use and innovation. The Technology Modernization Fund and various talent programs, such as the Presidential Innovation Fellows and U.S. Digital Service, contribute to this comprehensive strategy. Hiring for data scientists and AI-focused positions will only continue to grow.
Layoffs: Microsoft
According to The Associated Press, Microsoft is trimming its gaming division workforce by approximately 1,900 employees, marking an 8% reduction in the 22,000-strong gaming workforce. The layoffs impact teams associated with recently acquired entities like Activision Blizzard, Xbox, and ZeniMax. The move comes as Microsoft aims to align its strategy and execution plan, fostering a sustainable cost structure for its expanding business. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer highlighted the commitment to navigating 2024 with a cohesive approach. The job cuts follow Microsoft’s completion of the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard just over three months ago, as the tech giant seeks operational optimization amid evolving industry dynamics.
Hiring
National security firms are on a hiring spree, unlocking opportunities for skilled professionals to join the frontline of safeguarding the country’s defense and intelligence.
1. VendTech-SGI (VT-SGI)
VendTech-SGI (VT-SGI), the joint venture between Securiguard Inc. and Vend-Tech, has been safeguarding federal facilities in the Midwest since 2012. Based in Kansas City, MO, and managing around 750 security personnel, VT-SGI is actively hiring in Kansas City, St. Louis, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. The organization is looking for security professionals with military, law enforcement, or corrections training. Applicants can anticipate competitive pay, flexibility, and career advancement, contributing to a security-focused culture grounded in excellence, integrity, and ethics. Applicants must be able to obtain or renew a Public Trust or Secret level security clearance. Individuals with Top Secret/SCI level clearances are also needed for specific locations.
2. PRISM
PRISM Inc is looking for 20 Senior Java Developers with Top Secret clearance. Work is located in Denver, CO, supporting the DoD IC community.
3. Acclaim Technical Services (ATS)
Right now, ATS is looking to fill almost 250 Top Secret openings. With almost 150 openings in Virginia and 72 in Maryland, ATS is on a hiring spree in the DC Metro region. Their hiring opportunities give cleared candidates a chance to work directly with federal government clients on a daily basis. ATS also has a customer open to sponsoring clearances, so don’t let your clearance status keep you away from following up on these opportunities.
4. Tekla
Tekla Research is hiring for 20 positions in five different U.S. locations. They are a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) established in 1995. Their work supports the DoD and other federal agencies. As a prime contractor, Tekla oversees a diverse range of subcontractors, from multi-billion-dollar corporations to smaller enterprises, in over a dozen locations nationwide.
5. Intelligent Waves
Intelligent Waves has over 20 open positions. Their hiring needs are in a few different states, with 12 in Virginia. Intelligent Waves provides IT and communications support to multiple government customers throughout the U.S.
6. Noblis
Noblis, a nonprofit organization specializing in science, technology, and strategy, has openings for over 100 positions, requiring a Secret or Top Secret clearance. Applicants can look for openings in many states, but Virginia has over 40 openings listed. Noblis works with both government and industry clients, supporting national security, intelligence, transportation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and enterprise engineering.
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Opportunity to Watch
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established an October deadline for federal agencies to comply with new regulations prohibiting the use of a job applicant’s salary history when determining pay. The regulations officially take effect on April 1. However, OPM Director Kiran Ahuja cited the complexity of required changes to hiring processes as the reason for the extended timeline.
The finalized rules aim to eliminate pay disparities and biases associated with salary history, promoting equity and consistency in line. Notably, the ban does not apply when a candidate has a salary history within the federal government, but agencies must establish policies to ensure equity in pay-setting based on federal pay.
