About this role
Job SummaryThe position serves as a technical expert within one of three divisions of the Office of Automation Safety. These divisions work closely to plan, initiate, coordinate, and lead a regulatory program for the safe governance of vehicles equipped with automated technologies by: developing and maintaining guidance, standards, and regulations; managing exemption mechanisms; and developing and executing a robust vehicle automation research program.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the mandatory education and specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience working on mechanical, electrical, software, or multidisciplinary engineering programs or research projects. Experience communicating technical project information in a structured manner on a semi-regular basis or as required by specific project needs. To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience planning and working on mechanical, electrical, software, or multidisciplinary engineering programs or research projects related to robotics, vehicles, vehicle automation, or safety. Experience in coordinating a technical project with other team members. Experience communicating technical information through briefings, reports, or other structured means on a regular basis or as required by specific project needs. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience planning and leading mechanical, electrical, software, or multidisciplinary engineering programs or research projects related to robotics, vehicles, vehicle automation, or safety. Experience independently leading technical projects and communicating directly with organizational leadership for specific engineering or research project needs. Experience identifying, analyzing, and presenting and implementing strategic options, such as product design or regulatory approach alternatives. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Knowledge: Knowledge in any of the following areas: vehicle automation, vehicle safety, systems engineering, robotics, software development, safety management methods and systems, hazard analysis, risk assessment, safety validation methodologies, experimental research methodologies, and related fields. Communication: Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, so that the expression is logical, clear, and convincing. Leading Technical Projects: Ability to lead a technical project or initiate and develop a technical program. Technical Decision Support: Ability to apply technical skills to lead projects requiring complex solutions stemming from either a multidisciplinary scope, an obscure technical subject matter, or consideration and management of multiple differing stakeholder interests. For all types of consideration, 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesThe Office of Automation Safety at NHTSA is in the process of recruiting qualified individuals for several roles within their organization. Following an interview process, selected applicants will be assigned to one of three divisions and will report directly to the corresponding division's Chief. The General Engineer: Contributes to/leads the planning, initiation, drafting, and coordination of a comprehensive regulatory program for the safe governance vehicles equipped with automated technologies. Conducts and/or leads independent reviews and analyses identifying research needs as required to ensure that the methodologies and guidelines related to automated technology standards, exemptions are practicable and reasonable. Monitors and reviews activities, results of research, and analyses conducted by entities both within and outside NHTSA. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the state-of-the-art in such areas as automated vehicle safety, capability, sensor technology, deployments, and regulations and evaluates the applicability of such knowledge to NHTSAʼs activities. Manages and coordinates technical review of exemption applications that may include an analysis of material submitted, a search and survey of relevant information available to the agency, and the collection of additional information. Recommends the grant or denial of applications and, upon approval of recommendations, drafts and coordinates the necessary documentation. NHTSA is looking for an employee who possesses the ability to lead and contribute to multidisciplinary group projects, has excellent written and oral communication skills, has expert technical experience with vehicle automation or related fields, particularly in relation to safety, and has experience in experimental research methodologies.RequirementsCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 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 the 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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).