About this role
Job SummaryThe Volpe Center seeks to hire a General Engineer to serve as a technical lead performing engineering work with a focus on chemistry. This position will oversee and advance cutting-edge analytical methods for detecting driver/operator impairment within specialized testing facilities, such as the Center's Alcohol Countermeasures Lab. The engineer will lead multi-faceted testing protocols and integrate advanced chemical principles into transportation safety programs.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the mandatory education and specialized experience requirements. 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 leading technical and engineering projects, leveraging advanced chemical principles to oversee testing, analysis, and execution. AND Experience coordinating life-cycle projects, including developing plans, managing scope, and monitoring team deliverable. 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: 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. Technical: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications. Project Management: Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. 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 DutiesAs a General Engineer, you will: Apply technologies and develops and assesses their impact on programs for upgrading the performance ( e.g. safety, capacity, efficiency, emissions, and resiliency) of a variety of transportation products, infrastructure, fuels, operations, and systems. Evaluates innovative devices, sensing technologies, and analytical methods for detecting driver/operator impairment within specialized testing facilities such as the Center's Alcohol Countermeasures Lab. Provides expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists and customers on complex technical issues. Coordinates life-cycle projects, including developing project plans; managing project scope and deliverables; monitoring work done by members of project team; scheduling; budgeting; quality assurance and monitoring progress; and, reporting project progress and results to customers, and internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a seasoned technical leader who seamlessly blends specialized chemistry expertise with robust, full life-cycle project management. The candidate brings a strong background in applying advanced principles of chemistry to driver and operator impairment detection, along with a proven track record of driving complex engineering initiatives from concept to completion.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. PROBATIONARY PERIOD:P If selected, a one-year or two-year probationary period may be required. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. DRUG TESTING: Not required FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.