About this role
Job SummaryThe System Safety Section is focused on conducting research to improve transport, general aviation, and rotorcraft safety in areas such as continued airworthiness, risk analysis, automation, flight controls, system safety management, and terminal area safety.
QualificationsTo view the complete OPM qualification standard for the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Aerospace Engineering Series 0861, please refer to: Aerospace Engineering Series 0861 (opm.gov) To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS 13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Experience includes: Experience leading aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation to improve aviation safety to include leading complex technical projects that require the application of project management skills and communicating technical and programmatic information to executives or public forums. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Some, all or none of the applicants may be interviewed.
Major DutiesServes as an Aerospace Engineer within the Federal Aviation Administration. In this capacity, they apply experience and comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and concepts applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and to develop improved technical processes for the organization. Considers the objectives of the major subdivision and Line of Business/Staff Office (LOB/SO) when developing, integrating and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Typical assignments may include system design and integration; extensive research; and direct responsibility for project/program management. Develops and implements independent and interdependent engineering studies to resolve issues and/or identify problems. Analyzes, tests and evaluates operational and technical information; identifies, mitigates or resolves current or potential problems with systems. Evaluates existing/proposed policies, standards, requirements, and objectives for efficient performance of programs and systems. Evaluates state-of-the-art technology, aerospace engineering concepts, and potentially useful tests and evaluations internal and external to FAA. Analyzes trends, developments, and performance data. Determines compatibility with established/planned systems and their desirability and effectiveness. Identifies requirements for new or modified standards, objectives, policies, or system modifications. Submits fully documented recommendations for systems acquisition, approval, and/or modification to supervisor. Participates and contributes to an interdisciplinary team of technical experts to develop, test, evaluate, and/or implement aircraft systems and/or components that impact the NAS. Functions as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) during acquisition and procurement cycle. Participates in a team that reviews contractor proposals for adequacy of design, and for operation, maintenance, and implementation procedures. Conducts feasibility, cost-benefit, and other studies for technical and fiscal adequacy. Submits evaluations and recommendations to Contracting Officer. Coordinates and provides technical guidance to managers and sponsors. Identifies existing or potential problems. Assists in defining requirements, proposes alternatives, and coordinates solutions with sponsors. Provides periodic status reports to supervisors. Identifies existing/potential problems which may impact on established or proposed plans, identifies alternatives, and provides recommendations. Conducts administrative or on-site comprehensive reviews of existing or proposed projects; verifies cost estimates with managers throughout the FAA. Identifies questionable parts of proposals or procedures. Develops funding documents and/or schedules and milestones. Contributes to the development of aerospace engineering design criteria for inclusion of reliability, maintainability, availability, safety, and test criteria for technical procurement activities. Represents the organizational unit at various seminar, committee, user group panel, and conference meetings at intra agency, interagency, aviation industry, and national levels. Provides guidance to lower-level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced engineer. Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with senior management to solve problems. Work activities typically impact directly on the objectives of one or more major subdivisions and/or LOB/SOs and may impact on the objectives of the FAA.RequirementsWe are not accepting applications from noncitizens.