About this role
Job SummaryThis position is assigned to the Office of Railroad Safety, Office of Railroad Systems, Technology and Automation, Signal, Train Control and Crossing Division. The employee maintains a current and valid technical foundation for Federal Railroad Administration policy regarding signal and train control safety and translates that policy into regulations and programs affecting the nation's entire railroad system.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience conducting examinations of engineering products, equipment, or procedures, which includes evaluating design documents, executing hardware and software system safety analyses, or participating in factory and field testing. Experience assisting with research and development (R&D) efforts, which includes defining specific engineering requirements, identifying the scope of work, and developing testing or evaluation criteria. Experience analyzing compliance with rules and regulations within a government, regulatory, or enforcement program framework. To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience applying engineering principles (such as electrical, mechanical, or electronics engineering) to implement complex railroad signal, train control, or highway-rail grade crossing systems affecting railroad safety. Experience managing or leading complex engineering projects or Research and Development (R&D) initiatives within a transportation safety context. Experience representing an organization in technical discussions, seminars, or adversarial settings to exchange novel ideas or present policy decisions with technical experts, contractors, railroad union representatives, and/ or high-level railroad management. 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: General Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications. Safety Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to identify, control, mitigate, and eliminate safety hazards in the design and use of facilities, equipment, operations, and work processes. 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. Influencing/Negotiating: Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions. Written Communication Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. 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/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesAs a General Engineer, you will: Provide the staff of the Signal, Train Control and Crossing Division with professional advice relating to signal, train control, and crossing (signal and train control) matters as they affect railroad safety. Apply science and engineering judgment, engineering principles, and administrative skills to plan, coordinate, and implement several complex projects related to reliability, system safety, and design principles. Identify the scope of work needed, define specific engineering requirements and design criteria, and develop testing and evaluation criteria for projects and research and development (R&D) efforts that address the development of improved concepts for grade crossing protection, communication, and train control technologies. Participate in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rulemaking process, including representing FRA on the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), analyzing all pertinent issues, and making recommendations for revisions or modifications to the signal and train control regulations when warranted by results of analysis. Initiate and prepare replies to inquiries from members of Congress, railroads, labor organizations, FRA district personnel, other agencies, and the public pertaining to signals and train control matters. The ideal candidate for this position has experience in program and project management; provide technical guidance in matters concerning the implementation of a comprehensive research and development program related to railroad signaling, train control, and communication design, testing, and implementation.RequirementsCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DRUG TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.ID entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, is selected for this position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment / pre-appointment drug test. you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. TELEWORK: Location is negotiable among FRA/DOT-approved staff offices listed in this Job Announcement and are subject to space availability and management approval. The selectee will report to an assigned FRA/DOT office location on a regular basis and is eligible for participation in situational telework as determined by management in accordance with DOT policy. This is not a remote position.