About this role
Job SummaryYou will serve as a Computer Engineer in the Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program performing or leading technical efforts on safety and mission critical flight/ground systems and software or technology-based products. Work includes IV&V-related analyses, and development and test of software, applications, simulation(s), digital twins and artificial intelligence-based solutions that advance technical capabilities, products and services of the IV&V Program.
QualificationsIn addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-07, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level: Assisting in performing basic software engineering activities such as analysis, software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence-related efforts. OR b) Completed 1 full academic year of graduate study in an appropriate field OR c) Any combination of experience and graduate study in an appropriate field OR d) You may also qualify at the GS-07 level by meeting one of these Special Provisions: Are in the upper third of your class, based on completed college work at the time of filing an application. Have an average of 2.9 or better on a 4.0 scale for either all completed college work at the time of application, or all college courses completed during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Achieved a grade average of B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the major field of study where such field is fully qualifying. This is either the average of all completed college work in the major field of study at the time of application or the average of all college courses completed in the major field of study during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Elected to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (other than freshman honor societies). These honor societies are listed at ACHS. Completed 12 months of student trainee experience that includes at least one work period equivalent to the GS-5, or at least 15 months of appropriate student trainee experience which includes one work period equivalent to the GS-04 level. One work period is 2 months or 320 hours. For engineering positions, successfully completed a 5-year program of study, or at least 160 semester hours, leading to a bachelor's degree. For engineering positions, have a professional engineering degree, and up to 12 months of experience gained as a technician or technologist equivalent to the GS-5 or higher level. Successfully completed all requirements for two bachelor's degrees, one in an appropriate field of science or engineering. Have six months of directly related/specialized experience or training, including 3 months gained after the junior year of college. This experience may have been obtained on a part-time or intermittent basis and may have been paid or unpaid. Received honors or elective positions indicating superior leadership outside of your academic setting. Additionally, your academic standing must have been in the upper half of the graduating class. Have pattern of completing courses that include unusual preparatory value or direct relation to the particular aerospace specialty for which you are being considered. Have creative research aptitude or special talent for NASA scientific or engineering work. This must be shown by evidence obtained and documented by NASA in certifications from college professors or officials, or standardized questionnaires, or similar techniques. To qualify for GS-09, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level: Performing software engineering activities such as basic analysis, software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence-related efforts. OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 2 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Performing software engineering activities such as analysis, software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence-related efforts; Producing associated technical work products and results; and Applying professional engineering judgment with supervision. OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Performing software engineering activities such as analysis, systems/software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity/mission protection or artificial intelligence-related efforts; Producing associated technical work products and results; and Applying professional engineering judgment with limited supervision. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Performing complex software engineering tasks such as analysis, systems/software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity/mission protection or artificial intelligence-related activities; Producing or integrating associated technical work products and results; and Applying professional engineering judgment with little to no supervision. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Planning, performing and leading software engineering activities such as complex systems/software analysis, systems/software development, simulation and test, assurance, cybersecurity/mission protection or artificial intelligence-related initiatives for aerospace flight or ground based systems; Serving as an expert in systems/software engineering, software assurance, simulation and test, cybersecurity/mission protection or artificial intelligence discipline(s); and Producing or integrating systems/software engineering technical work products and results. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Promotion Potential The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.
Major DutiesDuties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.Plans and performs technical analyses of systems/software requirements, design, code, and tests to verify and validate system/software adequacy and resiliency.Plans and performs software simulations, tests, and related technical analyses to verify systems/software behavior and implementation.Plans and performs software engineering activities, develops lifecycle-related work products (requirements, design, code and test) and integrates work products into software systems, digital twins, or IT-based systems.Plans, designs, develops, and integrates artificial intelligence-based solutions, including agentic, to enhance software development or assurance capabilities, products and services.Plans and performs technical analyses of lifecycle work products, such as requirements, design, code, and test products, to assess cybersecurity protection control implementation and system resiliency.For supervisory positions, you will perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.