Aerospace Engineer-Direct Hire Authority

Employee at this level is an expert within their functional area; heads of branches or divisions; or key program administrators.

Conducts or directs activities or assists higher levels on challenging and innovative program development with only general guidance on policy, resources, and planning; develops solutions to highly complex problems requiring various disciplines; responsible for fulfilling program objectives.

Knowledge of professional aerospace engineering concepts, principles, and practices, with an advanced mastery of aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, specifically as they apply to ground-based wind tunnel testing across subsonic through hypersonic speed regimes.

Ability to architect and execute complex test campaigns, including the ability to analyze and evaluate massive aerodynamic datasets, resolve severe test anomalies, and ensure the technical validity of data generated for DoW acquisition programs.

Ability to evaluate the complete System Under Test (SUT) to partner with program offices, leveraging authoritative test data to directly influence competitive contractor source selections, key program milestones, and critical design decisions regarding aerodynamic configuration, structural integrity, and flight control optimization.

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Here BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: Engineering.

To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next to lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in the Federal Service.

Specialized experience must include experience serving as an aerospace engineer in support of the acquisition, development, or sustainment of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment. The position is responsible for work related to the integration of aeronautics sciences within the broad arena of aviation.

Considered the technical specialist for the organization in aerospace engineering assignments; employee provides technical leadership and management to ensure project/program success. Work encompasses several phases of the life-cycle management process in which the employee guides and evaluates the design and development activities of others.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT) 1. or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration.

For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2.

Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional Ideal Candidate Statement: Employee at this level is an expert within their functional area; heads of branches or divisions; or key program administrators.

Conduct or directs activities or assists higher levels on challenging and innovative program development with only general guidance on policy, resources, and planning; develops solutions to highly complex problems requiring various disciplines; responsible for fulfilling program objectives.

Results are authoritative and impact programs or the well-being of substantial numbers of people. Major Duties Serves as the ultimate technical authority for the 716th Test Squadron, setting the technical vision and directing complex wind tunnel testing across the full speed regime, from subsonic through hypersonic conditions.

Directs the overarching engineering framework for wind tunnel facility operations, sustainment, restoration, modernization, and improvements. Acts as the senior engineering authority evaluating the health, capabilities, and limitations of highly specialized wind tunnel infrastructure.

Leads the comprehensive analysis of complex aerodynamic test data, providing the authoritative engineering evaluation of integrated air-vehicle performance, aerodynamic loads, and propulsion system interactions.

Serves as the preeminent technical expert and consultant for the 716th Test Squadron to senior DoW officials, program executive offices, and defense contractors regarding aerodynamic capabilities and test limitations.

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: 1.

Knowledge of professional aerospace engineering concepts, principles, and practices, with an advanced mastery of aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, specifically as they apply to ground-based wind tunnel testing across subsonic through hypersonic speed regimes. 2.

Knowledge of highly specialized development testing and evaluation_ methodologies, specifically regarding aerodynamic effects, store separation, propulsion integration, and aero-optics within complex, large-scale wind tunnel facilities. 3.

Ability to architect and execute complex test campaigns, including the ability to analyze and evaluate massive aerodynamic datasets, resolve severe test anomalies, and ensure the technical validity of data generated for DoW acquisition programs. 4.

Knowledge of wind tunnel facility operations and sustainment, including the ability to identify capability gaps, dictate operational boundaries, and champion infrastructure modernization initiatives to maintain national aerospace testing supremacy. 5.

Ability to evaluate the complete System Under Test (SUT) to partner with program offices, leveraging authoritative test data to directly influence competitive-contractor source selections, key program milestones, and critical design decisions regarding aerodynamic configuration, structural integrity, and flight control optimization. 6.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to serve as the preeminent technical consultant to senior DoW officials, program executive offices, and defense contractors, and to provide top-level mentorship to a subordinate engineering workforce.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.