Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire

As a Aerospace Engineer (Systems) - Direct Hire, GS-0861-14, you will perform the following major duties: Provides authoritative engineering expertise on aircraft flight controls, avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems design, manufacturing, certification, and maintenance in the investigation of aircraft aviation accidents and incidents.

Serves as Systems Group Chairperson on accidents and incidents investigated by the Safety Board. Leads special investigations and provides technical support for the Board.

Prepares group factual notes that summarize the collection of findings of the assigned investigative group(s) at on-site investigations and during the follow-up testing or detailed documentation. Identifies and develops requirements for post-accident examinations and investigations. Develops appropriate test plans and leads investigative groups.

Researches and develops appropriate safety recommendations to correct hazardous or unsafe conditions. Prepares comprehensive, factual conclusion for the Safety Board's accident report with particular emphasis on the accuracy of factual information and the logic of analyses of the evidence from the investigation.

Physical Demands: Occasionally the aircraft wreckage may contain hazardous materials that may be burning by the time the investigator arrives on-the-scene.

The incumbent may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and other environmental discomforts such as remote, rugged, snow, rain, temperature extremes, swampy or mountainous areas and hostile settings. Investigators may have to wear a hardhat, safety shoes, goggles, gloves, and other protective equipment.

Work Environment: The incumbent supports major go-team launches as well as significant international investigations. Major go-team launch teams commonly travel on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jet from Reagan National Airport within two hours after an accident notification is received.

Timely arrival at the scene of a major accident allows for timely documentation of a wreckage; a delay in this effort can have significant impacts, such as impeding the re-opening of an airport.

International travel by US Government employees frequently requires the issuance of a visa from the host country, which is most efficiently obtained at the embassies located in Washington, DC. Additionally, security concerns in many locations make it essential that the investigative team travel together.

To qualify for this position, you must meet both the Educational Requirements and the Specialized Experience as described below. You must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 in the federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: Applying engineering concepts and principles to analyze and evaluate aircraft systems and components (e.g. aircraft flight controls, avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems).

Participating in test plans and procedures for post-accident examinations and troubleshooting procedures for aircraft systems. Identifying issues and proposing safety recommendations related to aviation safety.

Writing analytical comprehensive reports and exchanging information concerning aviation safety with other stakeholders such as other federal agencies, industry, labor, manufacturers, national and professional organizations/associations.

For more information see link: Aerospace Engineering Series 0861 (opm.gov) NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position.

Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.