This position is located in the Office of Aviation Safety (OAS), Aviation Engineering Division (AED) in Washington, D.C. Participates, investigates, and directs engineering aspects of general aviation and air carrier accidents involving safety issues associated with aircraft flight control, hydraulic, electrical, avionic and pneumatic systems including design, manufacturing, certification and maintenance conditions.
You must meet the "Education Requirements" and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this position as described below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-14: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector), performing the following types of specialized experience defined as:(1) Demonstrated understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations requirements (Part 23, 25, 43) or equivalent military specifications with aircraft systems engineering experience;(2) Demonstrated understanding of how to apply engineering concepts and principles to the design, testing, evaluation, or troubleshooting of aircraft systems and components;(3) Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical and senior decision-makers;(4) Interprets engineering schematics and other technical documentation related to aircraft systems, (using these skills to develop recommendations to improve aviation safety, evaluate aircraft systems performance, determine aircraft system potential failure modes and their characteristics, develop test plans and procedures for aircraft systems, develop new troubleshooting procedures for aircraft systems, and/or determine the system level effect of a known defect or problem within a aircraft system). In addition to the education and specialized experience, you must possess the skill to write comprehensive complex investigation technical reports. For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/aerospace-engineering-series-0861/. 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.
The ideal candidate has previous, hands on, experience conducting engineering investigations of aircraft system failures or system component failures. The ideal candidate has experience with a variety (many) of different aircraft systems. The ideal candidate is comfortable leading and/or working with groups of diverse industry and government representatives. As an Aerospace Engineer (Systems), GS-0861-14, you will perform the following major duties: At the GS-14, typical duties may include: Participates and directs technical analyses of general aviation and air carrier accidents and incidents in the specialty area of flight controls, avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Serve as Group Chairman, documenting and analyzing airworthiness issues potentially involved in accidents and develops accident prevention strategies. Coordinate efforts with other Group Chairman, the IIC, and the Team Lead to assure thoroughness of all investigations and that necessary documentation is accomplished as a result of the investigative activity. Prepares factual and analytical reports covering specialty area on each accident. Correlate these findings with those of other Group Chairmen to assist in identifying the causes(s) of the accident.Assists the IIC and report writers in the preparation of 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. Critically reviews drafts of the Safety Board's accident reports and provides constructive and timely feedback to improve the technical accuracy and logic presented in these reports. Researches and develops appropriate safety recommendations to correct hazardous or unsafe conditions using information obtained in the course of investigations, personal observations, and knowledge of current aviation engineering trends and developments. Acts as an advisor to the US Accredited Representative on foreign investigations. May be required to act as the US Accredited Representative to foreign investigations. Prepare presentations and responds to Member's questions at Board meetings following the conclusion of major investigations or projects. 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.