Summary

The incumbent serves as a Computer Scientist within NAS Enterprise Data Communications and provides operational support engineering and software development for emergency communications equipment, NAS terminal data publishing systems, and clearance delivery systems used in the NAS. AJW-1723 is the highest level of engineering expertise in the FAA for these systems.

Duties

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Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities. Specifically, is recognized as an Agency Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned systems and is used as a consultant by engineers and managers outside the immediate organization on unusually difficult and controversial matters where the opinion of a computer scientist of high repute is considered vital. Engaged primarily in determining which approach to take for the major development activities affected by advanced in scientific and engineering technology. Characteristically devises methods, procedures, and approaches which have agency-wide influence.

Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Provides national level guidance and technical direction on complex, multi-year projects relating to in- service improvements; analysis, design, and implementation of system-wide software/firmware modifications; service life extension; failure analysis/support in response to NAS related problems beyond the assigned repair capability of the field; NAS configuration management; quality assurance; development and issuance of associated national technical directives and maintenance guidance; development and evaluation of the operational readiness and/or supportability of new NAS systems for deployment; and technical support to new system acquisition efforts. Represents the team, and as directed, the Branch/Division/Directorate/Service in intra- and inter-service and agency meetings relating to the technical aspects of in-service improvement, new system development, technical documentation, and resolution of complex problems associated with the NAS; and purchases and/or develops detailed, complex purchase documentation as required. Fosters effective working relationships in the accomplishment of work activities.

Develops project plans and schedules, identifies resource requirements, defines milestones and deliverables, monitors activities, and provides progress reports. Determines technical requirements for functional improvements or major systems enhancements and develops and provides training for system users and other technical support staff on system functionality and support requirements. Provides expertise to develop plans to address current system needs and meet long range agency requirements; and investigates new and emerging technologies and their applicability to system requirements.

Additional duties may include: (a) Provides technical expertise, advice, and counsel to project personnel; gives instruction and procedures; answers questions, follows up, and spot-checks completed work. (b) Considering workflow and job specialization, makes recommendations to supervisor for work assignments. (c) Reviews work of assigned personnel on exceptionally complex projects for technical accuracy and adequacy. (d) Maintains an awareness of the status and progress of all projects within the assigned technical area and recommends adjustments to supervisor in accordance with established priorities. (e) In conjunction with supervisor, establishes project files and assures that they are proper and current. (f) Provides input to the supervisor and/or team manager as needed, on performance, progress, and training needs of assigned personnel.

Provides guidance to lower-level staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.

Qualifications

To view the complete qualifications standard, applicants should reference-U.S. Office of Personnel Management Group Coverage Qualification Standard for the Computer Science, 1550, Series.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.

In addition to meeting the basic qualifications listed above, to qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is: Experience providing national level guidance and technical direction on complex projects relating to analysis, design, and implementation of NAS software/firmware modifications. Experience solving complex problems and developing improved technical processes or systems.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).

Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.

Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.

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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.

Position may be subject to a background investigation.

A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

Leave Enhancement: FAA organizations may offer enhanced annual leave accrual to newly appointed or reappointed employees. In order to receive consideration for such a benefit, applicants' prior non-Federal service or active duty uniformed service must directly relate to the duties of the position to which appointed. Granting enhanced annual leave is at the sole discretion of the hiring organization, and granting such benefit is not an entitlement nor guaranteed to any newly hired employee.

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSAs, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

This position is eligible but not in a bargaining unit.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.