Duties
The Computer Engineer provides engineering experience in support of the systems engineering function for National Airspace System (NAS) systems and resolves complex problems related to the introduction of new systems into the NAS. Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments and plans the implementation of projects/programs under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, or more experienced engineer.
Applies experience and advanced knowledge of computer engineering principles, theories, and concepts applicable to his/her discipline to accomplish assignments and to develop plans and techniques to improve programs and policies. Possesses knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Provides national level technical assistance to in-service improvements, analysis, design and implementation of system-wide hardware/firmware/software modifications, service life extension, and failure analysis/support in response to NAS related problems beyond the assigned repair capability of the field.
Provides support to the NAS configuration management; quality assurance; development and issuance of associated national technical directives and maintenance guidance. Analyzes and evaluates operational readiness and/or supportability of new NAS systems for deployment and technical support to new system acquisition efforts. Analyzes system performance and fault information from field facilities to identify causes of system failures.
Defines, plans, and organizes assigned resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Develops technical solutions to improve/enhance system performance and lengthen service life. Determines technical requirements for functional improvements or major system enhancements, and provides assistance for system users and other technical support staff on system functionality and support requirements.
Contacts are internal and external. May act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents and may be called upon to communicate the overall results of a project or work activity to FAA management, the aviation and aerospace industries, and other external parties.
Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Assignments typically require solutions that are to be derived by interpreting and extrapolating from situations that were faced in the past. Provides recommendations to improve work processes. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced engineer. Identifies and informs management of
problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations.
Work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.
RequirementsConditions of Employment

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

QualificationsTo view the complete qualifications standard, applicants should reference-U.S. Office of Personnel Management Group Coverage Qualification Standard for the Computer Engineering Series 0854.
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H, FG/GS 11-12 in the Federal Service. 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 operations and maintenance support of National Airspace System (NAS) systems involving the modification and modernization of hardware/firmware/software systems and experience analyzing operational readiness or supportability of new NAS systems for deployment.
Applicants may also qualify for this series and grade with education:
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
OR
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.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Selection may be made from this announcement or ACT-ATO-24-AJW1720-89766.
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:
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.
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.
The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
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 KSA, 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 (KSAs) 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.
If this position is filled in Oklahoma, the position will be covered by the NATCA Bargaining Unit, 0062. If the position is filled in New Jersey, it is eligible for a bargaining unit but not represented by one at this time.
This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by NATCA: Engineers & Architects.
Links to Important Information:

• 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.

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.