NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Aerospace Engineer (Field), GS-861-9/11

Office of Aviation Safety

Various Regional Offices

MAJOR DUTIES: Conducts investigations of aircraft accidents or incidents mainly involving general aviation aircraft or air carriers not investigated by centralized teams. On occasion, participates with centralized teams in investigating major air carrier accidents. Prepares timely and comprehensive written factual reports of aviation accidents/incidents that accurately reflect the findings and conclusions of the investigation. Develops facts during an investigation which may require the submission of appropriate and timely safety recommendations to preclude possible recurrence of similar accidents/incidents and promote aviation safety. The major portion of work involves on-scene investigation, assembling factual data, preparing specialized analysis, developing conclusions based upon such data, and performing engineering analysis of various aircraft components and aircraft performance data. The ability to speak and write effectively and work as a team member is essential to successful performance in this position. In meetings and conferences with other civil and government agencies, the incumbent may be called upon to present, interpret and maintain the position and view of the Safety Board. May also be required to testify at public hearings or to participate in the examination of witnesses at such hearings. Must be able to tactfully deal with all people encountered during these activities.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (4):

1. Engineering Degree: The basic requirement is successful completion of a full four-year aerospace or mechanical engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university, or knowledge and understanding equivalent to this education such as valid registration as a professional engineer.

2. SPECIALIZED WORK EXPERIENCE:

GS-9: One year of specialized engineering experience is required equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service that demonstrates a knowledge of aircraft design and manufacture or civil certification and maintenance standards and practices.

GS-11: One year of specialized engineering experience is required equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal service that demonstrates a knowledge of aircraft design and manufacture or civil certification and maintenance standards and practices.

3. PILOT-IN-COMMAND FLIGHT HOURS:

MINIMUM FLIGHT HOURS REQUIRED AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND
(Please See "Special Note" Below)

Grade	Total Flying	Small Airplane Single Engine*	Multi-Engine Airplane
GS-9	500	250	100
GS-11	1000	500	200

*Small Airplane: Single engine driven fixed-wing aircraft with gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. Multiengine fixed-wing aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less may also be included if the aircraft is designed with centerline thrust.

Special Note: One full year of experience acquired within the past six years as an aircraft accident investigator, instructor in aircraft accident investigation, flight safety officer, safety engineer or accident prevention specialist counts as 100 hours toward the total number of pilot-in-command flight hours required.

4. PILOT CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS:

1) Possession of a valid commercial pilot certificate with an instrument airplane rating or airline transport pilot certificate.

2) Possession of ASEL and AMEL Ratings.

3) Possession of a first or second class Airman's Medical Certificate which must be current at the time the application is submitted.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Applicants who meet the specialized experience, pilot-in-command flight hours, and certification requirements described above will be further evaluated to determine the extent to which their education, related work experience, training, awards, and supervisory appraisals indicate they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics (KSAs) required to perform the duties and responsibilities described above. Please describe briefly your experience/training, etc. to each of the following KSAs. Be sure to include any appropriate awards received. At the end of your description, please indicate where you gained this experience.

Candidates should submit a supplemental statement to their application which describes their experience and training in terms of the KSAs below:

1. Skill in writing technical reports.

2. Skill in making oral presentations before large audiences.

3. Knowledge of basic aviation accident investigation practices, procedures, and techniques.

4. Knowledge of General Aviation/Air Carrier flight operations.

5. Formal Education which resulted in a BS/BA or higher academic degree.

6. Certificates and Training including ATC, A&P, dual-ratings (rotorcraft and fixed- wing aircraft), type ratings in transport category aircraft, etc.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS REGARDING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: You must be able to effectively speak and write English. You must have a valid State driver's license and qualify for a U. S. Government-issued travel charge card. You will be required to remain "On call" for travel to investigative assignments outside normal work hours. You will frequently be given investigative assignments on short notice. These assignments may involve work at unusual hours for long periods of time at accident sites in sometimes remote, rugged, and hostile settings. You must be ready, willing, and able to work in physically demanding, adverse conditions such as swamps, deserts, ships at sea, and uneven and mountainous terrain. You will be required to wear and operate appropriate personal protective equipment to deal with these adverse environmental and potentially hazardous conditions, which may also involve biohazards. Your travel to the accident site may require extensive travel in aircraft and driving, as well as strenuous walking, hiking, and climbing in areas with treacherous footing. You may also be exposed to adverse topographic, weather, and atmospheric conditions where temperatures may be at extremes. You will need to carry all the necessary personal protective equipment, tools, and instruments to video tape and photograph pertinent factual information, take notes, make measurements, and otherwise document the wreckage and accident site. You must be able to physically maneuver around the accident site, which includes frequently climbing in, out, and on various parts of the wreckage for the purpose of documenting and gathering evidence. The position requires organizational and technical writing skills. You must be resourceful and capable of providing effective leadership to non-government participants in Safety Board investigations; you must be capable of assembling and organizing technical data, preparing comprehensive and logical factual and analytical reports, and making effective oral presentations regarding your findings. In meetings or conferences, you might be called upon to present, interpret, and maintain the positions and views of the Safety Board, to exchange information, and to interpret practices, procedures, or regulations.

Descriptions | Vacancies