NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Aerospace Engineer (Aircraft Structures), GS-861-11/12/13

Office of Office of Aviation Safety,
Aviation Engineering Division,
Washington, D.C.

MAJOR DUTIES: Serves as an Aerospace Engineer (Aircraft Structures) with primary responsibility for providing engineering expertise on aircraft structural design, manufacturing, certification, and maintenance in the investigation of air carrier and general aviation accidents and incidents occurring in the United States and abroad. Applies forensic engineering techniques in directing the on-scene and subsequent testing phases of aircraft structures aspects of aircraft accident investigations; also investigates and documents records and practices relating to maintenance, certification, and manufacturing of aircraft structures in coordination with other investigative groups. Prepares technical reports of investigation findings to assist the Safety Board in determining causal factors in aviation accidents; prepares and directs studies to address safety issues; and prepares accident prevention recommendations to regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and operators to correct safety deficiencies. Advises Safety Board management in his or her area of technical expertise. Assists in preparation for and participates in public hearings and depositions as a technical panelist or witness. Researches and prepares responses to Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and in response to inquiries from Congress, industry, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Human Resources Division will determine the appropriateness, adequacy, and quality of general qualifications in comparison to OPM's Qualification Standards Handbook. The basic requirement is successful completion of a full four-year engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited college or university or knowledge and understanding equivalent to this education such as valid registration as a professional engineer. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates for the GS-11 level must possess at least one year of appropriate professional engineering experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or three full years of graduate level education or Ph.D., or equivalent graduate degree. For the GS-12 and 13 levels, at least one year of appropriate professional engineering experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required. To be creditable, the experience must be directly related to the above described duties.

RATING AND RANKING PROCESS: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements described above will be rated and ranked based on the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

SELECTIVE FACTORS (Mandatory): (These KSAs are essential to the successful performance of the duties described. Applicants who fail to establish minimum qualifications in these areas will not be eligible for referral):

1. Knowledge of the design of aircraft structures, structural mechanics, and the properties of various materials used in aircraft construction.

2. Knowledge of large aircraft certification, manufacturing and/or maintenance standards and practices.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (Desirable): (These KSAs are desirable in this position. Possession of these KSAs directly affects the applicant's competitive standing and enhances referral potential):

1. Knowledge of aviation engineering theory and practice as evidenced by advanced or multiple engineering degrees or extensive aviation engineering experience.

2. Knowledge of FAA regulations governing the certification, structural testing and manufacturing of transport category aircraft systems.

3. Knowledge of maintenance standards, practices and procedures for aircraft structures manufactured from composite and traditional materials used in transport category or comparable aircraft.

4. Skill in operating and/or maintaining airplanes as evidenced by relevant FAA certificates.

5. Ability to conduct aircraft accident/incident investigations or failure analysis of aircraft structures.

6. Knowledge and skill in technical writing and making oral presentations especially as they relate to aircraft accident investigation and failure analysis.

7. Ability to effectively lead teams composed of technical personnel drawn from different organizations in accomplishing desired goals.

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. The incumbent must be resourceful and capable of providing effective leadership to non-government participants in Safety Board investigations; he or she must be capable of assembling and organizing technical data, preparing comprehensive and logical factual and analytical reports, and making effective oral presentations regarding his or her findings. In meetings or conferences, the incumbent 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.

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