KEY REQUIREMENTS



• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• See Key Requirements under "Requirements" section.
• Suitable for federal employment.
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Occasional out-of-town travel is required.
• Applicant must meet all qualification requirements by closing date.

The incumbent serves as the Computer Engineer within the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Testing and Certification Division (T&C) and reports directly to the Director of Voting System Testing and Certification.  Responsibilities include assisting with and consulting on technical reviews submitted by test labs during the testing of voting systems applying for EAC certification.  This includes review of (1) Technical Data Packages, (2) Test Plans, and (3) Test Reports.  In addition, the EAC will work with the laboratories as they develop test methods and specific test cases for manufacturer specific electronic voting systems. Reviews shall ensure that a plan is in place to properly test each voting system to the applicable voting system standards, that these tests are properly performed and documented, and that the test results demonstrate conformance with applicable voting system standards.  The incumbent may also be tasked with serving as the EAC program manager for specific voting system test engagements.

The incumbent works closely with the division director and other staff within T&C to design, document, develop, modify, test, and support new and existing software applications to add functionality to the Division’s web application, Virtual Review Tool (VRT).  

Other responsibilities include:
• analyzing and refining systems requirements
• translating systems requirements into applications prototypes
• planning and designing systems architecture
• determining and designing applications architecture
• writing, debugging, and maintaining code
• working with stakeholders to test applications
• assuring software and systems quality and functionality
• integrating hardware and software components
• writing and maintaining program documentation
• evaluating new applications software technologies
• applying information security policies, principles, and practices to the development of application software

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following education requirement:

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or equivalent combination of education, work experience and training.

Your resume should reflect experience in the following areas:

• Computer architecture, testing methodologies and networking principles.
• Technical standards and standards setting. 
Assisting in the development and execution of program policy.
• Analyzing complex information systems to identify faults/anomalies and provide guidance to rectify identified anomalies.
• Evaluating conformance to technical standards.
• Voting system testing and/or election administration practices.
• Communicating technical information orally or in writing to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge.

The Computer Engineer assists the Director in the planning and development of testable requirements for voting system guidelines updates and coordinates various phases of work being accomplished in test campaigns and monitors laboratory test efforts efforts. Other responsibilities include writing system software and performing tests to verify the performance of systems and correct discrepancies.  

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications.  The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. 

If you are selected for an interview, you we be contacted; if you are not selected, you will receive correspondence indicating another candidate was selected..  Please notify us if your contact information changes.  Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

The EAC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.  To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit: http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.

OTHER INFORMATION:

For further information regarding the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, please visit our web site at: www.eac.gov.

EEO Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/raps

Veterans Information:   http://www.usajobs.gov/vi

Legal and Regulatory Guidance:   http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg

Submit your application materials to us via:

E-Mail
E-mail your resume and your responses to the occupational questionnaire (located at the end of this job announcement) to us at:  Resumes@eac.gov

OR

Mail to:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Office of Human Resources
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005

OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Please circle correct letter for the correct response.

INSTRUCTIONS: For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.  Circle the correct letter corresponding to that statement.  Please select only one letter for each item.
A. I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B. I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C. I have performed this task on the job.  My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job.  I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E. I am considered an expert in performing this task.  I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

QUESTIONS

1. Apply a wide range of engineering concepts, principles and methods to determine and execute project actions.
A  B  C  D  E

2. Apply engineering best practices to develop program requirements.

A  B  C  D  E

3. Develop changes to plans and/or methodology and provide recommendations for improvements in order to meet project objectives.

A  B  C  D  E

4. Apply computer engineering, computer science or electronic engineering skills to develop new, diverse and robust algorithms in support of project requirements.

A  B  C  D  E

5. Conduct validation and verification review of hardware, software and documentation and then recommend methods of correction.

A  B  C  D  E

6. Test system software against performance requirements and resolve discrepancies that may be found through debugging practices.

A  B  C  D  E

7. Use judgment and initiative against established guidelines to resolve specific issues and problems.

A  B  C  D  E

8. Knowledge of systems engineering and architecture framework and the ability to apply best practices in support of program.

A  B  C  D  E

9. Work independently on project assignments.

A  B  C  D  E

10. Work collaboratively in an integrated team.

A  B  C  D  E

11. Analyze and evaluate phases of project, select the appropriate course of action and perform a technical analysis to determine if desired results can be achieved.

A  B  C  D  E

12. Contribute to continuous improvement of software development best practices in the areas of coding tools, documentation, languages and APIs.

A  B  C  D  E

13. Develop code in both Linux and Windows based integrated Development Environment (IDE).
A  B  C  D  E

14. Development of software for mobile platforms including Android and iOS.

A  B  C  D  E
15. Prepare varied briefing materials for stakeholders.

A  B  C  D  E

16. Brief higher management and project stakeholders on project status, technical performance and risk.

A  B  C  D  E

17. Provide technical assistance, expertise and advice to peers engaged in similar projects.

A  B  C  D  E

18. Represent my employer as a conference leader or speaker at formal conferences

A  B  C  D  E

Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, along with your resume and all supporting documentation, are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. Failing to select a response will result in your application packet being removed from consideration.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.  We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed.  We expect to make a final job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications.  If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.