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General Engineer (Software)

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Chantilly, Virginia
Closing date
Jun 25, 2019
Duties

Summary

Mission Statement
The NRO is the U.S. Government agency in charge of designing, building, launching and maintaining America's intelligence satellites. The NRO provides reconnaissance information to the Intelligence Community and the DoD warfighters. For more information see: http://www.nro.gov

NRO is accepting applications from both Federal government employees and U.S. Citizens for this position.

FOR CURRENT CIVILIAN FEDERAL EMPLOYEES APPLYING PLEASE SEE THE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION BELOW.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As a General Engineer (Software) you will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Serves as a General Engineer/Program Manager (PM/ Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED) Integrated Intelligence System Program Office (I 2 SPO).
  • Defines and evolves the future Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), ABI sensemaking engines, Orchestrated Collection, Global Situational Awareness, and Multi-INT framework to enable the implementation of FGA 2025.
  • Defines, develops and evolves software development activities with the Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED)
  • Coordinates with I 2 SPO's Systems Engineering Division; assessing requirements; providing leadership in technical implementation; thorough and complete CONOP planning; and coordination with I 2 SPO Contracting and Security and Compliance Officers as COTR of record for various contracts.
  • Leads team through all phases of scalable, multi-INT software development.
  • Leads team to develop new methods and research new technology closing mission gaps.
  • Leads acquisition efforts for I 2 SPO's AI/ML, future framework, or ABI algorithm capabilities.
  • Serve as PM/COTR for software development contracts.
  • Coordinate with NRO's mission partners.
  • Coordinate Multi-INT software development and services with the NRO Application Service Provider as well as with other NRO organizations and IC-frameworks.
  • Prepares, provides, and evaluates conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation.
  • Determines and/or executes actions for a wide range of assignments involving combinations of complex features.
  • Provides findings and recommendations to senior colleagues and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations.
  • Serves as an authoritative expert and consultant on a broad program, a highly specialized field, or for assignments which affects national or international interests.
  • Manages issues and risks to balance lifecycle cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Reviews and evaluates studies, projects, proposals, or reports
  • Develops new methods and criteria
  • Proposes new policies and practices
  • Conducts technical analyses and field and/or laboratory work to achieve desired products or services.
  • Makes decisions and executes and/or directs actions exploring, reconciling and resolving major uncertainties, unique situations, obscure problems, or conflicting objectives typically resulting from the abstract nature of the concepts or the existence of serious conflicts among scientific requirements, technological developments, standards, program direction, and administrative requirements.
  • Evaluates the value and applicability of new or improved technology, strategies, trends or applications.
  • Interacts with the NRO user community with respect to system and/or operational requirements.
  • This position is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA): Acquisition Category S (Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering) Level III and incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position


Travel Required

Occasional travel - May be required to travel CONUS and OCONUS in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Male born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
  • This is a Drug Testing designated position
  • Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
  • Must obtain/maintain Critical Sensitive TS/SCI clearance w/polygraph
  • WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
  • OVERTIME: Occasionally
  • TOUR OF DUTY: Flexible
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized.
  • FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA): Exempt
  • FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Required
  • TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position is NOT telework eligible
  • SELECTIVE SERVICE REQUIREMENT: For more information please visit: https://www.sss.gov/


Qualifications

This position is a Full Performance/Senior Level DCIPS position. DCIPS Full Performance/Senior Level positions include GG-12/13. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and Current GS/GG-12 and GS/GG-13, or equivalent Federal Government employees for this position. Federal government employees, who are currently at a GS/GG-12, GS/GG/13, or equivalent may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level, and step. Those selected at the GS/GG-12 grade level may then be considered for future competitive promotion under the NRO Internal promotion evaluation process.

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 0801 series:
A. 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
B. 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. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

NOTE: An applicant who meets the basic requirements as specified in A or B above, except as noted under B.1., may qualify for positions in any branch of engineering unless selective factors indicate otherwise.

*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized
experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 06/24/2019

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience is typically in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled. Experience must be reflected in your resume.

Specialized experience required for this position is:
For the GG-12
  • Knowledge modern software engineering architecture and modern data science/engineer (e.g. modeling, machine learning, and infrastructure) to Multi-Int systems development and integration processes for satellite systems acquisition.
  • Utilizes engineering concepts for project development, execution, analysis, assessment and integration of modern software engineering architecture to complex Intelligence Systems.
  • Applies modern cloud computing (e.g. virtual machines, hypervisors, operation systems, and containers) to multi-INT software development.
  • Reviews acquisition process and integrated life cycle management of Agile development methodology to ensure schedule and cost baselines
  • Coordinates with Contracting Officers Technical Representatives (COTRs) and prime contractors to disseminate data, ensure cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements.
  • Interacted with a wide range of government, military, contracting, engineer, manufacturing program control, configuration/data management, test, logistics and operations support to ensure program objectives.
  • For the GG-13
  • Applies modern software engineering architecture and modern data science/engineer (e.g. modeling, machine learning, and infrastructure) to Multi-Int systems development and integration processes for satellite systems acquisition.
  • Utilizes program management for the execution, analysis, assessment and integration of modern software engineering architecture to complex Intelligence systems.
  • Manages modern cloud computing (e.g. virtual machines, hypervisors, operation systems, and containers) to multi-INT software development.
  • Manages acquisition process and integrated life cycle management of Agile development methodology to ensure schedule and cost baselines
  • Serves as Contracting Officers Technical Representatives (COTRs) and prime contractors to disseminate data, ensure cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements
  • Leads a wide range of government, military, contracting, engineer, manufacturing program control, configuration/data management, test, logistics and operations support to ensure program objectives.
  • Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
    1. Organizational Awareness
    2. Systems Engineering
    3. Software Engineering
    4. Systems Design and Integration
    5. Contracting and Acquisition
    6. Project Management

    Education

    .Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; 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 professional 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. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800
      Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions
    Transcripts are REQUIRED--We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain the applicant's name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was AWARDED/CONFERRED , and the list of classes and credits earned. **Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

    This position is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA): Acquisition Category S (Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering) Level III and incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position. Individual shall maintain, at a minimum 80 continuous Learning Points every 24 months via the services acquisition management system. DAWIA requirements may be located at the Defense Acquisition University website at the following link: http://icatalog.dau.mil/onlinecatalog/CareerLvl.aspx

    Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: FOREIGN EDUCATION

    For further information, click on the following link:
    https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

    Additional information

    This position is a Full Performance/Senior Level DCIPS position. DCIPS Full Performance/Senior Level positions include GG-12/13. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and Current GS/GG-12 and GS/GG-13, or equivalent Federal Government employees for this position. Federal government employees, who are currently at a GS/GG-12, GS/GG/13, or equivalent may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level, and step. Those selected at the GS/GG-12 grade level may then be considered for future competitive promotion under the NRO Internal promotion evaluation process.

    VETERANS PREFERENCE CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
    In accordance with DoD Instructions 1400.25 Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

    Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

    All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.

    Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

    Please review the Required Supporting documents at the following Link: http://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/FourthEstateRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf?ver=2019-02-08-123333-753

    Other Notes:
    • Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
    • If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
    • If selected, NON-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
    • Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status.
    • All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.


    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required of this position. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Sensitive Compartmented Information

    Drug test required
    Yes

    Position sensitivity and risk
    Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

    Trust determination process
    National security

    Required Documents

    The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).

    Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

    The following documents are REQUIRED
    1. Your resume:
    • Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
    • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
    • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
    2. Transcripts
    • This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript
    • College transcript(s), REQUIREDif qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain the applicant's name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was AWARDED/CONFERRED , and the list of classes and credits earned.
    • Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
    3. SF50
    • All current civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
    4. Veteran's Documents
    • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents:
    • DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
    • In accordance with DoD Instructions 1400.25 Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria
    PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility: http://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/FourthEstateRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf?ver=2019-02-08-123333-753

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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