ELECTRONICS ENGINEER

Summary

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The primary purpose of this position is developmental to GG-0855-11. Provide hands-on electronics engineering, focused on component evaluation, system validation, and hardware-software integration of test, assessment, and experiment instrumentation equipment.

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Duties

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- Embedded Systems Validation and Integration: Computes and executes C/C++ programming on microcontrollers (bare-metal and/or RTOS) to generate test signals, validate sensor interfaces, and evaluate hardware logic performance.

- Hardware Analysis and Circuit Evaluation: Performs professional electronics engineering work in support of the evaluation, integration, and sustainment of instrumentation and control systems.

- PCB Implementation and Technical Documentation: Performs analysis using systematic disciplines to implement and document schematic captures and PCB layouts (2 to 4+ layers).

- Prototyping and Lifecycle Sustainment: Conducts hands-on board assembly and modification (including component population) of technical analysis and test instrumentation equipment to verify circuit functionality using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multi-meters, and signal generators.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at:
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.
• CONT: Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• The incumbent must file an OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.

Qualifications

This position is a developmental position and can be filled at the GG-09 level with promotion potential to the GG-11 or can be filled at the target grade GG-11. The individual selected for this position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements.

This is a GG-09 target 11 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-09 target 11 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Developmental" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-09 target 11 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the 09 target 11 grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT ALL GRADE LEVELS 0855 Electronic Engineer:

Successfully completed a professional engineering degree: The curriculum must 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 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. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

OR

Combination of education and experience that is 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.

Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: ELECTRONICS ENGINEER-0855

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED for GG-09: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include knowledge (such as would be acquired through a pertinent baccalaureate educational program or its equivalent in experience, training, or independent study) of basic principles, concepts, and methods of a professional or administrative occupation and skill in applying this knowledge in carrying out elementary assignments, operations, or procedures; or, in addition to the practical knowledge of standard procedures in Degree A-4, practical knowledge of technical methods to perform assignments such as carrying out limited projects which involve use of specialized, complicated techniques. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

EDUCATION : I have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE : Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

This is a GG-11 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-11 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-11 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the 11 grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED for GG-11: In additional to meeting the mandatory basic education requirement , your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include knowledge (such as would be acquired through a pertinent baccalaureate educational program or its equivalent in experience, training, or independent study) of basic principles, concepts, and methods of a professional or administrative occupation and skill in applying this knowledge in carrying out elementary assignments, operations, or procedures; or, in addition to the practical knowledge of standard procedures in Degree A-4, practical knowledge of technical methods to perform assignments such as carrying out limited projects which involve use of specialized, complicated techniques. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

OR

EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs ): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Basic technical understanding of fundamental electronics (translating specifications into functional circuits using transistors, op-amps, filters, power supplies) to effectively apply theories to system evaluation and integration.

2. Basic knowledge in C/C++ for embedded targets, specifically focused on writing code to test, read, and evaluate hardware performance.

3. Experience with specific Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCAD, Eagle) sufficient to review, modify, and analyze layouts for analysis and test equipment for signal integrity and manufacturability.

4. Use laboratory equipment (Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, Signal Generators, Multi-meters) for hands-on troubleshooting and hardware verification. Basic knowledge of configuration management practices for firmware and hardware files (e.g., version control) sufficient to maintain controlled documentation and records. Ability to automate measurements and analyze test data using scripting/tools and instrument interfaces (as applicable).

5. Report technical findings clearly to non-engineering stakeholders and collaborate with mechanical and software teams. Ability to author and execute test plans and test procedures, define acceptance criteria, and document test results with traceability to requirements.

6. Basic knowledge of specific communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, RS-485, USB) for system interfacing, including SPI-based MCU-to-FPGA interfaces and register map concepts.

Education

POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: This position has a positive education requirement. If transcripts are not provided, your resume MUST list the appropriate academic field (e.g. biology, mechanical engineering, economics, sociology, etc.) and all courses you have taken (including those failed), which appear to satisfy the qualification requirements of the position for which you are applying. List graduate and undergraduate courses separately. Include the descriptive title and course code, completion date, grade, number of semester, quarter or classroom hours (for education completed at business, secretarial, technical school or military schools) and graduate and undergraduate classes. **As of 1 Sep 2016, current internal AF employees must attach their transcripts. Failure to do so will result in not being referred for the position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

A professional engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution at the Bachelor's level in Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering. Minimum of 1 to 5 years of professional experience in hardware analysis, electronics integration, or embedded systems testing. Broad professional knowledge of electronics engineering theories, concepts, and principles sufficient to execute actions for assignments involving low-voltage circuits and instrumentation. Knowledge of radio frequency (RF) principles (preferred) including antenna evaluation and impedance analysis. Hands-on experience with circuit debugging is essential. Coding proficiency in C/C++ is required for hardware validation purposes. RF Knowledge and specific EDA tool experience are preferred but not mandatory.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION : Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.

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Additional information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

Must exhibit a high degree of judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and the ability to foresee the impact of changing technology.

A minimum of ten years of experience in technology research involving studies, as well as test and assessment of alternatives through design and execution of simulated and field experimentation.

The duties of this position require the employee to operate a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE : Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE : Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Important Overseas Information: Applicants interested in applying for overseas locations please click here to review important information regarding the exceptional family member program.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

Temporary and Term Appointments : If you are selected for a temporary or term position, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.