General Engineer

Aircraft Icing Research Program

Provide programmatic and technical support to the Aircraft Icing Research Program. This program conducts research on structural airframe icing in flight, ground deicing, and anti-icing prior to takeoff, and engine compressor icing due to the ingestion of ice particles into the engine core.

Perform experimental and analytical research to provide data and information that can be used in the development of physical models that represent the trajectory, impact, adhesion, accretion, and the release of ice crystal icing within a turbine engine compressor.

Works with other FAA colleagues to advance the safety of civil aviation in related propulsion areas.

Performs computational modeling in support of the Aircraft Icing Program and other research programs within the Aviation Research Division. This includes working on division-wide research initiatives by leading cross organizational teams and applying computational modeling, predictive analytics, data science, advanced statistical methods, aerospace and/or system engineering, and any multi-disciplinary scientific approach as needed by the Aviation Research Division.

Called upon to provide leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of a manager or executive. May act as a technical expert to develop new and innovative concepts, approaches, methodologies, techniques, and policies, or as a senior project manager or team leader for large, challenging work activities.

Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of general engineering principles, theories, and concepts, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to perform critical tasks which require the development of new concepts or innovative approaches. Identifies and resolves highly complex problems or issues which often cross organizational boundaries and impact on the accomplishment of FAA's strategic objectives. Also predicts potential issues and proposes recommendations for preventive action. Typical assignments may include: system design and integration; extensive research; and direct responsibility for project program management.

Applies knowledge of FAA's policies and objectives to identify, define, and organize work for multiple work activities. Acquires and allocates resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules.

Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as the primary technical authority for major projects, programs, and other areas of FAA responsibility. Formulates and recommends organizational reports or policies for internal and external audiences. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but almost always require the development of new and innovative approaches. Often develop new policies, procedures, and approaches taking into consideration FAA policies, government-wide rules and regulations, and industry standards. Develops innovative approaches to attain organizational objectives and optimize resources. Conceives, plans, and conducts studies involving complex issues and unique problems. Seeks to continually learn from these duties and work with supervisor to ensure processes, methods, and systems applied are improved upon for future phases and shares with colleagues and other collaborators.

Work is reviewed rarely, typically though status reports and at project completion, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity, final work is typically reviewed for success in achieving planned results.