The Policy and Innovation Division supports aerospace innovation by creating novel means of compliance, develops and maintains Aircraft Certification Service regulations, manages the Aviation Safety (AVS) Senior Technical Experts Program (STEP) and overall fleet safety, as well as educational outreach. The Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning is one of a cadre of nationally and internationally recognized technical experts comprising the AVS STEP.
Summary
The Policy and Innovation Division supports aerospace innovation by creating novel means of compliance, develops and maintains Aircraft Certification Service regulations, manages the Aviation Safety (AVS) Senior Technical Experts Program (STEP) and overall fleet safety, as well as educational outreach. The Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning is one of a cadre of nationally and internationally recognized technical experts comprising the AVS STEP.
Salary will be set within the range based on qualifications, experience and equivalent peer salaries in the organization. Locality pay will be added.
Pay scale & grade
EV 03
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Los Angeles County, CA
Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Burlington, MA
Kansas City, MO
Queens, NY
Westbury, NY
Fort Worth, TX
Seattle, WA
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
50% or less - The job may require up to 50% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— - Fully-Paid PCS - Permanent Change of Station - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, full relocation will be paid (actual expenses). Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
The Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor (CSTA) for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning provides an FAA-wide, mission-critical, leadership role in identifying and mitigating aviation safety risk related to machine learning and artificial intelligence, and software development as it pertains to aerospace systems. The incumbent works to retain and broaden U.S. leadership related to how machine learning may be used in aviation systems, and how to evaluate integration of components based on machine learning with aircraft software. This may include specific areas such as algorithm development, data analysis, and analysis of neural net topologies, including techniques such as supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, especially regression and convolution. The incumbent evaluates the readiness of emerging technologies, shapes agency policies, and promotes the adoption of safety enhancing operational requirements and practices into the FAA’s regulatory and certification programs. The CSTA also provides instruction and advice to the FAA, other departments and agencies, the aviation industry, professional societies, associations, academia, and international organizations.
Specific responsibilities include:
• Serves as a senior advisor in the Aviation Safety (AVS) Line of Business, providing scientific and engineering expertise and assistance to the relevant stakeholders working to enhance aviation safety, efficiency, and innovation. The incumbent provides expert advice and assistance to AVS managers and leaders, type certification boards, airworthiness directive boards, maintenance review boards, flight operation evaluation boards, special certification review teams, accident investigation teams, and special condition standards review activities.
• Plans, directs, promotes, and coordinates research and the publication of scientific papers intended to evaluate new technologies, address service difficulties, and promote FAA adoption of the most safety enhancing policies and practices in the realm of machine learning.
• Prepares and/or provides technical education and training to the FAA, industry, associations, foreign airworthiness certification authorities, and international organizations through certification projects, training courses, seminars, and workshops.
• Represents the FAA in dealings with other civil aviation authorities, national and international forums, industry committees, and task groups on work to mitigate safety risk posed by machine learning. Coordinates regulatory initiatives with foreign airworthiness authorities to provide harmonized requirements and consensus standards in order to expedite and reduce the cost of international certification to the aerospace industry.
• Supports industry and government in the investigation of accidents or incidents where machine learning or artificial intelligence are thought to have played a role. Collaborates with the National Transportation Safety Board and foreign entities by applying expertise in determining causal factors; identifying shortcomings in policy, technology, or practices; and recommending remedial actions to prevent or reduce the probability of such accidents or incidents in the future.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.
Qualifications
As a basic requirement for entry into the FAA Executive System, you must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level capability; and that is directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Requirements listed below.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following have been determined to be selective factors for this position. This means possession of this criteria is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criteria are ineligible for further consideration.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT: Demonstrated leadership in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning including expertise on how machine learning may be used in aircraft systems, and how to evaluate integration of components based on machine learning with aircraft software.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT: Demonstrated leadership experience in the development and application of requirements and/or standards related to advanced technology products.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT: Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective spokesperson and represent a high profile organization with global regulatory authorities, national and international industry bodies, manufacturers, research organizations, academia, and the public on work to mitigate safety risk related to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
Evaluation of Education:
Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses designed to provide an introduction to computer science techniques and methodologies, to problems of system design, and to other specialized fields are acceptable. Courses or experience in teaching elementary, business, or shop mathematics are not acceptable.
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. Veterans preference does not apply to the FAA Executive System.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/financial_disclosure_requirements
The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
A recruitment incentive may be authorized for this position.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.
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.
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.
1. A resume. 2. An attachment individually addressing each Technical Requirement if you do not address them in the answer blocks within the application.
NOTE: Please do not submit additional materials (e.g., DD Form 214, performance plans/evaluations, letters of recommendation, etc.); they will not be considered as part of the application package.
This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1550 series.
College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the, 1550 series with the FAA.
College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying a 1550 series.
If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
A resume and narrative individually addressing the requirements listed in this announcement should be submitted online via the Apply button on this announcement. Uploaded resumes and narratives must be submitted in Word (or Word compatible) or PDF format. All documents must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement in order to receive consideration for the position. You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must have a status of "Received" by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must have a status of "Received" each time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with register.
Application packages will be evaluated against the criteria outlined in the technical requirements described for the position. In addition to submitting a resume, applicants should address each of the technical requirements individually, describing work accomplishments that relate to each requirement.
Amendment Date: 08/25/2021
Amendment Note: This announcement has been extended. This announcement has been extended.
Federal Aviation Administration
Executive Resources Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 523
AHF-300
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. A resume. 2. An attachment individually addressing each Technical Requirement if you do not address them in the answer blocks within the application.
NOTE: Please do not submit additional materials (e.g., DD Form 214, performance plans/evaluations, letters of recommendation, etc.); they will not be considered as part of the application package.
This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1550 series.
College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the, 1550 series with the FAA.
College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying a 1550 series.
If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
A resume and narrative individually addressing the requirements listed in this announcement should be submitted online via the Apply button on this announcement. Uploaded resumes and narratives must be submitted in Word (or Word compatible) or PDF format. All documents must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement in order to receive consideration for the position. You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must have a status of "Received" by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must have a status of "Received" each time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with register.
Application packages will be evaluated against the criteria outlined in the technical requirements described for the position. In addition to submitting a resume, applicants should address each of the technical requirements individually, describing work accomplishments that relate to each requirement.
Amendment Date: 08/25/2021
Amendment Note: This announcement has been extended. This announcement has been extended.
Federal Aviation Administration
Executive Resources Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 523
AHF-300
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
