Clarification from the agency

** This vacancy has been amended to extend the closing date from 5/18/2023 to 5/22/2023.**

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• Duties described below are at the full-performance level. Duties assigned at a lower grade level will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Serves as a researcher on problems related to the structural dynamics of lightweight flexible or deployable spacecraft structures such as solar arrays, booms, and solar sails.
• Makes recommendations and implements actions involving highly complex aerospace engineering technical problems, including those that apply to complex or unusual integrated systems.
• Exercises technical expertise in the modeling, analysis, and testing of dynamic structural systems, demonstrating outstanding creativity and exceptional scientific and engineering judgment to evaluate the feasibility of advanced structural concepts.
• Researches, simulates, and experimentally evaluates the stowage and deployment of bendable composite structures.
• Develops test plans for the characterization of materials or structures. Utilizes nonlinear finite element codes and the results of quasi-static and dynamic testing to develop models to accurately predict the dynamic response of space structures.
• Uses commercial nonlinear finite element codes to develop models of highly deformable structures including tensioned membranes, inflatable structures, and high-strain composites and assess strength, stiffness, durability, modal parameters.
• Conducts innovative research to enable the success of a full spectrum of NASA missions and programs, with emphasis on nonlinear systems, nonlinear material behavior, damping, and control of space structures.

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
• Start dates will be set after all requirements have been met and verified.
• This position may require a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee. Please keep this in mind when indicating the lowest grade you will accept.


To qualify for GS-11, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal sector

• Working with aerospace structures or high strain composite structures in at least two of the following phases: designing, modeling, or analyzing;
• Assisting in creating finite element models (FEM) from existing or new designs for the purpose of generating nonlinear dynamic simulations; and
• Providing engineering support as a part of a team working on an aerospace project.

OR
b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field
OR
c) Expect to have completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field by October 31, 2023
OR
d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate education as described in A, B and C above
OR
e) Expect to have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate education as described in A, B, and C above by October 31, 2023

To qualify for GS-12, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal sector:

• Working with aerospace vehicle structures or high strain composite structures in the following phases: designing, modeling, or analyzing;
• Creating finite element models (FEM) from existing or new designs for the purpose of generating nonlinear dynamic simulations; and
• Communicating findings and conclusions through technical reports and verbal interactions with testing personnel, stakeholders, and customers.

OR
b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field
OR
c) Expect to have completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field by October 31, 2023

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal sector:

• Designing, directing, simulating, and interpreting the results of structural dynamics experiments involving aerospace vehicles;
• Overseeing the creation of finite element models (FEM) from existing or new designs for the purpose of generating nonlinear dynamic simulations; and
• Serving as a recognized technical expert in the dynamic analysis and testing of structural systems as demonstrated by published peer review work or service on technical committee/panels.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of undergraduate or graduate education only (GS-11/12 research only):

Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Structural Engineering, Welding Engineering.
Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Ceramics or Ceramics Engineering (with 12 semester hours in refractory ceramics, cermets or protective coatings); Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Geology (with 12 semester hours in strength of materials, structures, thermodynamics, and/or basic static and dynamics); Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering (with 12 semester hours in physical or adaptive metallurgy, high temperature metals and alloys, cermets); Mathematics or Nuclear Engineering (with nine semester hours in physics, structures, materials or other appropriate courses). Other appropriate physical science or engineering fields may qualify with appropriate supplemental courses.

How you will be evaluated

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

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Problem Solving
• Research
• Technology Application
• Design and Development Engineering
• Mechanics and Durability
• Structural Test Engineering

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