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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.
• Conduct analysis, design, modeling, and simulation of communications components (e.g., antennas, RF circuits), subsystems (e.g., frequency converters, RF front ends), and full systems/architectures using computer modeling software.
• Simulate and test beamforming circuits and phased array antenna designs using electromagnetic simulation software and antenna measurement facilities/equipment.
• Use simulation software to conduct advanced electromagnetic analyses of complex structures and environments (e.g., scattering, multipath, etc).
• Develop prototype space and aeronautical system/architecture emulations, channel models, and demonstrations in a laboratory or relevant environment.
• Develop technology products to meet sponsor commitments and report on major accomplishments in the form of formal reviews, presentations, and hardware or software deliverables.
• Develop new knowledge and ability in areas of satellite communications and systems engineering, RF and optical communication systems, measurement techniques, link analysis, digital modulation, coding and multiple access techniques.
• Document methods, results, and recommendations through internal and external reports, position papers, presentations, and publications. Disseminate information through domestic and international meetings, conferences, or other venues.
• Identify, design, develop, and validate new components and systems for integration into aeronautics and space applications. Validation can include analytical, test, and/or measurement approaches.
• Work independently and in teams to solve technical problems. May lead research or development task areas in support of larger projects.

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
• Applications will be considered from candidates who meet the graduate education qualification requirements by June 30, 2022. All other qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement
• If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement
• Please see the "Additional Information" section for important information about COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees.
• If selected you may be required to serve a 1 year trial 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 and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.

To qualify for GS-11, you must have:

a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:

• applying engineering concepts, principles, and practices with emphasis in electrical engineering concepts including electromagnetic modeling/simulation, and/or antenna design/measurement techniques.

OR

b) Completed, or expect to have completed by June 30, 2022, all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed, or expect to have completed by June 30, 2022, 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field

OR

d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above or expect to have an equivalent combination of experience and education having completed additional graduate study as described above by June 30, 2022.

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as:

• analysis and assessment, via modeling, simulation and/or test/measurement, of advanced antenna/antenna metrology systems;
• applying engineering concepts, principles, and practices with emphasis in electrical engineering concepts including electromagnetic modeling/simulation, and/or antenna design/measurement techniques;
• providing analyses and conducting mathematical and computer modeling techniques.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level performing duties such as:

• leading development work involving the analysis and assessment, via modeling, simulation and/or test/measurement, of advanced antenna/antenna metrology systems;
• applying engineering concepts, principles, and practices with emphasis in electrical engineering concepts including electromagnetic modeling/simulation, and/or antenna design/measurement techniques contributing significantly to the development and assessment of large, complex, and/or novel systems.

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 graduate education only:

Code 730 Measurement: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (except power), Electronics Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Oceanography, Optical Engineering. Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics (Pure or Applied), Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics (or other related field), if includes or is supplemented by two courses in solid state physics, materials, optics, statics and dynamics, electricity and electronics, electron optics, kinetic theory of gases, electromagnetic propagation or radiation, semiconductors, vibration, high vacuum theory, information theory or heat transfer.

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 on 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:
Communication Networks and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Design and Development Engineering
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis
Modeling and Simulation
Wireless Communications and Telemetry

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.