The purpose of the position is to provide the Executive Branch, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congress, State and local governments, industry, academia, and the public with expertise in transportation automation and related technologies, and a workforce capable of performing DOT’s mission related to transportation automation systems, to include reviewing, assessing, and validating the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation.
Summary
The purpose of the position is to provide the Executive Branch, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congress, State and local governments, industry, academia, and the public with expertise in transportation automation and related technologies, and a workforce capable of performing DOT’s mission related to transportation automation systems, to include reviewing, assessing, and validating the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation.
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen.
Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
NOTE: This is an interdisciplinary position, which means that the duties and responsibilities of the position relates to the 0801/0854 (Engineer), 1310 (Physics), and 1550 (Computer Science) fields. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this position, a person with education and experience in the 0801, 0854, 1310, or 1550 series may be considered equally well qualified to do the work. Please refer to the mandatory Individual Occupational Requirements, listed in the Education Requirements section, and the Qualifications section for more information.
As a Technical Expert, you will:
Provide technical leadership for the HASS COE, including sharing expertise, identifying, and prioritizing research needs, leading technical projects, and sharing and communicating insights and findings with technical and non-technical audiences on topics with implications for the safety of highly automated systems in transportation.
Identify gaps and opportunities in technology, tools, information, and expertise to enable the Department to review, assess, and validate the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation.
Provide coordination and technical support to emerging issues and incidents, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Identify research needs and questions, and direct efforts to conduct original research and collect best practice information to produce meaningful, actionable recommendations for decision-makers in one or more technical domains central to highly automated system safety.
Develop and review technical reports, white papers, memoranda, literature reviews, and presentations, including for both a technical and non-technical audience. Develop and prepare in-depth analyses of automation and safety issues at the national, regional, and global levels.
The ideal candidate is a recognized expert in one or more technology fields central to highly automated systems and their safety in transportation applications, including: computer science; sensor performance; autonomy stack design and integration; validation, testing and safety assurance approaches; cybersecurity; data; communications and interoperability. The candidate should be comfortable addressing complex, multifaceted research questions, often under tight time constraints and conditions of uncertainty. They should be able to communicate complex technical information clearly and succinctly for a nontechnical audience, including senior appointed officials, and adept at working in a dynamic and flexible environment. The idea candidate brings a passion for innovative technology and protecting public safety through responsible development, testing, and deployment.
REMOTE WORK: This position may be eligible for Remote Work. Remote work means the residence is the full-time official duty location. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/ If selected for a remote work position, you must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United States and sign a remote work agreement.
PLEASE NOTE:This announcement establishes an open continuous (6 month) vacancy announcement. Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications after the first 14 days of the vacancy opening for early consideration. Then after, applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis. We will give equal consideration to all applications we receive.
You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
Qualifications
To meet the basic qualifications for this position, you must first meet (1) the education requirements for any of the series listed, and (2) provide a copy of your transcripts for verification, then you must meet (3) the specialized experience requirements for the specific grade(s).
To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:
Experience in either research, development, testing or deployment of technology relating to any of the following technical areas; automation and human factors, computer science, data analytics, machine learning, sensors, and other technologies involving automated systems autonomy.
Experience in developing and presenting information and reports, project partners, peers, and other parties regarding technical results.
To qualify for the GS-15, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:
Experience in either research, development, testing or deployment of technology relating to any of the following technical areas; automation and human factors, computer science, data analytics, machine learning, sensors, and other technologies involving automated systems autonomy.
Experience advising senior leadership on complex issues, risks, and challenges related to development, testing or deployment of emerging technologies and providing recommendations and/or strategic direction for decision-makers regarding solutions.
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:
Technical Knowledge - Mastery of, and skill in applying, the art and science of a specialty area of an engineering or Physics discipline sufficient to formulate, evaluate, nurture, and promote the generation and exchange of new theories, concepts, principles, methods, applications, and practices; plan, evaluate, and execute short- and long-range programs which impact national or international transportation issues.
Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results as it relates new and emerging technologies.
Strategic Thinking - Ability to identify gaps and opportunities in technology, tools, information, and expertise to enable the Department to review, assess, and validate the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation. Contribute to the development of strategic research plans, including identifying research needs, goals, and critical gaps.
Written and Oral Communication - Ability to develop and review technical reports, white papers, memoranda, literature reviews, and presentations, including for both a technical and non-technical audience. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
Experience refers to 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.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. If selected, the final transcript must be received before your start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
In addition to the specialized experience requirements, applicants must fully meet the basic qualifications criteria of at least one of the following series.
To qualify for the 0801/0854 series, Engineer - you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
A. Successful completion of a degree in engineering that: (1) has at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or (2) that included 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; (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials; and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; OR
B. Combination of education or training: college level education, training and/or technical experience that has furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying 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.
The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
Professional registration or licensure - current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences which included the courses as specified in Paragraph A above.
Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. There should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering type experience. This must be clearly described in your resume.
To qualify for the 1310 series, Physics - you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR
B. Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
To qualify for the 1550 series, Computer Science - you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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.
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.
For this announcement, all applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements. Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants will not be rated or ranked. Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.
Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers.
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.
ALL Applicants must provide a resume that fully supports the required specialized experience and was created within USA Jobs Resume Builder and respond to the vacancy questions by the closing date of the vacancy. Formatted resumes can be uploaded when you arrive at the DOT application system. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/build/
The following is a list of documents that are only required based on the type of position and consideration for which you are applying.
RESUME - Needs to be created within USA Jobs Resume Builder. It must show relevant experience, education and fully support the required specialized experience.
TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
If you are applying to an engineering position and are qualifying based on possessing a current Professional Engineer (PE) license, or passing the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, please provide a copy of PE license or written documented proof of passing the EIT.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
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.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DOT, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL Applicants must provide a resume that fully supports the required specialized experience and was created within USA Jobs Resume Builder and respond to the vacancy questions by the closing date of the vacancy. Formatted resumes can be uploaded when you arrive at the DOT application system. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/build/
The following is a list of documents that are only required based on the type of position and consideration for which you are applying.
RESUME - Needs to be created within USA Jobs Resume Builder. It must show relevant experience, education and fully support the required specialized experience.
TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
If you are applying to an engineering position and are qualifying based on possessing a current Professional Engineer (PE) license, or passing the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, please provide a copy of PE license or written documented proof of passing the EIT.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
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.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DOT, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
