Videos

• 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.
• Develops research test objectives for flight and laboratory projects; develops research requirements, schedules and project tasks as Principal Investigator to meet project milestones and communicates with project managers/tech leads and test teams.
• Plans and executes wind tunnel testing as it pertains to noise reduction and aero efficiency.
• Determines acoustic modes and amplitudes of test and flight hardware as needed.
• Develops aero-acoustic models to evaluate near and far-field noise on all types and scale of aeronautical and space flight vehicle propulsion systems using common computational tools.
• Evaluates noise generation created by propulsion systems such as gas turbine engines, electric motors, propellers, fans, helicopter rotors, and other novel designs.
• Predicts near and far-field noise on all types and scale of aeronautical and space flight vehicle propulsion systems; creates system-level predictions/models from test/simulation results.
• Presents technical findings to peers and submit to appropriate technical publications.
• Consults on technical problems in unsteady aerodynamics as needed.

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.
• A one-year trial period may be required.

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.

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

• Utilizing existing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and noise prediction codes (e.g. Solidworks, Actran, Comsol, Fine/Turbo) to develop research requirements for wind tunnel testing;
• Performing wind tunnel testing, data processing and analysis for fan noise and aerodynamic performance and;
• Creating system-level mathematical models and documenting test procedures and results.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.

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:

Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Astrophysics, Electrical Engineering (except power), Electronics Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics.

Other appropriate physical or computer science, mathematics or engineering fields are qualifying if the major includes or is supplemented by at least 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of appropriate physical science or engineering courses including nine semester hours (or the equivalent) of physics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics or gas dynamics.

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:

• Acoustics
• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Mathematical Modeling and Analysis
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Oral Communication
• Research
• Technical Competence

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.