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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.
• Performs independent NASA assessments, analyses, and methodologies on commercial spacecraft vehicle components’ qualification to high frequency random vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
• Performs “End to End” Validation of Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA).
• Reviews dynamic event selection and associated forcing function development.
• Performs test and post-flight data review/analysis to develop and verify acceptance and qualification dynamic test criteria.
• Works and builds relationships within NASA centers and externally with space commercial companies to assure compliance with NASA requirements and standards.
• Fosters a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• This position may require a one year trial period.
• Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duties/location-NASA Center requirements.

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.

To qualify for GS-11, you must have:

a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:

• Assisting with dynamic environment testing and analysis in acoustics, shock, or random vibrations;
• Working with a team of engineers to assist with acceptance or qualification testing of aerospace vehicle structural systems;
• Gathering and processing structural dynamic test data to support aerospace projects.

OR

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

OR

c) Completed 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

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

• Performing statistical analysis to develop dynamic environments test and evaluation criteria in acoustics, shock, and random vibrations;
• Conducting dynamic testing of aerospace structures for flight certification, performance characterization, or model validation/correlation;
• Participating in development of flight projects and supporting the verification and validation (V&V) requirement approaches with technical leaders and colleagues.

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

• Developing and implementing new dynamic environments analysis methodologies in acoustics, shock, and random vibrations to enhance or create new capabilities to analytical tools;
• Developing computational models to analyze structural dynamics of aerospace vehicle systems to determine the structural response and provide recommendations regarding flight certification;
• Providing technical guidance and interpretation of structural dynamics requirements and strategic objectives for flight project life cycles.

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 graduate education only (GS-11):

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
• Aerospace 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.