USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal jobs across the United States and around the world as the official employment site for the federal government

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Direct-Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veteran's preference and category rating of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority for Shortage Category/Critical need positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Videos

Duties

Help

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: The ideal candidate is an aerospace, computer, electronics, or mechanical engineer interested in improving safety of the traveling public in a meaningful way through the challenges of working in a laboratory extracting data from a variety of vehicle recorders and other devices, documenting the results, and occasionally launching to accident sites to handle critical on-scene recorder recoveries.

As a Interdisciplinary Engineer (Recorder Specialist) DIRECT-HIRE,GS-0801/0830/0854/0855/0861-11, you will perform the following major duties:

Examines and recovers data from vehicle recorders (also known as "black boxes") from transportation accidents using digital forensic and engineering methods.
Assures technical quality and capability of the division's laboratories and related lab systems.
Recovers data and prepares reports to achieve maximum use of information for accident prevention and to achieve Safety Board objectives.
Develops and maintains professional contact with peers across the technical community, for knowledge exchange, technical advocacy, and obtaining expert advice and opinion specifically tailored to agency's needs.
Participates in transportation safety investigations by recovering data and preparing reports to achieve maximum use of information for accident prevention and to achieve NTSB objectives.

At the GS-12/13, in addition to duties at the lower grade level, typical duties may include:

Performs vehicle recorder investigations as a Group Chairperson in a technically competent and thorough manner with supervision and mentoring from more senior NTSB staff.
Operates and assists with the division's laboratories and develops new methods and technologies.
Applies knowledge to support and develop products essential to the proper functioning of the Division, such as Board Member Project requests, Notice of proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs), Congressional testimony, and investigative alerts/bulletins.
Participates in technical meetings and conferences, through papers, speeches, and committee memberships.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship
If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
Suitability for Federal employment
Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis
Bargaining Unit Position: YES (Bargaining unit represented by NTSB-AFGE Local 2211)
Direct Deposit is required.
This position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements:

For the GS-11 grade level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is applying industry-accepted principles, techniques and practices of engineering to conduct analyses of recorded data, audio, or video; and ability to extract recorded data, audio or video using standard methods;
OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
OR
a combination of Education and Experience. To be creditable, your education must be directly related to the position being filled.

For the GS-12 grade level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is applying industry accepted principles, techniques and practices of engineering or computer science to conduct complex analyses of recorded data, audio, or video; and resolving technical challenges in extraction of recorded data, audio or video when standard methods are not successful.

For the GS-13 grade level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is demonstrating mastery of engineering theories and methods sufficient to develop new procedures to address novel/complex investigation scenarios: ability to apply industry accepted principles, techniques and practices of engineering or computer science to conduct complex analyses of recorded data, audio, or video; and ability to resolve technical challenges in extraction of recorded data, audio or video when standard methods are not successful or available.

For more information see link: General Engineering Series 0801 (opm.gov); Mechanical Engineering Series 0830 (opm.gov); Computer Engineering Series 0854 (opm.gov) ; Electronics Engineering Series 0855 (opm.gov) ; Aerospace Engineering Series 0861 (opm.gov)

NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

Education

EDUCATION: A. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include 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 materials (stress-strain relationships);(c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science and physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that 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:

1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 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.

3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A above.

4. 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 has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

You MUST provide either official or unofficial transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GENERAL EDUCATION: All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet these criteria, see https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=rn. Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be accepted. An unofficial transcript; statement from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation is acceptable at the time of application. Education submitted must be appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at: http://www.ed.gov

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

Your application must include your resume and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person) at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices.

Required Documents

Help

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:

A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Responses to the questionnaire.
College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.

Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Required Documents

Help

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:

A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Responses to the questionnaire.
College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.

Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/10/2026.
To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12917806.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Division

Email: recruitment@ntsb.gov

Address: Office of Research and Engineering
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
US

Next steps

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.