179-Day Developmental Assignment: Senior Test Operations Officer (NH-03/04 (GS12-15 equivalent)), HQ ATEC, G-3/5/7 Safety Directorate (HQ ATEC - 56483)

Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Engineer

Math and Statistics

Program Analyst

Sciences (Physical/Natural)

Job Summary

This is a 179-day developmental assignment opportunity for an NH-03 or 04 (GS12-15 equivalent) DA Civilian ATEC employee to gain experience as a Senior Test Operations Officer in HQ ATEC G-3/5/7 Safety Directorate, Test Integration and Modernization Division. NH-04 (GS14 or 15 equivalents) preferred. Opportunity is open to eligible employees within the APG footprint. 

Target Competencies: 1) Leading a team; 2) Project management; 3) Communication skills for executive leadership (e.g. Commanding General)

Funding: Salary and benefits will be the responsibility of the parent organization. There are no changes to the selectee's pay during this assignment. . TDY is not anticipated. However, any TDY incurred for mission duties of the developmental assignment will be the responsibility of the host organization. Premium pay incurred during assignment will be the responsibility of the host organization. 

Work Schedule: The host organization will determine tour of duty and duty days.

Telwork Policy: Telework eligible IAW ATEC’s telework policy to be able to work on-site twice a week or four times a pay period. Must be able to be on-site as needed as well. Per HQ ATEC policy, the mandatory on-site workday is Wednesday on a weekly basis. The employee will be expected to be on site as needed to participate in or lead various briefings to ATEC senior leadership. Remote option is not available. 

Resources: IT support and facility access will be provided by the organization, if needed. Employee will use his/her assigned laptop from the parent organization. A MiFi will be provided if needed. 

Submission: This opportunity will require the submission of a resume and an endorsement letter from both the employee’s immediate Supervisor and Director. A copy of the
endorsement letter template should have been provided through the various announcement mechanisms (e.g. email notification, AAMP, SharePoint).
 

Job Responsibilities

Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1.    Serve as a Senior Test Operations Officer, performing a broad range of analyses for difficult-
to-define, controversial, new or novel systems/functions of major agency. Also serve on working groups, boards, panels, and other ad hoc groups as required. Manages special projects and analysis that require comprehensive, accurate, timely, responsive, well-researched verbal and written information to senior leaders.

2.    Review and provide input to draft requirement documents, system or performance 
specifications and statements of work, test plans and reports, and other acquisition and policy documents. Provides strategic direction for resolution of mission critical problems. Stimulates the development of new test policies, methodologies, and techniques to improve internal processes and capabilities.

3.    Provide well researched mission analysis and coordinate ATEC support assignment, with the 
Subordinate Organizations (SOs) in a timely manner.

4.    Perform technical reviews of regulatory guidance and participates in the creation and update 
of test policies and test operating procedures. Staff and coordinate all T&E related actions from HQDA and DoD. Respond to Command-level Information Inquiries with corresponding Reports, EXSUMs, and Position Papers (e.g., VCSA, AAA, GAO).

5.    Provide guidance, technical support and assistance to the SOs on all matters pertaining to 
test. Monitor progress of tests being conducted, and keeps superiors informed of general progress and controversial problems, but otherwise works independently in managing test programs. Ensure that data collected in tests conducted by contractors and other government agencies are adequate and used wherever possible to satisfy government developmental test requirements. Conduct continual review and analysis of all test activities on assigned programs to prevent unnecessary delays and to assess the quality of the testing programs.

6.    Act as the Headquarters ATEC representative to potential customers, working to facilitate 
request for ATEC support. Provide technical support to the customer (e.g. RFTS, RFAS forms) and ensure information required for SO support is provided in a timely manner. Provide expert advice on the correct approach to problems encountered and on the need for more detailed investigation.

7.    Perform staff functions in a command headquarters, component staff or equivalent major 
policy-making organization, conceiving, initiating, monitoring, and/or conducting major projects and studies of critical importance to agency decision-makers and missions.

8.    Participate in the HQ investment process (to include M&S) and supports justification of 
investments thru validation of upcoming test workload. Participate in the Science & Technology process (to include awareness of the technology map).

9.    Participate in the threat requirement process, as needed. Develop and support the 
Command's test management policies and practices by: preparing, analyzing, coordinating, and consolidating information for ATEC.
 

Job Qualification

Training will be provided as needed on the job.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED. You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

• Open to high performing NH-03 or NH-04 (GS13-15 equivalent) Civilians who have served at least 1 year as employee at ATEC prior to application, IAW ATEC Regulation 350-1, Chapter 9-6 (applies to ATEC employees). Candidate’s resume and recommendation letters will be reviewed by the selecting official.
• Applicants subject to a formal disciplinary action in the last 52 weeks from the time of application will not be considered.
• Applicants must not have completed a developmental assignment within the past two years from the time of application.
• Applicants must have received a “Fully Successful” or equivalent on their latest performance appraisal.
• Testing experience is required. Training will be provided as needed on the job.
• No occupational series requirement; however, Engineering, Operations Research and Systems Analysts (ORSAs), and Program Analysts preferred.
• Must be able to participate Secure Video Teleconference meetings in person.
• Candidates who have familiarity with ATEC’s mission preferred.
• In addition to job qualifications, selections will be based on demonstration of the following (at minimum): Strong oral and written communication skills, problem solving and analytical skills, and ability to work independently as well as on a team.

Conditions of Employment

1. Candidates must possess and be able to maintain a Secret clearance during assignment.

2. ATEC employees must meet minimum eligibility requirements to apply for a developmental assignment according to the latest guidance published on ATEC 350-01, Chapter 9, Section III, Paragraph 9-6. External candidates must comply with their local policy’s eligibility requirements to apply for a developmental assignment. 

3. Candidates assigned to APG must be able to work on-site four days during a pay period, with core days on Wednesdays, in accordance with the current ATEC telework policy.

4. Continued Service Agreement. Per AR 350-1, Army Civilians selected for non-Government training in excess of 40 hours, or Government training/developmental assignments in excess of 160 hours must sign a CSA in the Department of the Army before training begins. The period of service obligation will be equal to at least three times the length of the training period, at a minimum. Command or career program funding the training may require more time based on associated training costs. Calculation of the continued service obligation period will not include weekends or federal holidays. The obligation period begins on the first day following the completion of training or program of study. 

The calculator and agreement will be sent after the start and end dates have been finalized. This must be signed and returned to the S1/G1 proponent managing this action prior to the start date. A copy should also be provided to the selectee’s supervisor.

QUESTIONS or issues please send us a message with the vacancy announcement URL, position title, and location to:

usarmy.apg.atec.mbx.atec-developmental-assignments@army.mil