LEAD INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER / SCIENTIST (MIIC)

Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Engineer

Job Summary

**This position is a Management Identified Internal Candidate (MIIC) announcement, only open to ATC Live Fire Directorate, Engineering Systems & Technology Division, Ballistics Technology Development Branch NH-03s.** 

The mission of the US Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) is to provide test and test support services for authorized customers, within DoD and outside DoD, including government and non-government organizations, domestic and foreign. Provide comprehensive test and training both real and simulated; provide expert knowledge and technical services including instrumentation application, facility operations, manufacturing and fabrication; exploit emerging technologies; and develop leading edge instrumentation and test methodologies.

Job Responsibilities

Position serves in the Aberdeen Test Center under the supervision of either a Branch Chief or Division Chief who provides information regarding the objectives, or operational requirements, that equipment or systems must meet; and the relative priority of assignments. Incumbent receives little technical advice or guidance and is expected to analyze problems and develop own approaches and work plans. Supervisor is consulted where it is determined that assignments will have significant unforeseen impact or require a departure from established policy; otherwise, completed work is reviewed only for compliance with broad local or higher level policy.

1. Plans, designs, modifies, develops, integrates and/or selects a variety of specialized instrumentation/equipment and assembles it into advanced instrumentation systems for the acquisition and reduction of data in the testing of Army material. Performs a wide range of duties related to test and evaluation as outlined below;

Performs instrumentation engineering, development, testing, or integration where established criteria and technical precedents may be lacking due to the accuracy and critical operating performance required for the acquisition and reduction of data in the dynamic testing of Army material. These systems are composed of new and unusual types of equipment that are complex and must meet high standards of precision.

Discusses instrumentation problem(s) with Branch Chief or project engineers to obtain necessary background information on project(s) assigned. Analyzes operating requirements (ex. type of measurements to be made, equipment to be controlled, variables involved, etc.) to determine design parameters, best approach, and general type of instrumentation which will best meet the need(s) of the problem(s) encountered. Applies a thorough knowledge of electronic principles, precedents, techniques and procedures to determine whether modifications can be made to existing equipment or whether new devices must be designed, constructed or procured.

2. Develops and prepares detailed performance, production, standardization, and maintenance requirements in the preparation of technical design criteria and specifications of instrumentation and equipment (including large and costly data acquisition systems). Conducts acceptance tests on new systems and equipment and recommends acceptance or rejection concerning development and preparation of specifications for generator data acquisition, analysis and control instrumentation, and digital vibration control equipment; development and implementation of software for the operation of computer digital data systems to support a variety of testing requirements; instrumentation engineering for air defense system testing, which includes the selection, integration and analysis of the data acquisition scheme; conduct of methodology investigation programs; and monitoring of contractor integrated development testing.

3. Maintains technical supervision over the development or operation of complex electronic systems, including the preparation of operating and maintenance procedures; as well as surveillance over the accuracy of the systems. Exercises technical supervision over lower grade employees engaged in the actual operation and maintenance of the systems. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field of electronics and data acquisition equipment and techniques for possible application to problems of the organization. Attends various meetings and conferences; maintains liaison with manufacturers' representatives; and surveys technical and scientific publications, including technical reports of investigations conducted locally or by other agencies or organizations. Coordinates assignments with those of engineers/scientists in other disciplines or engineers/scientists who are specialists in other subject-matter areas. Represents the Aberdeen Test Center in the exchange of data and discussion of technical problems at meetings. Makes technical decisions and recommendations that are typically accepted by higher authority as basis for action except when policy, program, or budgetary considerations are overriding.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualification

In order to qualify, you must meet the general minimum requirements described below. 

General Engineering Series 0801 (opm.gov)

Mechanical Engineering Series 0830 (opm.gov)

Electrical Engineering Series 0850 (opm.gov)

Electronics Engineering Series 0855 (opm.gov)

Computer Scientist Series, 1550 (opm.gov)

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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. 

To be eligible, you must have, and your resume must describe, at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (NH-02/GS-11) level, which includes: 1) Planning and directing test and data collection strategies for military equipment; 2) Authoring reports on testing procedures and findings; and 3) Calibrating data acquisition systems.  There is no education substitution at this level.

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

1. Technical Competence

2. Leadership

3. Problem Solving

4. Oral/Written Communication

Conditions of Employment

1. This position requires temporary duty (TDY) travel up to 25% of the time.

2. Based on assigned duties, Position may be subject to Lautenberg/Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position.

3. A Pre-Employment Physical and Hearing Test may be required for this position.