Clarification from the agency

This is an internal Department of Defense vacancy announcement. The area of consideration is limited to civilians currently assigned within the Department of Defense or those required by law.

• Carry out assignments in support of research and development activities which involve the design, development, and testing in such areas as new components and subassemblies, special systems and subsystems, state-of-the-art electronic data systems and other similar projects.
• Provide technician support to engineers in the design and development of unique output/input interfaces and associated electronic equipment necessary to test weapon system integrity, longevity, expandability, safety, and in resolving system deficiencies and concerns.
• Accomplish research and planning to accomplish electrical design, fabrication and installation of wiring and equipment that will be required for ground, marine, and aerospace test vehicle modifications.
• Design, develop, and fabricate instrumentation systems which provide valid data and are compatible with data reduction facilities.
• Perform technical functions in such a way as to assure accurate, reliable results.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
• The position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization
• This position may require travel
• This position may require drug testing, and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license may be required for the position.
• May act as project liaison with the Equipment Engineers or other design agencies as required
• The work may occasionally require the modification of software code, the ability to modify assembly language software code for 8/16/32 bit microprocessors, microcontrollers, C/C++/C#, and Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
• May be required to work beyond the normal tour of duty hours under compensatory or overtime.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s).

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 0856 series, Electronics Technician Series. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

• Knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as a knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory, algebra, and elementary physics;
• Knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance; and
• Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, operations, design, characteristics, and functional use of a variety of types and models of electronic equipment and systems related to, but less than, a full professional knowledge of electronic engineering.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE Applicants must have, or within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement will have, at least 1 year (52 weeks) or specialized experience which is equivalent to Federal experience at the next lower grade (GS-07), level, pay band (NJ-02), or equivalent (pay schedule, pay band, etc.). Specialized experience is described as experience in schematic diagrams, a variety of test equipment, and the application of appropriate electronic formulas involved in such duties as testing, troubleshooting, modifying, designing, calibrating, installing, maintaining, repairing, constructing, and developing, and instructing on electronic equipment, or similar functions. As well as experience in developing policies, standards, and procedures for maintenance, installation, or similar functions, provided the work clearly shows that the applicant applied a specialized knowledge of the theories and principles of a variety of electronic systems or equipment.

EDUCATION Applicants must have, or within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement will have, successfully completed a masters or equivalent degree, or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree that is directly related to the work of the position, such as engineering, physical science, technology, mathematics, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

COMBINED EXPERIENCE Applicants must have, or within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement will have, equivalent combinations of successfully completed one full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position, such as engineering, physical science, technology, mathematics, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology; and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge and skill in designing new circuitry and the ability to perform associated product fabrication techniques such as layout and construction of multi-layer printed circuits, complex back planes, Mil-Std-2000 Cat E High-Reliability soldering and de-soldering, and cutting, bending and drilling of metal using a milling machine, lathe, and drill press.
2. Thorough knowledge of basic electronic concepts and fundamentals (e.g. Ohm's and Kirchoffs Laws, time and frequency domain relationships, Boolean algebra, and basic digital technology and the ability to convert theoretical ideas of engineers and scientists to functional components and systems.
3. Knowledge of digital and analog components used in modern technology such as microprocessors, gate arrays, FPGA, LSI devices, and memory devices. Familiarity with data transmission techniques such as Radio Frequency (RF), telemetry, microwave, and fiber optic data links.
4. Ability to read, interpret, correct and modify electrical/electronic schematics/diagrams using the latest software version of the computer-aided-design tool.
5. Skill in using the latest software versions of the computer-aided-design tools AUTOCAD, ALTIUM, and GENERIC CADD for mechanical designs and layouts.
6. Knowledge of and skill in the use of various pieces of electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, FPGA programmers, telemetry ground stations, synthesizers, spectrum analyzers, Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and Mil-Std-1553 simulators and analyzers.
7. Knowledge of and skill in using and applying the following serial data communication standards: RS- 422, RS- 232, and Mil-Std-1553.
8. Knowledge of and ability to apply Mil-Std-454K to the quality assurance and inspection of locally designed electronic systems.
9. Skill in the development and application of Telemetry Systems and Flight Termination Systems to the test and evaluation of munitions.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Next steps