Computer Scientist

Summary Serves as a Computer Scientist within ATO Technical Operations, Operations Support, National Airway Systems Engineering (NASE) Group providing second-level engineering support for one or more systems and/or associated programs throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). Responsibilities As the Computer Scientist, performs a mixture of routine and multiple and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team. May perform some leadership functions for small projects/programs/teams. Performs software modification and modernization to resolve problems with NAS equipment. Assists in the development and maintaining of technical documentation used in the maintenance of NAS systems and services. Applies experience and advanced knowledge in the theoretical foundations of computer science for the development of problem oriented and nonprocedural languages and their translating/operating systems, construction of input-output buffering schemes, and design of automatic scheduling and monitoring methods to increase scope and effectiveness of computer applications. Uses computer software concepts (such as, data representation, data structures, file systems, computer languages, software methodologies, network protocol, mathematical analysis, statistics and probability) to develop software source code for NAS systems. Applies experience and detailed technical knowledge applicable to his/her discipline to plan and accomplish assignments. Experience includes detailed technical knowledge of software languages including but not limited to C/C++, Python, and Java while following established NASE processes and supervisory instructions for maintaining systems hardware, firmware, and software. Follows establish NASE processes and instructions in support of facilities throughout the NAS. Tests and assists in the implementation of changes to the national systems baseline configurations. Provides maintenance support of National Airspace System (NAS) systems. Monitors performance and reliability of systems. Analyzes performance results and acts as an individual contributor and/or team member in recommending system adjustments or enhancements. Will diagnose and correct system problems and/or failures. Assists manager or more experienced staff in identifying resource requirements, defining milestones and deliverables, monitoring activities, and providing progress report. Work involves analyzing user requirements, monitoring systems to correct and prevent problems for optimal performance, and providing customer support for critical operational NAS systems. Results of the work enable user organizations to accomplish mission requirements in the most efficient manner possible through optimal application of computer science. Demonstrates some independence in planning time and using assigned resources to perform tasks, complete small projects, and integrate and coordinate work with users and related functions, resolving most routine systems issues that arise. Contacts are primarily internal to the organizational unit, major subdivision, and LOB/SO, with some contact with customers and external organizations. Contacts are typically intended to share information, provide data and/or written analyses, and discuss the statuses of assignments. In some technical areas, may have regular contact with customers and/or external organizations. Performs duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENT: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Evaluation of Education: Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses designed to provide an introduction to computer science techniques and methodologies, to problems of system design, and other specialized fields are acceptable. Courses or experience in teaching elementary, business, or shop mathematics are not acceptable. IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: To qualify for the FV-J (FG/GS-14) level, by the closing date of this announcement, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I (FG/GS 13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE includes: experience in the design, development, and implementation of Linux-based Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS); knowledge of embedded software development methodologies. AND Quality Ranking Factor (QRF): Well Qualified applicants will demonstrate the following within their resume: experience programming in YOTCO and/or QT environments. Applicants should provide examples of Specialized Experience in their Work History. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. Information regarding KSAs: As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Quality Ranking Factor(s) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Additional Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family. Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. NOTES: 1. Applicants must apply on-line to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications cannot be accepted. 2. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits. 3. Some, none, or all applicants may be interviewed. 4. Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job. 5. Please upload supporting documents into USAjobs.gov or 9-AMC-AHF-S210faa.gov and reference the announcement number. To confirm receipt of emailed documents, please contact Tia Bagby at tia.m.bagbyfaa.gov. This position is eligible but not in a bargaining unit. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA