Public Notice - Electronics Technician (Direct Hire)

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA in the Washington, DC area seeks electronics technicians at GS-11/12/13 levels to support diverse research instrument systems. You will troubleshoot avionics and instrumentation, read technical documents, and collaborate with engineers to plan, design, fabricate, install, troubleshoot and improve complex avionics and science systems.

The role may include supervisory duties at higher grades and requires meeting qualification standards by the closing date. Probationary periods may apply.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in troubleshooting equipment and interpreting wiring diagrams.
• Experience fabricating electrical modifications for instruments or research equipment.
• Ability to support engineers in R&D activities using engineering methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input and mentorship to electronics technicians on projects.
• Troubleshoot avionics, instrumentation, and science systems using test equipment.
• Plan, design, fabricate, install, and improve complex instrument systems.
• Read and interpret technical directives, specs, and safety manuals.
• Support engineers in experiments and development activities requiring engineering methods.

Skills

Electronics troubleshooting

Avionics systems

Test equipment use

Mentorship

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Wiring harness fabrication

Job description

Summary

Positions advertised are in various organizations and locations. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-11/12/13 levels).

Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.

• Provide technical input and mentorship to electronics technicians in support of assigned research projects or research article operations.
• Troubleshoot electronic, avionics, instrumentation, science and/or research components using associated test equipment.
• Work closely with engineers and/or customers to plan, design, fabricate, install, troubleshoot, repair, and improve complex avionics, instrumentation, and science or research instrument systems.
• Read and interpret technical directives, planning documents, test specifications, technical publications and procedures, and applicable safety manuals.
• Support professional engineers in performing experiments, research, and development activities requiring an in-depth knowledge of technical engineering methods, applications, practices, and principles to work on concepts and experimental projects.
• For supervisory positions, you will perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary/trial period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• A one-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
• To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on October 13, 2026.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

To qualify for GS-11

You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level in the Federal service:

• Assisting with troubleshooting discrepancies on equipment or instruments by utilizing test equipment and interpreting wiring diagrams;
• Supporting fabrication of electrical modifications on instruments or research equipment.

To qualify for GS-12

You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service:

• Testing, troubleshooting, and/or repairing avionics, electrical, and instrumentation discrepancies on instruments or other equipment using diagnostic equipment;
• Fabricating electrical wiring harnesses, components, and/or instrumentation systems for instruments or research equipment;
• Supporting engineers in research and development activities requiring application of various engineering methods and principles.

To qualify for GS-13

You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service:

• Performing complex testing, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of avionics, electrical, and/or instrumentation systems and equipment using advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques;
• Developing and/or fabricating electrical wiring harnesses, components, and/or instrumentation systems for instruments or research equipment;
• Providing technical support to engineers in research, development, testing, and/or evaluation activities to resolve technical problems and support the development, modification, and/or improvement of systems and equipment.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

Promotion Potential

The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

In the Announcement Questionnaire, you will be prompted to select the location and lowest grade you wish to be considered for.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.

For purposes of Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) selection priority, well-qualified is defined as possessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, as determined through SME review of the resume/application. If you have special priority selection rights under ICTAP, you must:

• Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position.
• Exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
• Submit proof that you meet the requirements for ICTAP as indicated in "Required Documents."

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/.

Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.

Probationary Period

You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Supervisory probationary periods are not subject to the above process, although, if a standard probationary period is required. You are subject to the conditions of both a standard probationary period and the supervisory probationary period.

Other duty locations not specifically listed on this announcement may be considered at management's discretion.

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.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Review our benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.