Public Notice - Engineering (Direct Hire)

US Langley Research Center; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

US Langley Research Center (LaRC) advertises positions across NASA programs, supporting engineering activities and a wide range of technologies. Roles span GS-7 through GS-15 and emphasize specialized experience, graduate study, or equivalent combinations to meet the AST qualifications.

Applicants must document how their resume reflects the required specialized experience and education; use the NASA guidance on AI tools during application. Promotion potential varies by assignment and location.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 level for GS-07 eligibility.
• Graduate study or combination of experience and coursework in an appropriate field.
• Demonstrated academic records meeting special provisions described by NASA AST qualifications.

Skills

Engineering analysis

Design and development

Testing and evaluation

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Positions advertised are located in various organizations at Langley Research Center (LaRC) and support engineering activities across a variety of NASA programs, projects, systems, and technologies. NASA may fill positions in the GS-0801, 0803, 0806, 0810, 0830, 0850, 0854, 0855, and 0861 series at the GS-7/9/11/12/13/14/15 grade levels. In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. 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.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-07

you must have:

a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level:

• Assisting with engineering activities involving analysis, design, development, testing, evaluation, or technical documentation using established engineering principles and methods.

OR

b) Completed 1 full academic year of graduate study in an appropriate field

OR

c) Any combination of experience and graduate study in an appropriate field

OR

d) You may also qualify at the GS-07 level by meeting one of these Special Provisions:

1. Are in the upper third of your class, based on completed college work at the time of filing an application.
2. Have an average of 2.9 or better on a 4.0 scale for either all completed college work at the time of application, or all college courses completed during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum.
3. Achieved a grade average of B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the major field of study where such field is fully qualifying. This is either the average of all completed college work in the major field of study at the time of application or the average of all college courses completed in the major field of study during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum.
4. Elected to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (other than freshman honor societies). These honor societies are listed at ACHS.
5. Completed 12 months of student trainee experience that includes at least one work period equivalent to the GS-5, or at least 15 months of appropriate student trainee experience which includes one work period equivalent to the GS-04 level. One work period is 2 months or 320 hours.
6. For engineering positions, successfully completed a 5-year program of study, or at least 160 semester hours, leading to a bachelor's degree.
7. For engineering positions, have a professional engineering degree, and up to 12 months of experience gained as a technician or technologist equivalent to the GS-5 or higher level.
8. Successfully completed all requirements for two bachelor's degrees, one in an appropriate field of science or engineering.
9. Have six months of directly related/specialized experience or training, including 3 months gained after the junior year of college. This experience may have been obtained on a part-time or intermittent basis and may have been paid or unpaid.
10. Received honors or elective positions indicating superior leadership outside of your academic setting. Additionally, your academic standing must have been in the upper half of the graduating class.
11. Have pattern of completing courses that include unusual preparatory value or direct relation to the particular aerospace specialty for which you are being considered.
12. Have creative research aptitude or special talent for NASA scientific or engineering work. This must be shown by evidence obtained and documented by NASA in certifications from college professors or officials, or standardized questionnaires, or similar techniques.

To qualify for GS-09

you must have:

a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level:

• Performing engineering activities involving analysis, design, development, testing, or evaluation of systems, equipment, technologies, or technical requirements and developing engineering findings or recommendations.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed 2 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field

OR

d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above

To qualify for GS-11

you must have:

a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:

• Conducting engineering analyses, designs, tests, or evaluations and developing technical solutions or recommendations to address engineering requirements, problems, or project objectives.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field

OR

d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above

To qualify for GS-12

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Planning and conducting engineering activities involving analysis, design, development, testing, or evaluation and coordinating technical requirements or solutions across engineering projects or disciplines.

To qualify for GS-13

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Leading engineering activities involving the analysis, design, development, testing, or evaluation of systems or technologies and providing technical guidance or recommendations to resolve engineering issues or meet project requirements.

To qualify for GS-14

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

• Leading multidisciplinary engineering projects or technical activities involving the development, integration, or evaluation of systems or technologies and providing technical guidance on significant engineering issues, risks, or requirements.

To qualify for GS-15

you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level:

• Directing major engineering programs, projects, or technical initiatives involving multiple organizations or disciplines and providing authoritative engineering guidance on significant technical requirements, risks, standards, or decisions.

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.