Research General Engineer

U.S. Coast Guard; New London (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a Research General Engineer (GS-0801-13) in the RDC Technical Division in New London, CT.

The role focuses on autonomous technology development, testing, and integration to advance Coast Guard capabilities. You will contribute to multiphase research projects, design test and evaluation plans, and collaborate with partners to deliver usable autonomous solutions to the fleet.

Responsibilities

• Join the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) Technical Division in New London, CT as a Research General Engineer.
• Apply study and research methodologies to mature autonomous concepts and transition results to the fleet.
• Work on remote sensing, machine learning, computer vision, control systems, and autonomous systems integration.

Job description

• Department: Department of Homeland Security

This vacancy is for a GS-0801-13, Research General Engineer located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, CG R and D CENTER TECHNICAL DIVISION in NEW LONDON, Connecticut.

Key Responsibilities

You will serve as a/an Research General Engineer in the Technical Division at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC). You will join a fast-paced, diverse, and collaborative group of scientists and engineers working under the Autonomy research program. The focus of this position is to apply the required research, development, test, and analysis methodologies to mature novel concepts and transition tangible results to the fleet.

Specific competencies include remote sensing, machine learning, computer vision, control systems, uncrewed systems, advanced networking, test engineering, and integration of autonomy into legacy or emerging systems. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.

Typical work assignments include: Executing the planning, programming, scheduling, and management of resources and milestones for multiphase research projects in the field of Autonomy. Applying research methodologies to problem areas that are highly complex, answering important questions related to autonomous technology development and integration. Designing comprehensive test and evaluation plans to govern dynamic data generation events.

Design and engineering of prototypes, and integration schemes, for application of autonomous technology within USCG systems. Engaging with autonomous technology development partners and conducting literature reviews to build and maintain knowledge of emerging technology, practices and techniques. Analyzing mission and USCG operator needs to develop preliminary requirements for autonomous systems that address capability gaps.

Writing comprehensive research reports, presenting findings to sponsors and stakeholders, and briefing a wide range of audiences from field technicians and operators to senior level agency executives.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information

Requirements & Education

This position does have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution.

Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).

College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration.

Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application.

See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $120094 – $156124/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.