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Position may be filled at the GS-11 or GS-12 level. At the full performance GS-12 level, the incumbent serves as a senior Electronics Engineer.
At the GS-11 level, the duties of this position are developmental in nature and lead to the full performance level of GS-12. The incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the next level of the position upon meeting all regulatory requirements; certification by the supervisor of successful performance; completion of all training requirements; and the availability of work at the next higher grade level. Note: Promotion is not automatic.
At the GS-12 level, the primary duties of this position are:
- Serves as the subject-matter expert on the industrial control systems (ICS), remote terminal unit (RTU), and programmable logic controller (PLC) interface(s) to sensors, automation equipment, and data communications systems of water and power facilities within the Region.
- Applies electronics engineering to communications, switching, and control systems as required for total system design and integration.
- Performs in-depth analysis of ICS and SCADA systems to determine improvements towards system optimization, performance, and operational reliability.
- Prepares testing and implementation of electronics engineering plans for industrial control systems to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compatibility with the existing telemetry systems.
- Performs technical analysis of electronics equipment operations to verify proper communications system operation, the need for special maintenance techniques, the adequacy of existing equipment, or the need for additional facilities.
- Prepares system documentation in accordance with office and agency standards.
- Utilizes knowledge of digital electronics, systems software, software engineering practices, communications, and power system control equipment to provide the electronics engineering technical guidance needed to effectively troubleshoot systems in support of hydroelectric power operations.
- Participates in system acceptability testing and implementation. Meets frequently with engineers, IT Specialists, operators, and contractor personnel to coordinate work.
- Serves as a member of the continuity of operations response and recovery teams.
Basic Education Requirements:
A. Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following (see US OPM qualifications standards operating manual for specifics ): (1) professional registration or licensure; (2) written test (FE exam or other written test required for professional registration); (3) specified academic courses; (4) related curriculum.
GS-11: To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 in Federal service OR three years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. in a field of electronics engineering. Specialized experience at this level is defined as: Experience in conducting preliminary investigations and analyses relating to systems integration in connection with systems installations; preparing design criteria for smaller or less complex electronic equipment portions of facilities; developing technical data for formal specifications regarding materials, sizes, dimensions, quantities and costs; designing and constructing electronic systems and components; assist in troubleshooting existing installations and providing technical operational support for the industrial control system. These examples are not all inclusive.
GS-12: To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 in Federal service. Specialized experience at this level is defined as: Experience designing and developing unique and original electronics systems; analyzing specifications data sheet and drawings to determine applicability; conducting studies for extensive modifications of major components of electronic equipment; developing test and evaluation procedures for electronic systems and equipment; and troubleshooting existing installations and providing technical operational support for the industrial control system. These examples are not all inclusive.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Applicants will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.