QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST (AIRCRAFT)

Summary Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. Responsibilities PRIMARY PURPOSE: To perform highly technical aircraft and support maintenance evaluation, surveillance and documentation of DOD and contractor-maintained aircraft and support equipment maintenance activities; and to plan, manage, and perform in-depth maintenance inspections to ensure contract requirements are fulfilled and that Air Force and Command quality maintenance standards are met or exceeded. The purpose of the Quality Assurance Specialist is to monitor, evaluate, and manage surveillance over all aspects of DOD and contract provided aircraft and equipment maintenance and associated support services according to the contract performance work statement (PWS), Statement of Work (SOW), specifications and applicable maintenance directives and technical orders. DUTIES: Directly evaluates and documents the quality of DOD aircraft and support equipment performed by the contractor including maintenance records, operational performance, compliance with applicable directives and contract requirements based on an in-depth knowledge of aircraft, aircraft systems, support equipment and flight line operations. Develops and maintains quality assurance surveillance checklists for both technical and general tasks and develops detailed quality assurance inspection schedules. Evaluates the contractors execution of aircraft/equipment technical and mission changes and compliance with command and local contingency operational plans, acts as the government expert technical representative. Participates in the office self-inspection program. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: This is a Term position NTE 31 MAY 2026; the individual selected for this position may be extended without further competition. Current Federal civilian employees may apply for this position using “Reinstatement” eligibility and if selected, a break in service of at least 4 calendar days may be required prior to appointment to this position. The critical nature and scope of the work performed, coupled with the safety of flight implications relating to contractor provided services, establish the primary skills and knowledges required to be technical in nature and the inspector/quality assurance knowledges to be a secondary consideration. Requires extensive knowledge of technical orders (TO), manuals, checklists, message, regulations, repair procedures, etc., pertaining to avionics systems and components to remain current in all phases of avionics systems/component repair and inspection techniques. QUALIFICATIONS: In order to qualify, you must meet the Specialized Experience Requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions: Administrative and Management Positions- Quality Assurance Series (1910) BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience must demonstrate a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas. Examples include: reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements, reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy, and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality/inspection systems, including sampling plans; analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system; verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance; identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action; computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods; investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports, and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities; reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals; reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections; knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodology of aircraft maintenance functions; knowledge of organizational structures and flight line operations is required to effectively evaluate the quality of aircraft maintenance, to identify deficiencies, to determine the source and cause of problems, and to recommend changes in operational and maintenance policies, processes and procedures is mandatory; in-depth aircraft maintenance technical knowledge of F-16 Integrated Avionics Systems and associated systems, flight line operations, support equipment, aerospace ground equipment, armament, weapons, and munitions is mandatory; and knowledge of self-inspection programs, procedures and techniques. OR EDUCATION: Masters or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. with a major study in quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: In-depth aircraft maintenance technical knowledge of F-16 Integrated Avionics Systems and associated systems, flight line operations, support equipment, aerospace ground equipment, armament, weapons, and munitions are mandatory. Extensive knowledge of maintenance information systems (MIS) to include the Core Automated Maintenance System (CAMS) and the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Automated Management System (PAMS) is desirable. Knowledge of contractor operations, aircraft safety requirements, tool control procedures, aerospace ground support equipment and technical orders used to review internal contractor operations. Knowledge of the practices, procedures, responsibilities and functions of each contractor maintenance department/work center. Knowledge of and ability to use specific software applications used by the Air Force to include Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. A qualified typist is not required Knowledge of self-inspection programs, procedures and techniques. Extensive skill and knowledge in the use of surveillance checklists and a complete understanding of Air Force instructions and other aircraft maintenance related directives. Ability to analyze deficiencies, prepare reports and present findings and recommendations. Ability to work with contractors, contract specialist, functional managers and others to obtain support, cooperation and compliance. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties, click here.