COMPUTER ENGINEER

Summary Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. Responsibilities The primary purpose of this position is: To Serve as an expert computer/network systems engineer for the functional area of airborne and terrestrial network engineering and the integration of those networks and systems onto the Air Force Network. This position is responsible for engineering, integration and technical evaluation of communications and Information Technology (IT) solutions for use by the operational Air Force and other DoD agencies in support of the warfighter, which includes the 17 most senior US leaders up to and including the President of the US (POTUS). Performs integration engineering and evaluation of a vast array of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) network and infrastructure products for Air Force users in the airborne and terrestrial networking environment. Serves as a Computer Engineer expert conducting authoritative engineering design, evaluation, and security assessments of airborne and/or terrestrial networks, and IT systems. Develops original and creative airborne and/or terrestrial communications and IT network/systems documentation products used by Air Force personnel. Provides expert airborne and/or terrestrial networks engineering to include: managerial, procedural, and policy guidance. Manages assigned tasks to include representing AFNIC, AFSPC and other MAJCOMs. Manages assignments and directs tasks in accordance with established schedules. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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, Professional and Scientific Positions, Computer Engineering Series 0854 BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: GS-800 individual occupational requirements for Professional Engineering Positions. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes Professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, advanced theories, concepts, and principles practiced in the science of computer engineering, including knowledge of computer hardware, computer software, information system integration, and worldwide internet networking protocols; Expert knowledge in conducting authoritative engineering design, evaluation, and assessment of IT computer, communications, and information systems and products planned for Air Force enterprise network; Knowledge in analyzing requirements for communications and information systems, computer and network products, and software applications supporting Air Force systems and infrastructure programs; Expert knowledge of design and ability to employ complex and highly representative laboratory test configurations to evaluate performance and technical characteristics of systems, products proposed for integration into operational Air Force systems and networks; Knowledge in identifying, implementation, integration, information assurance, and sustainment issues, and performance of technical analysis to satisfy operational requirements and system performance; Knowledge to evaluate new and emerging computer system hardware, software, and networking technology for compliance with Air Force policies, standards and technical architectures; Knowledge to serve as subject matter expert on computer hardware and software certification requirements, providing authoritative advise on topics such as vulnerability remediation, networking protocols, AF computer security procedures, and software configuration management standards. 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-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 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: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of the fundamentals, principles, and methodologies of professional computer engineering gained through formal education and experience. Technical knowledge of computer engineering, systems hardware design and software applications. Knowledge of satellite communications and airborne network systems programs, architectures, facilities, hardware and software. 2. Knowledge of communications and information systems operations, design, configuration, facilities, practices and methodology found both in government and industry. 3. Knowledge of the acquisition process and sustainment issues, standard Air Force communications and information infrastructure systems and programs, DoD and Air Force architecture, DoD and Air Force airborne networks programs, information assurance requirements and network operations. 4. Skill and ability to configure, test, and troubleshoot computers, computer operating systems, computer applications, and communications and networking protocols and equipment. 5. Knowledge of and ability to develop computer engineering documentation products, plans, policy, expert guidance and procedural documents, and technical reports. 6. Skill and ability to speak and write effectively, to lead and participate in project teams and working groups, and to discuss highly complex and abstract concepts with Senior Executive Staff, key government officials, industry officials, and other military and civilian personnel. 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. 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. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 – the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.