Quality Assurance Specialist (Deployable)

Defense Contract Management Agency • Huntsville, AL

18d • $74,678 - $114,413

About The Position

This is a permanent GS-11 deployable position supporting the U.S. Government’s acquisition through quality assurance oversight of contractor products and services. The incumbent implements the overall Quality Program at one or more supplier facilities as part of a multifunctional or technical team. The role requires deployment to forward operating austere locations in war zones at the direction of the Combatant Commander; typical deployments last 6–9 months. The position has a four-year commitment, after which the employee will be placed in a non-deployable position in the CMO for which they were hired at the permanent GS-11 grade level. During overseas deployments, the employee may be temporarily promoted to GS-12 if eligible; otherwise, deployment will be at GS-11. The position is Emergency-Essential and may require overseas TDY deployment during a crisis. Failure to deploy when required or to meet deployment medical requirements may result in separation from Federal Service.

The role requires a valid state driver’s license, a passport/VISA, medical and dental examinations, recurring annual physicals during the four-year commitment, required immunizations, and meeting medical criteria for deployment under USCENTCOM policy. The incumbent must be able to lift 45 pounds, maintain a Government Travel Card, and wear a uniform and/or protective clothing. U.S. citizenship is required. A DoD Civilian Employee Overseas Emergency Essential Position Agreement is required, and the selectee must be exempt from recall to the military Reserves. A favorable suitability or fitness determination is required.

The position’s tour of duty is flexible, but deployment schedules require evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Indoor work locations generally have power, water, heating, and air conditioning, though outages should be expected. The position requires DoD Acquisition Engineering & Technical Management Foundational certification within required timeframes and 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points every two years. Overseas deployment may qualify the selectee for danger pay and foreign post differential; PCS expenses may be paid under the Joint Travel Regulation.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience directly related to the position, equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent, including applying quality assurance concepts, principles, methods, and practices to analyze contractor products or services; evaluating and inspecting contractor production methods, processes, and testing techniques; and applying statistical and quality-data analysis to determine compliance with contractual requirements.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M. in a qualifying field such as quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, or textiles. A combination of qualifying education and experience may also be used.
• Possession of a valid state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain a passport/VISA and pass required medical and dental examinations and recurring annual physicals during the four-year commitment.
• Meet medical criteria for deployment in accordance with USCENTCOM policy and complete required immunization screening.
• Ability to lift 45 pounds.
• Ability to possess and maintain a Government Travel Card.
• Be exempt from recall to the military Reserves.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Meet DoD Acquisition Engineering & Technical Management Foundational certification requirements within required timeframes and achieve 80 Continuous Learning Points every two years.
• Meet the Combatant Command’s theater-entry requirements, mandatory medical standards, and required immunizations for deploying civilian personnel.
• Wear a uniform and/or protective clothing.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain a risk-based surveillance program and assessment plan related to contract quality assurance provisions.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Implement the overall Quality Program for diverse products and services at one or more supplier facilities as part of a multifunctional or technical team.
• Ensure contractor compliance with design, manufacturing, repair, overhaul, and modernization requirements.
• Independently audit and survey contractor processes for compliance with customer and contractual requirements.
• Investigate customer complaints and concerns about contractor quality performance and processes affecting user satisfaction, and provide data about the complaints.
• Provide technical support to DCMA team members by assisting with analysis of contractual issues and determining appropriate courses of action to support contractors and customers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for the employee and family, subject to eligibility.
• Danger pay and foreign post differential as authorized for the overseas deployment location.
• Permanent Change of Station expenses may be paid in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree