Supervisory Aerospace Engineer, AST, Aerospace Flight Systems

John Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

Serve as a Supervisory AST (Branch Chief) for either the Structural Dynamics Branch (LMD) or the Mechanical Systems Design Branch (LMP) within NASA’s Materials and Structures for Extreme Environments Division. Provide technical and supervisory leadership to researchers and engineers conducting design and analysis for aerospace systems, including modeling, testing, and analysis. The role includes administrative and technical supervision of the selected branch, oversight of its technical work, strategic planning, workforce allocation, staff performance management, and stewardship of laboratory facilities and engineering capabilities. The position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and people who owe allegiance to the United States. It may require a one-year probationary period and a pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Financial disclosure, drug testing, and travel requirements may apply depending on the duty location and NASA Center. Current federal employees must meet applicable qualifications, time-in-grade, and post-appointment requirements by the announcement closing date. Applicants must meet the basic education requirement or qualify through exceptional relevant experience or a combination of education and experience, and must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade. At GS-15, this includes experience leading aerospace systems research and development teams; providing expert technical guidance on structural dynamics research or aerospace flight system engineering designs during reviews with project leadership; and developing and implementing long-term technical strategies. A qualifying bachelor's degree is generally required in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life science, or another qualifying science field, or in computer science with specified coursework; a qualifying graduate degree or exceptional relevant experience may also satisfy the education requirement. Foreign degrees and U.S. engineering degrees must meet the stated accreditation or recognition criteria.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade; for GS-15, this is equivalent to GS-14.
Experience leading technical teams in research and development of aerospace systems involving design, modeling, testing, and/or analysis.
Experience providing expert technical guidance on structural dynamics research and/or engineering designs for aerospace flight systems during technical reviews with project leadership.
Experience developing and implementing long-term technical strategies to advance aerospace flight systems research, design, and/or engineering capabilities.
A qualifying bachelor's degree in engineering from a college or university with at least one ABET-accredited engineering program; or in physical science, mathematics, life science, or another field of science; or in computer science with the specified mathematics, statistics, and computer science coursework. A qualifying graduate degree or exceptional relevant experience or a combination of education and experience may also be considered under the conditions stated.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized under a Mutual Recognition Agreement; science and related degrees must meet the stated accreditation or foreign-credential evaluation requirements.
U.S. citizenship, nationality, or allegiance to the United States.
Current federal employees must meet applicable qualifications, time-in-grade, and 90-day post-competitive-appointment requirements by the announcement closing date.
A pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance may be required.
Applicants must provide a clear, detailed narrative in their own words describing how they meet the specialized experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and technical supervision of the Structural Dynamics Branch or the Mechanical Systems Design Branch.
Oversee and evaluate work in structural dynamics or the mechanical design of aerospace systems.
Establish strategic objectives, technical priorities, and long-term plans to advance engineering capabilities and support NASA programs, projects, and mission requirements.
Work with program and project managers across mission directorates to plan branch workforce allocations in support of mission goals and requirements.
Establish staff guidelines and performance expectations, review employee performance, implement performance modifications, and take corrective actions as appropriate.
Recommend employees for promotions and recognition.
Manage and advocate for laboratory facilities, engineering tools, testing capabilities, and infrastructure while maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Assign and evaluate work, recommend personnel actions, take disciplinary actions, identify training needs, and develop employees.