Research Highway Engineer

As a Research Highway Engineer you will:

• Execute complex studies (and lead exceptionally difficult research of considerable depth for the GS-14 level) on wireless technologies and systems to advance Connected Vehicle safety and highway operations and implementation of emerging technologies.
• Manage staff research and external contracts focused on solving engineering problems through advanced technological integration.
• Work closely with other FHWA offices (i.e. FHWA Office of Safety Office of Operations ITS Joint Program Office Division Offices etc.) other DOT Operating Administrations and State and local highway personnel where appropriate to coordinate and obtain input on planned ongoing or completed research.
• Serve as Contracting Officers Representative (COR) requiring knowledge of the Federal procurement process to prepare procurement request packages write proposal evaluation reports monitor contracts and review deliverables.

Theideal candidate for this position is a competent and productive researcher (or a recognized research leader at the GS-14 level) capable of conceiving formulating and conducting complex research studies in the field of general engineering. This candidate possesses an advanced professional knowledge of general engineering with a specialization in the theories principles practices and techniques of the use of radio-frequency (RF) (wireless) technologies and systems to enable the Connected Vehicles component ofthe safety and operations research program RF spectrum issues related to system capabilities in-band and out-of-band interference cybersecurity vulnerability assessment and credential management and the broader range of Federal state and local RF spectrum requirements to support implementation of advanced technologies into the transportation system.

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicants successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Relocation and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and aservice agreement may be required.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• CERTIFICATION:This position will require the applicant to obtain COR certification at a later date.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position you must (1) meet theEducation Requirementfor the series (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verificationAND (3) meet either the education or specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-13 on Experienceyou must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:

• Experience managing research and development of transportation connectivity which may include the following: radio-frequency (RF) (wireless) technologies and systems to enable the Connected Vehicles RF spectrum issues related to system capabilities in-band and out-of-band interference cybersecurity and credential management or knowledge of the broader range of Federal state and local RF spectrum requirements. The research and development may support connectivity with emerging technology for example automated vehicles digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-14 on Experienceyou must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13 it must include:

• Experience in leading research and development of transportation connectivity which may include the following: radio-frequency (RF) (wireless) technologies and systems to enable the Connected Vehicles RF spectrum issues related to system capabilities in-band and out-of-band interference cybersecurity and credential management and the broader range of Federal state and local RF spectrum requirements. The research and development may support connectivity with emerging technologies for example automated vehicles digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
• Experience in program management (i.e. Developing research program plans objectives priorities and/or schedules for accomplishment of program plans) on integrating transportation connectivity into the transportation system.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-14 level; you must have experience.

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. Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles methods and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design collection analysis and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
2. Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies principles procedures requirements regulations and policies related to specialized expertise.
3. Project Management - Knowledge of the principles methods or tools for developing scheduling coordinating and managing projects and resources including monitoring and inspecting costs work and contractor performance.
4. Transportation Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts principles theories and methods applicable to planning designing and constructing of transportation systems including traffic analysis signal analysis highway capacity pavement design bridge construction planning of transportation projects environmental analysis of transportation facilities and transportation network analysis.

For all types of consideration 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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions please click on the following link: applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.