This position is located in the Materials Laboratory Division of the National Transportation Safety Board. The Incumbent will primarily be responsible for analyzing the mechanical behavior of materials, structures and/or surfaces while conducting failure analysis investigations on components submitted to the Division.
You must meet the "Education Requirements" and the Specialized Experience" to qualify for this position as described below. Specialized Experience Requirements GS-14: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is defined as experience developing proposals and statements of work for third-party investigations related to analyses and studies of the mechanical behavior of materials, structure, and/or surfaces; experience in the use of analytical instruments and equipment in order to test for failure of parts and components related to transportation accidents; and experience conducting complex materials and mechanical examinations, tests, and analyses of failed transportation components to determine the root cause of the failure. For more information see link: Materials Engineering Series 0806 NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
As a Materials Engineer, GS-0806-14, you will perform the following major duties: Serves as an advisor to accident investigation teams on major transportation accidents regarding the mechanical behavior of materials and structures; examines transportation wreckage during the field phase of the investigation as needed; and advises investigators on the need for testing or analyses of components and structure. Plans, directs and conducts complex failure analysis investigations of components and studies of the mechanical behavior of structures and of materials and/or surfaces in failed components submitted by field offices and accident investigation teams to support the engineering aspects of accidents investigated by the Safety Board. Prepares formal factual and analysis reports on the procedures used and the results obtained; and, as needed, prepares recommendations to increase transportation safety. Develops original proposals and statements-of-work for third party investigations related to analyses and studies of the mechanical behavior of materials, structures and/or surfaces; recommends the facilities to perform the investigations; maintains the NTSB's control of such projects; and analyzes results and prepares reports and recommendations based on the findings. Provides technical support in the formulation, development, research, analysis, coordination and management of complex and/or controversial materials engineering-based safety studies/special investigations which may ultimately lead to new or revised Federal regulations or industry standards