These positions are being filled utilizing the Direct Hire Authority allow for appointment of qualified candidates possessing a bachelor or an advanced degree to professional scientific and engineering positions within The US Army Combat Capability Development Command (CCDC) C5ISR Center.
This series includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to advise on, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work of a special or miscellaneous character which is not specifically classifiable in any other engineering series, but which involves the application of a knowledge of such engineering fundamentals as the strength and strain analysis of engineering materials and structures, the physical and chemical characteristics of engineering materials such as elastic limits, maximum unit stresses, coefficients of expansion, workability, hardness, tendency to fatigue, resistance to corrosion, engineering adaptability, engineering methods of construction and processing, etc.; or positions involving professional work in several branches of engineering.
Systematic application of scientific knowledge directed toward the creation of new or substantially improved equipment, materials, instrumentation, devices, systems, mathematical models, processes, techniques, and procedures, which will perform a useful function or be suitable for a particular duty. The work involves such activities as: (1) establishing requirements for technical objectives and characteristics; (2) devising and evaluating concepts for design approaches: criteria, parameters, characteristics and interrelationships; (3) experimenting, investigating, and testing to produce new data, mathematical models, or methods to test concepts, formulate design criteria, and measure and predict natural and social phenomena and performance; (4) designing and developing prototypes, breadboards, brassboards, components, technology demonstrators, and engineering models including the direction of the fabrication as required; (5) developing standards and test plans to assure reliability; (6) technically coordinating and/or managing specific development being executed in-house or under contract; and (7) supporting technology transition through final development and initial fielding. Development, like research, advances the state-of-the-art, but it is further characterized by the creation of specific end-items in the form of experimental hardware and/or methodologies, mathematical models, procedures and techniques in the form of reports, specifications or software.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Work in this band spans entry, intermediate, and advanced developmental levels. Work assignments provide continually progressive professional experience and maturity. Receives a full range of educational, training, and developmental opportunities that develop advanced competencies allowing advancement to the full performance level, and that provide a strong foundation for future professional growth and promotions. Works on assignments that range from those involving standard practices and procedures to those that advance the state-of-the-art or involve emerging technologies. Assignments typically begin with defined and well-controlled segments of larger projects involving standard methods and techniques where there are ample precedents. Successive assignments are intended to build on earlier ones and are characterized by progressively increasing breadth, difficulty, and professional judgment. As experience and maturity are gained, the level of supervision gradually decreases. Earlier assignments usually involve the more conventional aspects of complex projects and offer limited opportunities for choices, but problem areas should be recognized and ideas offered on how to resolve them. As success is achieved, tasks are assigned that require a greater use of judgment in the application or adaptation of equipment, test procedures, methodology, models, and/or simulations for assignments that contain some conventional characteristics. Receives less detailed instructions and guidance, and carries out assignments with more independence. Has frequent in-process discussions with the supervisor and team/project leader who provide professional guidance on approaches, discuss alternatives, and help the employee to explore problems and discover solutions independently. When assignments involve advanced methods and techniques or emerging technologies, the level of independent action is reduced and professional judgment and recommendations receive a more careful review for technical soundness and adequacy. Presents findings and results, in writing or orally, for higher-level review or publication. Work products may take the form of new or modified equipment, research conclusions, systems analyses, computer code, or simulations. Contacts at the entry and intermediate levels are usually limited to co-workers and managerial personnel within the immediate organization. As assignments become more difficult and responsible, contacts expand outside the organization with counterparts in other organizations, or with contractors. The primary purpose of these contacts is to obtain and exchange information, coordinate work efforts and to maintain awareness of advancements in the field.
Incentives: Student Loan Repayment and/or Relocation/Recruitment Incentives may be offered.
Benefits: Time Off- 10 Federal Holidays; 13 Sick Leave Days, Health, Dental, Retirement, Vision, Life, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP, similar to a 401K), Flexible and Alternate Work Schedules Available.