Chief, Avionic Systems Division.

About the Role

The Chief of the Avionic Systems Division provides technical management for electronic systems and software, including command and data handling, communications and tracking, displays and controls, instrumentation systems, and data storage solutions. This leadership role spans all human spaceflight programs, overseeing the design, development, test, and evaluation of spacecraft electronic and software systems such as pulse code modulation equipment, timing, signal conditioning, onboard recording, communications, and caution and warning electronics.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and direction for the advancement of human-rated avionic systems, managing overall systems engineering to ensure successful design, development, implementation, integration, and operation of spacecraft command and instrumentation systems, data processing and software systems, and communications and tracking systems.
• Lead the development of documentation, requirements, and specifications for design, performance, and interface controls of avionic systems.
• Review and direct the technical approach and progress toward hardware development, facility development, and operational functions.
• Establish and operate laboratories and test facilities for in-house conceptual development, test, and evaluation of avionics systems, utilizing other assigned facilities and test sites for verification and certification of flight readiness.
• Oversee and direct mission-related engineering work within NASA, including establishing independent checks and balances to ensure core mission capabilities are conducted proficiently.
• Define, develop, implement, integrate, and verify avionics systems for space flight programs assigned to Johnson Space Center (JSC).
• Establish and operate simulator facilities using computers and simulator cockpit mockups to support manned studies, design studies, and dynamic performance tests of spacecraft systems and avionics.
• Integrate Division activities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) programs (International Space Station, Commercial Crew Office, Commercial LEO Destinations), Orion, Human Landing Systems, Extravehicular Activity and mobility systems, and Moon Base programs, managing cost, schedule, planning, and reporting.
• Provide administrative and technical supervision to direct organizational operations, establish priorities, assign work, and ensure effective execution of the Division’s mission and objectives.

Requirements

• File an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Initial Senior Executive Service (SES) Career appointees are subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Successfully complete a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
• Successfully complete pre-employment and random drug testing, if required.
• Obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine suitability for Federal employment.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, applicants must clearly articulate and describe within a 2-page resume evidence of the following:

• Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):
  • ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness.
  • ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology.
  • ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to produce work of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience.
  • ECQ 4 - Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting organizational goals, driving a high-performance, high-accountability culture, and leading through change. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment.
  • ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve individual and organizational results aligned with stated goals. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking.
• Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ): Demonstrated experience in leading a team/organization responsible for human-rated spacecraft avionics systems, including data processing, displays/controls, instrumentation, communications, and tracking technologies. Demonstrated experience planning and conducting large-scale design, development, and certification activities for avionic systems and flight readiness. Competencies: Avionics & Technical Work and Team Management.

Applicants currently serving under a career SES appointment, eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or who have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and are certified by OPM do not need to address the ECQs but must clearly state their status in their resume.

Resumes must be in the applicant’s own words; copied statements from position descriptions or other materials may result in disqualification.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. Applicants must clearly state in their resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required. An official transcript will be required if selected.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If using education completed in foreign colleges or universities, applicants must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. accredited program. For further information, visit the Department of Education Accreditation page.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.