QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST (ELECTRONICS)

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Quality Assurance Series, 1910. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Education Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study — quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position. or Experience Specialized Experience: Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas. Examples include: Reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements. Reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality/inspection systems, including sampling plans. Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system. Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance. Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action. Computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods. Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities. Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals. Reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: GS-09 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge or quality assurance methods, principles, and practices to plan, direct, and/or accomplish a variety or work assignments involving all facets of a quality assurance program. OR EDUCATION: Applicant must have successfully completed a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related. NOTE: You must submit copies of your unofficial transcripts with your application if using education as a substitution of experience. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Applicant must have equivalent combinations of one full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement, and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your unofficial transcripts. GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes Knowledge and understanding of updated state-of-the-art circuitry, and of automated test methods and equipment; in order to develop or evaluate test results. Knowledge of operating policies and procedures and related functional/administrative activities y to effect appropriate interface/coordination of quality assurance plans and programs. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. OR EDUCATION: Applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit copies of your unofficial transcripts with your application if using education as a substitution of experience. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related, and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your unofficial transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, applicants within 120 days of completion of TIG requirements are encouraged to apply. 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. Knowledge of quality assurance methods, regulations, principles, and procedures in order to conduct inspections, audits, evaluations, and assessments, and projects that support the development, acquisition, production, use, and sustainment of electronic systems and related programs. 2. Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to participate in the assessment and improvement of unit level training plans and programs to include contracted product development and services. 3. Knowledge of organizational goals and objectives; the sequence and timing of key operational events and milestones; methods of evaluating the effectiveness of planning actions related to actual events; and the relationship of the various command entities involved in overall program planning and execution of military operations and evaluations; including knowledge of acquisition process. 4. Comprehensive technical knowledge of electronics theory and principles as they apply to the performance, inspection and test of a wide variety of electronic equipment and systems for application such as data communications, surveillance, etc.; in order to develop quality plans and requirements to assure the safety and reliability of the equipment. 5. Skill in designing and conducting comprehensive studies, and preparing solutions to resolve substantive problems and issues of effectiveness and efficiency of work operations. 6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of Quality Assurance Specialist, GS-1910-11; to serve as a Quality Assurance Specialist in the evaluation/audit areas of electronic equipment and instruments, ensure technical and management procedures are followed and quality maintenance is achieved.