QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. 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 Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): : 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: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes Planning, developing and organizing surveillance programs, reports, records, trend analysis, flow processes and internal audits to identify and analyze complex technical problems and maintain program integrity. 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. 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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. 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 metrology concepts, principles and practices. Experience and skill in applying this knowledge to difficult and complex assignments such as preparing and conducting work that requires significant judgment in evaluating, selecting precedents and adapting or modifying procedures and acceptance criteria. 2. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures 3. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, conducts research, summarize results and make appropriate recommendations. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with others (both orally and in writing) in a courteous, tactful, and diplomatic manner to gain cooperation in achieving goals. 5. Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration and resolution of issues or problems concerning efficiency and effectiveness of program operations. 6. Knowledge of operations, services, needs and goals of management and their program(s); the organizations studied or served; and related customers, functions, resources and users. 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 serve as a process evaluator on technical orders, execute the implementation, operation, and coordination of Quality systems and is responsible for requirements compliance of the program.