Chief, Avionic Systems Division
What you'd do
Serves as Chief of the Avionic Systems Division, providing technical and administrative leadership for design, development, integration, testing, operations, and sustainment of spacecraft avionics and software supporting all human spaceflight programs. Leads system engineering, software lifecycle management, and test facility development, while representing Center leadership and the Engineering Directorate across NASA on avionics initiatives.
Major duties
The Chief, Avionic Systems Division is responsible for technical management of activities in the areas of electronic systems and software, including command and data handling, communications and tracking, displays and controls, instrumentation systems and data storage solutions. Leads these efforts across all human spaceflight programs. Leads the organization in the design, development, test, and evaluation of spacecraft electronic and software systems including pulse code modulation equipment, timing, signal conditioning, onboard recording, communications, and caution and warning electronics. Provides oversight and direction for the advancement of human rated avionic systems discipline for JSC and the Agency, including the management the overall systems engineering to accomplish the successful design, development, implementation, integration and operation of the spacecraft's command and instrumentation systems, data processing and software systems, and communications and, tracking systems as elements of the overall vehicle avionics. Leads the organization in the development of documentation, requirements and specifications for design, performance, and interface controls of these avionic systems. Reviews and directs the technical approach and progress toward the execution of hardware, facility development, and operational functions. Establishes and operates the necessary laboratories and test facilities for in-house conceptual development, test, and evaluation of avionics systems. Utilizes other assigned facilities and test sites for testing avionics systems culminating in verification and certification for flight readiness. Oversees and directs, as appropriate, the execution of mission-related engineering work within NASA, including establishment and implementation of stakeholder independent checks and balances needed to ensure this core mission capability is conducted proficiently, including the definition, development, implementation, integration and verification of avionics systems for space flight programs assigned to JSC. Establishes and operates simulator facilities by employing computers and simulator cockpit mockups without-the-window displays to support manned studies of spacecraft systems, avionics spacecraft hardware and software design studies, and dynamic performance tests. Integrates Division activities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (International Space Station, Commercial Crew Office, Commercial LEO Destinations), Orion, Human Landing Systems, Extravehicular Activity and mobility systems, and Moon Base programs, technology, and manages cost, schedule, planning, reporting for these activities. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary to accomplish the work of the Division by directing organizational operations, establishing priorities, assigning work, and ensuring effective execution of the Division's mission and objectives.
What you need to qualify
As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed. Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent. If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), OR (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM, you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage. ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a 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, and Civic-Mindedness ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the 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: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience ECQ 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment ECQ 5 - Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ): Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ(s). MTQ: Demonstrated experience in leading a team/organization responsible for the overall 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 Your application package must be in your own words. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.
Before you apply
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