As an AST, Telecommunications engineer in the Advanced High Frequency Branch under the Communications and Intelligent Systems Division, you will provide engineering support across a variety of space communications projects in areas such as: radiofrequency (RF) communications system analysis; test and measurement of antennas and RF components/ subsystems; and modeling and simulation of communications links in complex RF environments.

Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee. Assist with the development of models of communications link performance in the presence of complex RF environments using software such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), Microwave Studio, and Wireless InSite. Work alongside Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to conduct radiofrequency (RF) measurements of novel antennas and RF components/subsystems utilizing state-of-the-art antenna test ranges and laboratory test and measurement equipment. Support the planning, analysis, field testing, and evaluation of communications systems and architectures planned for the lunar surface, which may include Ultra High Frequency (UHF), WiFi and cellular systems (ie 3GPP). Assist in reviewing and developing requirements for earth-based, lunar-based, and/or space-based communications systems that form elements of the Near Space Network (NSN) and lunar surface communications architectures. Assist with code development using Python, Matlab, C++, or similar, to support data analysis and/or automate test equipment interfaces supporting hardware-in-the-loop testing in an emulated RF environment. Work alongside project leadership to develop reports/presentations and present results to internal management and program sponsors to inform higher-level decision making and project planning. Work with a SME and in a team to solve technical problems. May participate in research or development task areas in support of larger projects. Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
• Start dates will be set after all requirements have been met and verified. All other qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
• This position may require a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-07, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level: Understanding programming scripts to help generate results from engineering datasets; Participating in communications system-related research, design, or analysis; Working in a team to understand engineering problems. OR b) Completed 1 full academic year of graduate study in an appropriate field OR c) Any combination of experience and graduate study in an appropriate field OR d) Expect to complete at least one of the education degree requirements for this grade level by 31 July 2025 OR e) You may also qualify at the GS-07 level by meeting one of these Special Provisions: Are in the upper third of your class, based on completed college work at the time of filing an application. Have an average of 2.9 or better on a 4.0 scale for either all completed college work at the time of application, or all college courses completed during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Achieved a grade average of B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the major field of study where such field is fully qualifying. This is either the average of all completed college work in the major field of study at the time of application or the average of all college courses completed in the major field of study during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Elected to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (other than freshman honor societies). These honor societies are listed at ACHS. Completed 12 months of student trainee experience that includes at least one work period equivalent to the GS-5, or at least 15 months of appropriate student trainee experience which includes one work period equivalent to the GS-04 level. One work period is 2 months or 320 hours. For engineering positions, successfully completed a 5-year program of study, or at least 160 semester hours, leading to a bachelor's degree. For engineering positions, have a professional engineering degree, and up to 12 months of experience gained as a technician or technologist equivalent to the GS-5 or higher level. Successfully completed all requirements for two bachelor's degrees, one in an appropriate field of science or engineering. Have six months of directly related/specialized experience or training, including 3 months gained after the junior year of college. This experience may have been obtained on a part-time or intermittent basis and may have been paid or unpaid. Received honors or elective positions indicating superior leadership outside of your academic setting. Additionally, your academic standing must have been in the upper half of the graduating class. Have pattern of completing courses that include unusual preparatory value or direct relation to the particular aerospace specialty for which you are being considered. Have creative research aptitude or special talent for NASA scientific or engineering work. This must be shown by evidence obtained and documented by NASA in certifications from college professors or officials, or standardized questionnaires, or similar techniques. To qualify for GS-09, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level: Supporting the analysis of communications system performance using computer modeling software; Using radiofrequency (RF) test equipment; Working with a team to solve engineering problems. OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 2 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above OR e) Expect to complete at least one of the education degree requirements for this grade level by 31 July 2025 To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Assist with code development using Python, Matlab, C++, or similar, to support data analysis and/or automate test equipment interfaces; Assisting with test and/or measurement of antenna systems and/or RF communications systems, subsystems, or components; Assisting in research to help solve engineering problems. OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above OR e) Expect to complete at least one of the education degree requirements for this grade level by 31 July 2025 Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. 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. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or expected to complete the basic education requirement for this position by 31 July 2025 with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Contacts

• Address Glenn Research Center 21000 Brookpark Rd Cleveland, OH 44135 US
• Name: NASA Shared Services Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-677-2123
• Email: [email protected]