Quality Assurance Specialist (Aerospace) (Direct Hire)

SummaryServes as Quality Assurance (QA)/safety specialist for fabrication, assembly, and operation of propulsion test facility support systems. Develops and reviews QA/safety procedures; conducts inspections and audits for compliance; monitors materials, calibration, nonconformances, and trends affecting test readiness; identifies hazards and implements required controls, conducts root cause analysis, develops corrective actions, and provides safety guidance to the workforce.DutiesHelpDuties 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.Conducts inspections and audits of products and processes for conformance to specifications and detects processing and technical documentation deficiencies and recommends corrective actions.Verifies product quality using sampling inspection or, when appropriate to the characteristics involved or pertinent quality history, more intensive product inspection techniques.Reviews work instructions and technical data to identify characteristics critical to product acceptability; analyzes quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or conditions and weaknesses in the quality system.Performs routine inspection and investigative work in enforcing occupational safety and health laws; applies technical knowledge of the trades and crafts, or general safety practices.Conducts safety meetings with workers to give or reinforce training in safe work methods, and standard accident prevention techniques.Reports on unsafe conditions and work practices.Supports investigations of deficiencies, accidents, or close calls by collecting data and identifying apparent causes.Leads root cause analyses and corrective action efforts for nonconformances or mishaps.RequirementsHelpConditions of employmentThis position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/Directorate/Division/Branch requirements.Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/Directorate/Division/Branch requirements.QualificationsSpecialized 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.To qualify for GS-09 level, you must have: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level:Assisting with quality assurance or operational safety for mechanical/electrical system fabrication, activation, or operations;Assisting with evaluating compliance with work instructions, standards, codes, and policies supporting Propulsion Test activities;Assisting with monitoring materials, equipment, and work processes for conformance to requirements.OR Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major in quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles or a directly related field.OR Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with a major in quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles or a directly related field.OR LL. B or J.D, if relatedOR Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) aboveTo qualify for GS-11, you must have: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:Applying Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and safety engineering principles to identify hazards and perform systems safety analyses;Providing technical guidance and assisting with resolving quality or safety issues found during production, fabrication, inspection, or testing;Applying quality assurance methods to monitor, control, or improve product or service quality;Supporting audits and inspections to recommend corrective actions, or applying sampling or statistical techniques.OR Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) with a major in quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles or a directly related field.OR Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree with a major in quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles or a directly related field.OR LL.M., if relatedOR Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) aboveYour 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.EducationBasic Requirement:If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a college or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.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 accreditationAdditional informationAdditional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must: Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility. Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.Probationary PeriodYou may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:your performance and conduct;the needs and interests of the agency;whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; andwhether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.HelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.