Examples of GS-5/FG-5 (Equivalent G Band) Specialized Experience
The GS-5 is typically an entry-level trainee or developmental level, characterized
by work on a limited range of assignments under close supervision, for example:
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Coordinates with managers, supervisors, or contractor representatives to identify
alternatives. Reports to supervisor about potential problems, possible alternatives,
and recommended solutions.
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Reviews contractor proposals for adequacy of design and of operation, maintenance,
and implementation procedures. Conducts preliminary feasibility, cost-benefit,
and other studies to ensure technical and fiscal adequacy.
Examples of GS-7/FG-7 (Equivalent G Band) Specialized Experience
The GS-7 is typically a junior level employee or advanced entry-level trainee. Work
is less limited in scope than the GS-5, and accomplished with more independence,
but still subject to close review and specific guidelines, for example:
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Constructs, installs, adjusts, modifies, or repairs facilities or equipment as specified
in plans and instructions for the project or as directed by the project supervisor.
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Revises drawings provided for projects to indicate as-built conditions. These drawings
will be prepared in final form by the unit and returned to the facility for reference
purposes.
Examples of GS-9/FG-9 (Equivalent G Band) Specialized Experience
The GS-9 is generally no longer a trainee level; the scope of work is narrower and
the level of supervision is closer than for a full journeyman, but the employee
has considerable latitude in planning and carrying out work. Examples of GS-9 level
work include:
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Assists in preparation of plans, drawings, specifications, and installation instructions
for equipment and facilities.
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Develops and implements independent aerospace engineering studies. Uses established
analytical techniques to resolve issues and/or identify problems for National Airspace
System (NAS) programs. Analyzes and evaluates operational and technical information.
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Constructs, installs, adjusts, modifies, or repairs facilities or equipment as specified
in plans and instructions for the project or as directed by the project supervisor.
Examples of GS-11/FG-11 (Equivalent H Band) Specialized Experience
Work at the GS-11 level typically involves a broad scope of responsibility, more
variety, and less clear guidelines. Supervisory oversight generally consists of
review of completed projects to assure compliance with organization policies or
regulations. Examples of GS-11 level work include:
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Using sound engineering principles and practices, prepares engineering plans and
documents for construction and/or installation of facilities and equipment. Assures
assigned projects comply with applicable codes and standards. Performs analyses,
including the analysis of technical proposals and designs by contractors and others.
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Research, development, and acquisition of engineering technology and air traffic
control equipment and systems required for establishing and maintaining safe. efficient,
productive, and cost-effective operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).
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Develops and evaluates the adequacy of maintenance programs, operating manuals,
repair procedures, installation criteria, etc., for the maintenance and operation
of major equipment or systems.
Examples of GS-12/FG-12 (Equivalent H Band) Specialized Experience
GS-12 is typically the full journeyman level for these positions. Work at this level
involves a wide range of assignments or a few highly complex assignments and it
requires planning and organizing, setting priorities, and working without clear
or specific guidelines. Work is typically reviewed only to assess impact on overall
organizational objectives. Examples of GS-12 level work include:
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Provides professional mechanical engineering principles to test and evaluate new
systems. Includes the design and investigative services for complex testing of new
construction, special projects, major alterations or repair of buildings, structures,
utilities, and distribution systems.
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Evaluates design objectives and performs complex technical calculations. Prepares
drawings, specifications, and supporting documents.
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Manages several projects that establish and/or improve facilities/systems, including
planning, development, and oversight of the projects.
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Reviews agency headquarters' technical directives, specifications, drawings and
suggestions to determine applicability for regional conditions, adequacy of instructions,
method of implementation and funding requirements. Advises appropriate headquarters
office of any corrections or improvements needed.
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Represents the organizational unit in his/her field of expertise at various seminars,
committees, user group panels, and conference meetings that may occur at intra-agency,
interagency, aviation industry, and national levels.
Examples of GS-13/FG-13 (Equivalent I Band) Level Specialized
Experience
Work at the GS-13 level typically involves performing multiple, varying, and complex
assignments requiring advanced knowledge of engineering principles and limited direction.
Established guidelines exist, but require considerable discretion to select the
most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Work is typically reviewed
at major milestones and at completion for technical compliance and alignment with
the requirements of the project. Examples of such work include:
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System design and integration; extensive research; and shared responsibility for
project/program management.
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Manages multiple projects requiring planning, developing, deploying, coordinating,
implementing, constructing, installing, maintaining, replacing, and engineering
systems of assigned facilities and/or systems. Interfacing with personnel from other
platforms within a Service Center, Engineering Center, and with support and operations
offices, including other local and Federal government agencies. May serve as lead
engineer on large, complex projects.
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Participates in interdisciplinary team of technical experts to research, develop,
test, acquire, and/or implement engineering systems that impact the National Airspace
System (NAS). Conducts comprehensive reviews of existing or proposed projects to
satisfy user needs; identifies existing or potential system performance deficiencies;
proposes alternatives; and negotiates resolutions.
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Serves as an engineer in a Certification Office, applying advanced engineering knowledge
with responsibility for initial certification and ongoing regulatory administration
of a variety of programs. Directly participates in and is responsible for planning,
developing, reviewing, and evaluating major certification projects and continuing
the programs.
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Provides the highest level of technical engineering advice and support for commissioned
and planned facilities. This includes advising management on technical matters and
providing technical advice and direct assistance to maintenance organizations with
national support responsibilities. Develops directives or supplements to national
directives. Provides operations engineering notes to disseminate technical information.
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Completes assignments that require the ability to anticipate problems and take positive
action which, if not identified in their early stages, would likely lead to serious
consequences, e.g., problems involving public safety, key relationships, resource
limitations, or performance reliability. Performs certain staff advisory, consulting,
and reviewing services.
Examples of GS-14/FG-14 (Equivalent J Band) Level Specialized
Experience
GS-14 engineers typically plan and accomplish highly complex and challenging projects
(often as the principal technical specialist) under the minimal direction of a manager
or team leader. Assignments frequently cross organizational boundaries. Broad policies
provide general direction, but discretion is used to develop new and innovative
approaches. Work is reviewed through status reports and at project completion for
technical compliance and alignment with project requirements and/or other work activity.
Examples of such work include:
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System design and integration; extensive research; and direct responsibility for
project/program management.
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Formulation, development, and coordination of international and domestic technical
and procedural standards and policy for the design, development, and certification
of advanced, state-of-the-art aircraft components, systems, and equipment.
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Installation, testing, and evaluation of complex, state-of-the-art facilities equipment
for the National Airspace System (NAS) including complex interfaces between numerous
systems.
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Research, development, and acquisition of complex and highly integrated electronics
engineering technology and advanced air traffic control equipment and systems that
are required for establishing and maintaining the safe, efficient, productive, and
cost-effective operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).
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Serves in a leadership role to design, develop, and conduct complex independent
and inter-dependent electronics engineering studies (i.e., feasibility, life-cycle
costing, efficiency, risk analysis, cost benefit, and other engineering economics
studies). Formulates, defines, and develops engineering standards, criteria, and
requirements. Prepares technical performance and inspection standards for systems,
facilities, and equipment.
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Serves as a senior engineer with responsibility for organizing, planning, and conducting
type certification projects and continued airworthiness activities of aircraft and
aviation products. Assures compliance of aircraft and products with the Federal
Aviation Regulations (FARs) and non-U.S. regulations governed by bilateral agreements.
These compliance activities involve advanced systems and technology that requires
substantial departure from previous certification methodology.
