Program Specialist (Direct Hire)

Summary This vacancy consists of a variety of positions and grade levels aimed at insourcing critical skills. Roles may include mission, program, or project analysis, mission systems development, testing, integration, training and simulation, and other mission support functions essential to human spaceflight. Learn more about this agency 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. Monitors system performance, identifies issues, and coordinates across teams for timely resolutions to ensure safe and reliable mission or training operations. Analyzes complex operational data and defines requirements to refine procedures, tools, or system configurations for mission readiness. Oversees the development of technical documentation and procedures, and defines training materials to support operational teams. Organizes work priorities for alignment with mission priorities and efforts, determining resource requirements and strategic objectives. Evaluates processes/outcomes for improvement and impact on the mission for future strategic alignment. Leads initiatives to streamline business and administrative processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and overall workflow effectiveness. Designs new methods and approaches where established procedures are insufficient, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to changing organizational needs. Sets strategy for new technologies or processes to determine operational impacts and recommends implementation strategies. Requirements Conditions of employment This 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. Selected applicant(s) must be assigned to a duty location listed on the announcement. Qualifications 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. To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Supporting program or project activities through planning, execution, or tracking to help achieve timely alignment with organizational goals; Utilizing data sources to help identify programmatic needs and develop recommendations for improved efficiencies; Researching and evaluating technical data, identifying potential risks or problems, and recommending basic solutions using established methods and policies 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 progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field OR d) LL.M., if related OR e) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Coordinating program or project activities through planning, execution, and tracking to achieve timely alignment with organizational goals; Analyzing operational data and updating requirements to improve procedures, tools, or system configurations that contribute to mission readiness; Troubleshooting complex technical issues and communicating impacts and recommended actions to support continuity of mission or training activities. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Leading the development, integration, or improvement of mission or training systems or processes, such as defining requirements, resolving high impact issues, and guiding teams through design or operational decisions; Conducting advanced analysis of mission, operational, or system performance data to inform organizational strategies, optimize procedures or tools, and drive decisions affecting mission readiness; Providing technical guidance for cross disciplinary teams, including coordinating complex workflows, delivering high level recommendations to management, and communicating operational or system needs. 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 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 accreditation. Additional information Additional 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 Period You 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; and whether 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. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Benefits A 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 benefits Eligibility 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.