Program Specialist (Direct Hire)

Summary Serves as a Program Specialist in the Engineering and Test Directorate at NASA's Stennis Space Center, supporting propulsion test operations by ensuring the operational readiness, reliability, and alignment of technical systems with test objectives, requirements, and facility capabilities. 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. Ensures integration of operational processes and test support requirements across engineering, operations, and safety functions to support propulsion testing. Plans and coordinates propulsion test activities by integrating technical requirements, operational constraints, and program considerations into schedules and work plans. Evaluates and improves operational and administrative processes, recommending changes to enhance efficiency, compliance, and mission effectiveness. Serves as a senior advisor to management on programmatic and operational impacts of technical findings, facility capabilities, and system performance. Coordinates across organizations to resolve complex issues affecting test readiness, execution, and mission objectives. Analyzes schedules, risks, and resource constraints, recommending adjustments to maintain program priorities and support mission success. 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. 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-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Supporting evaluations of technical systems to ensure readiness, reliability, and alignment with test objectives, safety and security requirements, or facility capabilities within propulsion test operations; Coordinating operational processes or test support requirements to ensure integrated planning, safe execution, and efficient use of facility resources; Preparing and communicating recommendations to management to assist in informed decision-making. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Evaluating technical systems to ensure readiness, reliability, and alignment with test objectives, safety, or facility requirements to support propulsion test operations; Coordinating operational processes and test support requirements to ensure integrated planning, safe execution of activities, and efficient use of facility resources across engineering, operations, and support teams; Developing and presenting recommendations to management that influenced decisions and acceptance of proposed actions. 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. 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.