Job summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to troubleshoot, modify, repair, and perform final functional and operational tests of complex electrical systems, components, and accessories in fixed or rotary winged aircraft. May be required to assist other systems mechanics by performing cross utilization task at journeyman level.

Major duties

- Troubleshoots, modifies, repairs, and tests complex electrical systems, components, and accessories with intricate wiring systems under actual or ground power such as automatic flight control, armament, landing gear, antiskid, ignition, stall warning, power distribution, engine drive alternator, and fuel indicating systems. - Sets up and operates computerized multiple circuit analyzing equipment to run established and new diagnostic programs in various test modes to test aircraft electrical circuitry and interconnecting cabling of the entire aircraft or individual systems such as radar, flight control, navigational computers, and radio flight control. - Uses a variety of tools and equipment such as hand and electrical test units, e.g., meters, bridges, meggers, harness testers, locally manufactured breakout boxes, signal generators, oscilloscopes, timing devices, calibrators, multiple function analyzers, and computerized multiple circuit analyzing equipment. - Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. - Maintains records and documents actions.

Qualification

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-2800 - Electrical Installation And Maintenance Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. The screen out element for this position is the ability to do the work of an Aircraft Electrician without more than normal supervision. JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures. Knowledge of electrical theory, principles, standard trade methods and practices, and circuitry; aircraft electrical systems and their interrelationships; electronics principles (e.g., knowledge of construction practices of electronic equipment to recognize types and sizes of resistors, capacitors, wiring, and transistors); knowledge to follow signal paths through printed circuit and wired circuitry to recognize actual circuit configurations shown in schematics and diagrams; the electromagnetic basis of alternating current and inductive and capacitance reactance, series and parallel tuned circuits, impedance matching, and operation of transistors to troubleshoot, modify, repair, overhaul, and maintain complex electrical systems such as antiskid, automatic flight control, and fuel indicating systems; and knowledge of the interface of electrical systems with hydraulic, electronic armament, instrument, and mechanical systems and assemblies. Skill to test, troubleshoot, analyze, modify, and repair complex electrical systems and components; to trace hard to locate and intermittent electrical defects and problems using a variety of meters and test devices; to repair or replace electrical components throughout the aircraft; to install, relocate, and reposition conventional electrical and electronic components and wiring to facilitate installation of nonconventional equipment; to assemble a variety of locally developed test devices (e.g., "breakout boxes and panels") utilizing switches, diodes, resistors, relays, terminal boards, wiring harnesses, and other similar components; to calibrate and adjust components such as amplifiers, proximity boxes, generators, and voltage regulators; and to perform initial and final functional and operational checks on the entire aircraft electrical system. Skill to setup and operate computerized multiple circuit analyzing equipment in manual, semiautomatic, or automatic mode to run existing and new diagnostic programs to test and analyze aircraft electrical circuitry and interconnecting cabling of systems such as navigational computers, radar, and related equipment to repair discrepancies. Ability to research aircraft modification history, technical orders, engineering change proposals, and manuals concerning wire codes, wiring configuration, and testing procedure; and to assist engineering personnel in developing modifications and changes on electrical, electronic, instrument, and other integrated electrical systems, and programming personnel in developing, debugging, or modifying diagnostic programs by recommending changes where necessary and identifying problems. Ability to use computer terminals to maintain records and document actions. PHYSICAL EFFORT: Frequently climbs up and down ladders, check stands, work platforms, scaffolding, and aircraft structures while making repairs or installations. The work requires long periods of standing and considerable kneeling, bending, stooping, stretching, and working in hard to reach places requiring awkward and strained positions. Frequently lifts parts and equipment that weigh up to 20 pounds unassisted, and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance of lifting devices or other workers. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in hangars and on flight lines. Subject to drafts, noise, and varying temperatures in hangars and weather, temperature, and noise extremes on flight lines. Exposed to dust, dirt, grease, oil, fumes, solvents, and other aircraft fluids while working on aircraft in various stages of repair or modification. Exposed to the possibility of abrasions, cuts, burns, electrical shock, skin and eye irritation, and falls from elevated work areas, e.g., check stands and aircraft structures. May be subject to exposure to potential injury from turning rotors or jet blast during engine runups. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience relates to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. All Federal Wage Schedule (FWS) applicants must complete the assessment questionnaire in its entirety or it will result in an ineligible rating. Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, may be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.