Job Listing: ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Jamaica Plain, MA

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  OG186633 (Include on all documents)

 

APPLY ONLINE OR FAX TO 1-478-757-3144 USING OFFICIAL COVER PAGE

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include:
The incumbent will work specifically on the development of microelectronics that will be use to restore vision to patients who are blind from disease of the retina (i.e. age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa).  The incumbent will have specific responsibilities as a member of the Boston Retinal Implant Project located at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
 
The incumbent will have specific responsibilities as a member of the research team that will include:

Support electronics design of external instrumentation and/or retinal prosthesis
Set up test fixtures for electrical characterization and production testing
Electrical testing of breadboard designs and prototype product
Assist in preparing design documentation including schematics, pcb and flex circuit layouts, and design/component specifications
Participate in and contribute electrical engineering support for biological experiments
Work within a large biomedical research group, and report to one engineering manager
Prepare Test Items
Adjust/operate equipment
Extract, compile, compute and present data
Create designs and specifications to satisfy requirements
Support research and development projects 
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Wednesday, May 14, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers. 
You will not be contacted for additional information. 
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. onWednesday, May 14, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

OG186633

 

1. Title of Job

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (09) you will accept for this position.

09
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Electrical Engineer
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0840 Jamaica Plain, MA
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in a decree approved in a lawsuit entitled Luevano v. Springer, Civil Action no. 79-0271, has ordered that Federal Government agencies provide data on the race and national origin of applicants for certain Federal occupations. The position for which you are applying is in one of those occupations.

The collection of this information is authorized for use by the Office of Personnel Management only for the purposes of complying with the requirements of the Luevano v. Springer Decree. The data you supply will be used for statistical analysis pursuant to the requirements of the lawsuit, and will not be shared with employing agencies.

You are requested to complete the following: however, submission of this information is voluntary. Your failure to do so will have no effect on the processing of your application for Federal employment.

The first six categories below provide descriptions of race and national origins. Select the category with which you identify yourself. If you are of mixed race and/or national origin, select the category with which you most closely identify yourself. Please select only one by shading in the circle next to the number corresponding to the category
01 American Indian or Alaskan Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through community recognition or tribal affiliation.02 Asian or Pacific Islander - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. For example, this area includes China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa.03 Black, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.04 Hispanic - A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins. This does not include persons of Portuguese culture or origin.05 White, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North America, or the Middle East. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.06 A person not included in another category.07 ATLANTA ZONE includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia08 CHICAGO ZONE includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin09 DALLAS ZONE includes Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming10 PHILADELPHIA ZONE includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont11 SAN FRANCISCO ZONE includes California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington12 ALASKA ZONE includes the State of Alaska13 CARIBBEAN ZONE includes Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands14 HAWAII ZONE includes the State of Hawaii and Pacific overseas area15 WASHINGTON, DC ZONE - Washington, DC metro area (Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George Counties in MD, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, King George, Stafford, and Loudoun Counties and Falls Church, Alexandria, and Fairfax cities in VA) and Atlantic overseas area (African, European, Middle Eastern, Central and South American countries)
25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this Electrical Engineer position.

1. Do you possess a professional engineering degree in a school of Engineering whose curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or whose curriculum included differential and Integral Calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year Physics and Chemistry) in FIVE of the following seven areas of Engineering Science or Physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics? (Transcripts Required)

A. Yes
B. No

2. Do you have a combination of education and experience, i.e., college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering? (Transcripts Required)

The adequacy of such background MUST be demonstrated by one of the following:
* Professional registrationcurrent registration as a professional engineer. For those who achieved such registration by means other than a written test, eligibility only extends to positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration.
* Written Test- Evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination, or the written test required for professional registration, which is administered by the Boards of Engineering Examiners in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Applicants who have passed the EIT examination and have completed all the requirements for either (a) a bachelors degree in engineering technology (BET) from an accredited college or university that included 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, or (b) a BET from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
* Specified academic courseSuccessful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirement. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described above.

* Related curriculumSuccessful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelors degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate profession field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.

A. Yes
B. No

3. A combination of superior academic achievement and 1 year of appropriate professional experience is qualifying at the GS-09 grade level. Do you qualify under Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership described below? Individuals who have completed all the requirements for a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university and meet one of the requirements listed below are considered fully qualified for the GS-09 level. Grade point averages will be rounded to 1 decimal place. (Transcripts Required)

Standing in the upper third of their class in the college or university or major subdivision.

College grade of B (3.0 or higher on a 4 pt. scale). This is either;
- Average of all college courses, OR
- Average of all college courses completed during the last two years of the undergraduate curriculum.
College grade average of B+ (3.5 or higher on a 4 pt. scale) in the major field of the position to be filled. This is either;
- Average of completed courses in the major field, OR
- Average of college courses completed in the major field during the last two years of the undergraduate curriculum.

Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, or one of the other national honorary scholastic societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor societies, other than freshman honor societies.

A. Yes
B. No

4. Do you possess one (1) year of experience in the field of electrical engineering working in the area of electronics design, development, and testing? This experience would have been under close supervision and one (1) year equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in Federal service.

A. Yes
B. No

5. Do you possess two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education, as described above, leading to a masters degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree can be substituted for experience required at the GS-09 level? (Transcripts Required)

A. Yes
B. No

6. Do you posses a combination of experience and education to qualify for the GS-09 grade level? (Transcripts Required)

A. Yes
B. No

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or is normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

7. Working as an Electrical Engineer.

8. Working on microelectronics to restore vision to patients.

9. Knowledge of electronic design of external instrumentation and/or retinal prosthesis.

10. Setting up test fixtures for electrical characterization and production testing.

11. Preparing design documentation including schematics, pcb and flex circuit layouts, and design/component specifications.

12. Electrical testing of breadboard designs and prototype product.

13. Working on biological experiments.

14. Analyzing data.

15. Determining/troubleshooting cause of malfunctions.

16. Writing evaluation reports and make recommendations.

17. Using statistical and graphical methods.

18. Designing moderately complex and novel items of equipment.

19. Calculating specifications according to standard formulas, criteria, and handbook tables.

20. Participating in research projects and assuming technical and operational responsibility

21. Knowledge of a wide range of electrical engineering concepts, principals, and methods.

22. Knowledge of applicable consumer statutes and regulations.

23. Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of people with varying degrees of understanding

24. Interpreting, evaluating, and making recommendations regarding a range of multifaceted problems.

25. Working with a biomedical research group.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Wednesday, May 14, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (OG186633), Position Title (ELECTRICAL ENGINEER), and grade (09/09);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU-BED

Phone: (781)687-2339

Email: vhabeddeu@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Bedford
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank you, MA 00000


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.