Demo

General Engineer- SME

DOT, NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN
Washington, DC Other
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/4/2026

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) Division provides national and international leadership in planning, developing, initiating, and conducting new and innovative consumer information programs. The primary objective of the Division is to develop and coordinate the dissemination of consumer information on any aspect of motor vehicle and occupant protection systems that may induce market forces to enhance crash protection to adult and child occupants and vulnerable road users.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience solving engineering problems by identifying research requirements and data analysis of vehicle crash testing.
  • Experience applying engineering concepts and theories in conducting inspections and analyisis of large amounts of vehicle crash data.
  • Experience communicating technical information orally or in the form of technical papers explaining the findings from test results, technical research or investigations.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:

  • Experience applying engineering practices, methods and techniques to perform technical analyses and data analysis in automobile design and safety technologies.
  • Experience independently leading a technical project or support a technical program for example vehicle crash testing or investigation, with little or no guidance from a supervisor.
  • Experience communicating technical informaton through briefings, reports, or other structured means on a regular basis or as required by specific project needs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Engineer Knowledge- Knowledge of engineering methods and principles.
  2. Engineering Application- Skill in applying engineering concepts and theories to the solution of engineering problems.
  3. Communication- Skill to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
  4. Safety Engineering- Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods in automotive safety.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

As a General Engineer, you will:

  • Conduct NCAP activities, including (1) executing specific program tasks; (2) working closely with various NHTSA organizational units; (3) monitoring and reporting on program progress/problem; (4) resolving program problems by coordinating with other NHTSA offices.
  • Perform data analysis obtained from laboratory tests, real-world crash data files, and computer simulations. 
  • Serve as an Alternate Contracting Officer Representative (ACOR).
  • Assist in planning web and database developmental support to meet NHTSA’s objectives and goals in improving consumer information programs. 

The ideal candidate for the Engineering position in the New Car Assessment Program Division is innovative, process driven, detail oriented, and a team player who can work cooperatively with an adaptable, energetic, and mission driven team.  The employee demonstrates proficient organization skills and can manage multiple projects with time-sensitive deadlines.  The employee also possesses effective communication skills.  Furthermore, the employee has intermediate to mid-level experience with planning, developing, and executing vehicle safety related tests and metrics especially in crashworthiness and/or crash avoidance and mitigation.

Salary : $102,415

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