This position is within the Aviation Research Division, which seeks to develop scientific solutions to current and future air transportation challenges by conducting applied research and development in collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
Duties
Computer Engineers are technical experts who possess deep knowledge and experience in the domains of computer systems development, data analytics and engineering, software programming, statistics, mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques.
Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities.
Applies analytical methods to solve problems, optimize use of data, and provide additional insight and evidence for decision-makers. Responsible for developing and applying analytical approaches to support data-driven policy and operational decisions. Collaborates with stakeholders to identify the business requirements and the expected outcome. Identifies and selects relevant and credible data sources, and provide technical instructions to data analysts to collect, integrate and mine data. Integrates data from varying sources, formats, and quality for analysis. Applies a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy, methodologies, and/or administrative problems in a fast -paced environment. Conducts analyses in a programming or statistical software (e.g. R, Python). Participates in research, development, and testing of of hardware/software that impacts the NAS.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Considers the objectives of the major subdivision and LOB/SO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Typical assignments may include complex system design and integration; extensive research and analyses; investigation and inspection
activities; compliance and enforcement actions; and direct responsibility for project/program management.
Builds software tools as part of research, engineering, and development activities, including statistical or simulation models. Communicates findings to policymakers and non-technical audiences. Facilitates, participates, and at times leads cross-organizational teams to apply software and advanced data science techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence in an effort to further expand and improve the research products across the Aviation Research Division. Participates and at times leads working groups and other FAA initiatives that require advanced data science knowledge.
Defines, organizes, and assigns resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Allocates resources to accomplish large work activities within established schedules.
Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact on projects, programs and other work activities. Communicates results to all levels internally (within an LOB/SO or across LOB/SOs) and externally. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports or contractual documents for final approval prior to external distribution. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies. Coordinates significant technical matters with representatives of external organizations.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Provides policy guidance and instruction to others, both internally and externally.