Instrumentation Engineer-Mid Career

Level 03 Engineer (DP Career Path)

 

The Engineer advises on, administers, or performs professional, scientific, or technical work concerned with engineering or architectural projects, facilities, structures, systems, processes, equipment, devices, material or methods. He/she applies knowledge of the science or art, or both, by which materials, natural resources, and powers are made useful. The incumbent is either an entry level Engineer who has acquired an advanced knowledge of engineering principles and concepts through successful completion of a Master’s degree or higher level program at an accredited college or university or an intermediate level Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of professional engineering experience. The employee, in addition to possessing fundamental knowledge and skills that were developed through active participation in the ESDP (Engineer and Scientist Development Program), comparable experience, and/or advanced education, possesses a demonstrated ability to work as a productive team member. Normally the employee is able to develop an assignment through background investigation, research, and discussions with the requester or supervisor. Since the Engineer has worked on other projects, there is a record of achievement through which he/she has selected precedents and made choices involving several alternatives to develop a total package that was acceptable. His/her contributions are tangible showings of ability to produce an acceptable product within given deadlines. Adaptation of equipment, models, and simulations is necessary to perform the work. The Engineer is a source of information and participates in developing reports of progress and findings for higher level review. The Engineer performs engineering work that is associated with specific tasks which may be a significant part of a major project. Assignments may also be a part of a major program having few, if any, new requirements calling for advanced engineering concepts. He/she may be a member of an engineering team responsible for developing a project using information available in guides, catalogs, or technical information where others have developed the concepts, theories, and methodology. Some adaptation is required to ensure the project meets engineering specifications. The Engineer, at this level, has a good working knowledge of engineering concepts and how to get things done. The supervisor is usually available to answer questions; however, the employee is expected to search out and recommend solutions to unusual problems. Work is normally accepted as accurate and, unless the employee questions results, will be accepted by the supervisor or project manager. The supervisor or designated employee assigns work through outlining or discussing possible problem areas and defines objectives, plans, priorities, and deadlines. The supervisor or designated employee provides assistance on controversial or unusual situations without clear precedents. The employee is responsible for independently planning and carrying out the assignments in conformance with accepted policies and practices; adhering to instructions, policies, precedents, and guidelines in exercising judgment to resolve commonly encountered work problems and deviations; and brings controversial information or unusual findings to the supervisor’s attention for direction. The supervisor or designated employee reviews completed work for conformity with policy, technical soundness, adherence to deadlines, and accomplishment of objectives. The supervisor does not usually review methods used to complete the assignment. The intermediate level employee is working toward becoming a Full-Performance/ Journey Level Engineer. Work assignments assume familiarity with employing organization’s structure, mission and concept of operations, and observance of safe and effective work habits, including Information Assurance and protection of classified information. Since technology transfer is a NAVAIR strategic thrust and is required by law, the Engineer promotes the spin-off/transfer of federally owned or originated technology, as appropriate, to state and local governments and to the private sector to help strengthen the U.S. industrial base.