Engineering Psychologist - Transportation Security Administration - Arlington, Virginia - EXPIRED

This Engineering Psychologist position is located in the System Requirements and Engineering Branch, Mission Analysis Division within the Office of Security Capabilities (OSC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If selected, you will serve as a senior technical specialist in the area of human factors engineering psychology, directly influencing academic and national laboratory research initiatives to ensure that valid human factors research findings and operating characteristics are incorporated into systems and technology under development. You will develop, integrate, and implement complex plans and techniques designed to promote integration of human factors into the development and use of Office of Security Capability (OSC) security screening systems and technology. Typical duties include, but are not limited to:

• Applying quantitative analysis, statistical process control, data collection and data mining, and user-centered research evaluation methodologies as the empirical basis for human factors solution development.
• Applying principles of cognitive psychology, ergonomics (workstation design), Human Systems Integration (HSI), human decision-making, system design, and user needs analyses in evaluating complex human factors issues in security technology applications.
• Participating in and leading panels, focus groups, committees, and task forces concerning human factors considerations and requirements for systems and technology under development to optimize user performance and the passenger experience. Providing significant input, advice, and counsel to such groups. Representing TSA as a senior human factors technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities.
• Formulating human factors guidance in the development of transportation security officer protocols for technology use and reviewing and providing input to transportation security officer training Packages.
• Coordinating with OSC program managers to promote the integration of human factors in the development and deployment of technologies. Providing Human Factors expertise in developing Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and for Operational Requirements Documents (ORD) and Functional Requirements Documents (FRD).
• Maintaining awareness of current industry best practices and academic research in the field of Human Factors engineering psychology as well as innovative technologies under development.

The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay band (I Band) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training; and/or projects/work assignments may be less complex.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must have a 4 year degree with a major or equivalent in Psychology for this position. You must attach copies of your transcripts to this application to verify your degree(s). These can be unofficial copies.

To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H Pay Band or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience includes assisting in engineering psychology involving human factors disciplines in 2 or more of the following: user-centered research and design, statistical and quantitative analytical methods, data collection and analysis, process flowcharting and evaluation of graphic data displays; conducting human factors research and analyses to optimize effectiveness, safety, and user acceptance of security systems and technology; and assisting in developing system requirements incorporating human factors considerations.

To qualify for the SV-J Pay Band (equivalent to GS-14), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-I Pay Band or GS-13 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience includes applying experience in engineering psychology involving human factors disciplines in 2 or more of the following: user-centered research and design, statistical and quantitative analytical methods, data collection and analysis, process flowcharting and evaluation of graphic data displays; conducting and managing human factors research and analyses to optimize effectiveness, safety, and user acceptance of security systems and technology; and developing system requirements incorporating human factors considerations.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

NOTE: Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.