Senior General Engineer (Accident Investigator) (Direct Hire)

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-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13. Specialized Experience is defined as: Investigating high profile pipeline accidents involving complex failure modes such as metallurgical, operational or organizational while presenting the facts from the investigation in writing in an organized unbiased manner, as well as experience conducting studies on pipeline safety, presenting on reports of pipeline accident issues; expertise or experience working with hazardous liquids, gas transmission, LNG, underground storage or distribution systems and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) centers; experience organizing a major project; experience serving as an subject matter expert (SME) in at least one of the following areas: human factors, SCADA, corrosion, welding, cyber security, accident investigation or metallurgy. Experience in utilizing various engineering and/or scientific concepts, principles, and practices including the design, construct, of gas and liquid pipeline failures and structure; and, Experience analyzing a wide range of pipeline transportation policies in order to resolve problems, draw conclusions, and develop recommendations to improve program operations, program effectiveness, and to meet program objectives; and, Experience utilizing and exploring the principles of risk management and pipeline integrity principles and practices to determine critical environmental safety impacts while leading inspections. Experience leading a team or managing technical personnel. 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: Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling. Compliance Inspection - Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. General Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications. Technical Problem Solving - Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem. 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/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. This position is located in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS). OPS achieves this mission through inspection, investigation, and enforcement activities as well as other oversight and guidance. The Director and the Accident Investigation Division (AID) play an important role in evaluating pipeline, underground natural gas storage, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) accidents/incidents and sharing lessons learned to improve safety.

• As a Senior General Engineer (Accident Investigator), you will: Lead Pipeline Investigations: Conduct and oversee pipeline accident and failure investigations, serving as the lead investigator when appropriate and coordinating with NTSB, OSHA, and state agencies to ensure thorough investigations and regulatory compliance. Drive Safety Analysis and Operational Improvement: Collect and analyze technical data, identify safety trends, share lessons learned, recommend corrective actions, and support inspection, investigation, and enforcement efforts to improve pipeline safety and field operations. Advance Strategic Initiatives: Identify operational improvements, align activities with PHMSA and OPS goals, and lead special projects through the development of reports, briefings, speeches, and other executive-level communications. Represent OPS and Build Partnerships: Serve as an OPS representative on internal, interagency, intermodal, and international working groups while collaborating with technical experts and stakeholders to advance agency objectives. Lead Public and Government Affairs: Support communications with stakeholders, the public, media, and Congress by promoting OPS programs, responding to emerging issues, and advancing PHMSA's legislative and public outreach strategies This position is perfect for an experienced Engineer who is looking for challenging assignments investigating pipeline facility incidents. As a Senior Accident Investigator you will serve as a Subject Matter Expert administering the pipeline safety program of PHMSA. This position will require you to ensure that the organization operates as an adequate and highly effective link with Headquarters, Regions and state partners while participating with the Director in establishing and executing national policy and initiatives.