OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY:

The position supports computer/electronics engineering efforts for training and simulation systems for PDA programs. 

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Develop software and hardware techniques for simulation, training, and simulation-based acquisition applications.
• Plan, develop, and conduct systematic engineering research investigations concerned with the development of improved training technologies, simulation techniques, and simulation-based acquisition methodologies.  Apply simulation, modeling, and training technologies; experimental design methods; and computer software and hardware technologies in the engineering research investigations.
• Conduct experimental research in areas where present data, criteria, methods, or techniques are significantly inadequate, controversial, or contain critical gaps, in order to arrive at completely new techniques that may have applicability to problem areas under investigation.  Write reports on the research and present findings to Government, commercial, or private agencies.
• Apply results of investigations to determine the feasibility and design parameters of new virtual environments and simulated systems with emphasis on technologies associated with advanced system designs; development and application of feasible and cost effective techniques for use in weapons simulation systems.  Based on results of investigations, accomplish and verify specific technology by the implementation of virtual worlds and simulated devices into demonstrable test beds or training systems.  Coordinate these efforts with other personnel engaged in related fields of study and application to reduce the possibility of program duplication and maximize benefits.
• Provide support in preparing technical specifications and procurement data for advanced studies and developments.  Attend bidder conferences to explain the requirements of the contract and to answer questions pertaining thereto.
• Recommend most suitable technical approach taking into consideration proposed approach to problem, personnel, and facilities to be utilized.  Monitor and evaluate the progress of applied research and advanced development requiring the application of new techniques or methods.  Render solutions concerning the applicability of technical methodology used, degree of conformance to requirements, and overall project performance.
• Provide support in studying and evaluating engineering proposals submitted by contractor personnel containing radically new or novel approaches, criteria, techniques, and engineering and software design.  Render scientific judgments, recommend modifications and alterations and/or determine feasibility of approaches and design features, desirability and acceptability of such engineering proposals.
• Visit contractors' plants, other Government agencies, and universities to discuss technical requirements and objectives of research and development projects and to review progress of contractual work.
• Attend conferences and DOD and Navy working groups with personnel of other laboratories, industry, and other Government agencies to discuss and present research and development programs.  These conferences result in elimination of unwarranted duplications, exchange of information on latest state-of-the-art technologies, resolutions of technical problem areas, reconciliation of differences of opinion, and development of new approaches or changes in programs in the assigned area.
• Maintain continuous review and analysis of applicable research and development programs of NAVAIR Orlando TSD, other Laboratories, DOD, and civilian agencies, and the operational requirements received from higher headquarters to determine research and development efforts required and insure that state-of-the-art is reflected in NAVAIR Orlando TSD efforts to meet Navy operational requirements.
• Maintain current awareness of technological developments in the use of computer software and hardware in the technology base for simulation, modeling, and training research investigations.  Evaluate technology to predict and optimize effectiveness in training systems; e.g., scene rendering software, graphics accelerators, database modeling software and techniques, sensor simulation integration, human animated characters, and weapon tracking systems.

REQUISITE SKILLS:

• Has basic but broad knowledge of current and future military equipment, systems, and associated tactics (U.S., allied, and threat nations). 
• Knowledgeable of a wide range of non-engineering, non-scientific information in the form of Federal Acquisition Regulations, Military Standards, DoD/DoN/NAVAIR Orlando TSD policies, directives, and instructions and must be able to determine the applicability of these documents to assignments. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

B.S. in Electronics engineering or computer engineering or equivalent

Experience in engineering and scientific disciplines with a broad knowledge of support engineering functions such as reliability, maintainability, EMI, logistics, program funding, statistics, facilities, cost estimating, risk analysis/assessment, human factors.