Supervisory Program Manager- BIL DIRECT HIRE

Highly Automated Systems Safety (HASS) Center of Excellence’s (COE) function is to provide Executive Branch, U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT), Congress, State & local governments, industry, academia, & the public with expertise in transportation automation & related technologies, & workforce capable of performing DOT’s mission related to transportation automation systems, to include reviewing, assessing, & validating the safety of highly automated systems across all modes of transportation.

As a Supervisory Program Manager , you will:

• Responsible for overseeing and organizing the technical activities of the center. In this role, the incumbent supervises and directs technical teams, ensuring that tasks are executed effectively, efforts are well-coordinated, and project outcomes are synthesized into comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations.
• Ensures the successful integration, testing, interoperability, and quality assurance of highly automated systems, while addressing and resolving complex issues related to system interfaces and integration challenges.
• Assesses and validates new technologies and state-of-the-art equipment for existing systems, devising innovative strategies to address unique integration challenges and manages critical systems engineering efforts for operational and integration systems within the HASS and lead the tactical implementation of the center’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational goals. As a thought leader, the incumbent plays a pivotal role in advocating for the safe and responsible deployment of highly automated systems within the national transportation system.
• Provides advanced technical insights and support the Director of HASS in guiding automation technologies across all transportation modes. Conceives, plans, and leads technical research projects that are aligned with the mission of the HASS. Identifies gaps and opportunities in technology, tools, and expertise that enhance the Department’s ability to assess and validate the safety of highly automated systems.
• Oversees the HASS COE’s processes for technical evaluations, research analysis, and validation, including the development of tests and procedures. Moreover, they collaborate closely with DOT Operating Administrations, contributing to the department’s efforts in systems safety, technical standards, and the assessment of emerging technologies.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in one or more technology fields central to highly automated systems, particularly those related to transportation safety. These fields may include computer science, sensor performance, human factors, autonomy stack design and integration, validation and testing, safety assurance, cybersecurity, data science, communications, and interoperability. The candidate should be skilled at addressing complex, multifaceted research challenges, often under tight deadlines and conditions of uncertainty. They must be capable of clearly and succinctly communicating complex technical information to nontechnical audiences, including senior officials, and excel in a dynamic, flexible work environment. A passion for innovative technology and public safety through responsible development, testing, and deployment is essential. The candidate will be responsible for supervising and leading teams of technical experts in emerging and advanced transportation automation technologies, ensuring that efforts are aligned with the Department’s mission to enhance safety in transportation systems.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications.

To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:

• Providing technical/scientific insight in the area of transportation automation and/or related domains to decision-makers, policy-makers, and/or executives.
• Conceiving, planning, and leading technical research projects pertaining to transportation automation and/or related domains.
• Providing insight, information, data and recommendations related to at least one emerging technology enabling transportation automation (including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, machine learning, human factors, computer science, data science, sensors, software assurance, passive and active automation capabilities, passive and active automation safety functions, modeling and simulation, test and validation).
• Delivering advanced technical insights and support to guide automation technologies across multiple transportation modes, enhancing public understanding and confidence in the functions and capabilities of automated transportation systems.

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:

1. Technical Knowledge – Knowledge in the technical domains critical for highly-automated systems in emerging transportation technologies, understanding of application, and the relationship between intelligent machines and human factors.
2. Program Management – Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools for the coordinated management of an IT program to include providing oversight of multiple technical research projects, integrating dependent schedules and deliverables, and related activities (for example, benefits management, life cycle management, program governance).
3. Written and Oral Communication – Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, 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/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.