J-16 Standard Labor Categories (SLCs) A1.pdf

SLC Name

SLC Description

Minimum Education

Minimum Experience

Administration Specialist I (Non-exempt)

Responsible for performing daily office tasks such as filing, recording, maintaining records, copying, posting, and other similar duties, using a computer terminal, and other word processors. Follows organization and department procedures to complete tasks in a timely manner. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

Examples include Secretary and Clerk.

High School diploma or Equivalent

Administration Specialist II (Non-exempt)

Performs functions of Administration Specialist I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Example is a Data Entry Clerk.

High School diploma or equivalent

5 years in the field or related area

Administration Specialist III (Non-exempt)

Performs functions of Administration Specialist II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Example is an Administrative Assistant, Senior Secretary, or Data Analyst.

High School diploma or equivalent

8 years in the field or related area

Architect (Exempt)

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property. Excludes “Landscape Architects” (17-1012) and “Marine Engineers and Naval Architects” (17- 2121).

Bachelor’s degree 2-4 years in conceiving, designing, and constructing new or modified buildings or structures

Audiologist (Exempt)

Audiologist: Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders.

May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems. American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Certification of Clinical Competency in Audiology (CCCA) or equivalent.

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

As required for certification

Business Specialist I (Exempt)

Prepares contract proposals and administers major contracts and task/delivery orders. Also, may negotiate contractual provisions with potential partners. Has knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the Business field.

Bachelor’s degree 3 years in the field or related area

Business Specialist II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Business Specialist I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Coordinates and monitors the scheduling, pricing, and technical performance of programs.

Responsibilities also include aiding in the negotiation of contracts and contractual changes and preparation of proposals, plans, specifications, and financial conditions of contracts. Ensures adherence to master plans and schedules and develops solutions to program problems. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the Business field.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years in the field or related area

Configuration Management Specialist I (Exempt)

Implements and verifies compliance to NASA configuration management policies, requirements, and procedures. Prepares configuration management documentation. Establishes and maintains all systems for configuration identification, control, verification, and accounting. Monitors and audits other program elements and contractors adherence to configuration management requirements and procedures.

Bachelor's degree. 0

Configuration Management Specialist II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Configuration Management Specialist I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Bachelor's degree 5 years

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Non-exempt)

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. American Registry of Radiological Technologist (ARRT) certification and state license required.

ARRT approved training program.

Varies with position.

Drafter (Non-exempt)

Performs basic drafting functions. Associate degree in a related area

2 years

Drafter (Senior) (Non-exempt)

Performs complex drafting functions. Associate degree in a related area

4 years

Emergency Medical Service Worker (Non-exempt)

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics: Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals.

Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities. State certification and licensure.

High School diploma or its equivalent.

Successful completion of state approved EMS education program.

Varies with position.

Employee Assistance Program Counselor (Exempt)

Employee Assistance Program Counselor: Provides confidential, short-term, mental health counseling assistance and referrals to employees who are dealing with issues such as: depression; anxiety; family conflicts;

marital /relationship concerns; eldercare/caregiving stress; substance and alcohol addiction; major life adjustments; domestic violence concerns; and occupational stress. Requires state license as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or LPC Supervisor (LPC-S) or equivalent.

Master’s degree in counselling or related field.

Varies with position.

Engineer I (Exempt)

Responsible for design, development, test, implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems. Performs engineering design evaluations.

May develop a range of products. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field of Engineering.

Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Bachelor’s degree in a field of Engineering

Engineer II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Engineer I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Has a strong working knowledge of and can apply commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field of Engineering.

Bachelor’s degree in a field of Engineering

5 years in the field or in a related area

Engineer III (Exempt)

Performs functions of Engineer II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Recognized as technical leader and resource. Responsible for all internal activities and product development. Proficient with applying a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures in particular field of Engineering. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplishment goals. Responsible for the solution of complex total system problems. May work independently. License and certification may be required.

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field

10 years

Engineer IV (Exempt)

Expert in an Engineering field. Performs functions of Engineer III along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Accomplished in applying a variety of Engineering concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplishment goals.

Responsible for the solution of complex total system problems. Directs, guides, and coordinates activities of team/teams of technical personnel performing complex engineering activities. License and certification may be required.

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field

15 years of applicable experience

Engineer V (Exempt)

Authority in an Engineering field. Performs functions of Engineer IV along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Accountable for design, development, test, implementation, and analysis. Recognized as technical expert and resource in specialized areas of engineering. Recommends alterations and enhancements to improve quality of products and/or procedures. Consummate expert in a variety of Engineering concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible and accountable for the solution of complex total system problems. Directs, guides, and coordinates activities of team/teams of technical personnel performing complex engineering activities. A wide degree of autonomy, creativity, and latitude is expected. License and certification may be required.

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field

17 years of applicable experience.

Engineer VI (Exempt)

Recognized as an authority in one or more specialized areas of Engineering. Performs functions of Engineer V along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Requires broad and comprehensive expertise in industry best practices, theories, processes and technologies within an Engineering discipline.

Requires significant interaction with other NASA Projects, NASA Centers, and International Partners to develop and lead integrated science and engineering protocols. Recognized as an industry thought leader within or across multiple engineering disciplines. Influences strategic approach across projects and proactively identifies and solves complex problems that impact strategic approach. Directs and coordinates activities across multiple projects for technical personnel performing complex engineering activities. Mentors teams and advises approach to highly visible projects and those that cross organizational boundaries. Fosters collaboration across NASA Divisions, Directorates, Centers and external organizations.

Clearly articulates vision and instills a sense of ownership in subordinates and co-workers. License and certification may be required.

Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field and may require a master's or doctoral degree for some disciplines.

20 years directly applicable experience.

Exercise Physiologist (Non-exempt)

Exercise Physiologist (Astronaut Strength Conditioning and Rehabilitation):

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification required.

Bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology

Varies with position.

Health Physicist I (Exempt)

Health Physicist: Accomplishes technical reviews and manages projects researching health physics-related and radiation protection issues.

Assesses both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources. Responsible for the disposal of radioactive waste. Secret Clearance required for a minimum of 5 individuals

Bachelor’s degree Varies with Position

Health Physicist II (Exempt)

Health Physicist I duties with supervisory responsibilities. Secret Clearance required

Bachelor’s degree Varies with Position

Information Technologist (IT) I (Exempt)

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing to support an organization’s application systems. Consults with users to identify current operating procedures and to clarify program objectives. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Information Technology (IT) or Information Systems (IS) field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

2 years of experience in IT/IS or a related field.

Information Technologist (IT) II (Exempt)

Performs functions of IT I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Expected to write documentation to describe program development, logic, coding, and corrections. Writes manual for users to describe installation and operating procedures. Familiar with relational databases and client-server concepts. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Example would be a Software Programmer or Information Systems Developer.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

5 years of experience in IT/IS or a related field.

Information Technologist (IT) III (Exempt)

Performs functions of IT II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Writes manual for users to describe installation and operating procedures. Must have a working knowledge of relational databases and client-server concepts. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible for the solution of complex total systems problems. May work independently. Examples include Database Coordinator, Senior Programmer, Senior Information Systems Developer, or IT/IS Project Manager in a related field with commensurate experience.

Bachelor’s degree in related area

10 years of experience in IT/IS or a related field.

Information Technologist (IT) IV (Exempt)

Expert in Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Performs functions of IT III along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Must have a working knowledge of relational databases and client-server concepts. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible for the solution of complex total systems problems. Works independently. Example would be Database Manager, Network Administrator, and IT/IS Project Manager.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

15 years of

Information Technologist (IT) V (Exempt)

Authority in Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Performs functions of IT IV along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Accountable for design, development, test, implementation, and analysis. Recognized as technical expert and resource in specialized areas of Information Technology. Consummate expert in a variety of IT and Information Systems concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible and accountable for the solution of complex total system problems. Directs, guides, and coordinates activities of team/teams of technical personnel performing complex Information Technology and/or Information Systems activities. A wide degree of autonomy, creativity, and latitude is expected. Examples would be Information Systems Security Officer, Senior Certified AWS Developer, Senior AWS Certified Cloud Systems Administrator, Senior Certified Cloud Network Administrator, and Senior Project Manager. Professional level certifications required.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

17 years of directly applicable

Information Technologist (IT) VI (Exempt)

Recognized as an authority in Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Performs functions of Information Technologist V along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Requires broad and comprehensive expertise in industry best practices, theories, processes, and technologies within Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Requires significant interaction with other NASA Projects, NASA Centers, and International Partners to develop and lead integrated architected IT strategies and solutions. Recognized as an industry thought leader within or across multiple engineering disciplines. Influences strategic approach across projects and proactively identifies and solves complex problems that impact strategic approach. Directs and coordinates activities across multiple projects for technical personnel performing complex Information Technology and/or Information Systems activities. Mentors teams and advises approach to highly visible projects and those that cross organizational boundaries. Fosters collaboration across NASA Divisions, Directorates, Centers, and external organizations. Clearly articulates vision and instills a sense of ownership in subordinates and co-workers.

Professional level certifications may be required. Examples would be Senior Enterprise Architect, Certified AWS Solutions Architect, Certified AWS DevOps Engineer, and Senior Data Manager.

Bachelor’s degree in a related area, and may be expected to have a related master’s or higher degree.

20 years directly applicable experience in IT/IS or a related field

Laboratory Supervisor (Exempt)

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist: Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff. ASCP certification as Medical Laboratory Scientist

(MLS).

Bachelor’s degree Varies with position

Laboratory Technician (Non-exempt)

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians: Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

May work under the supervision of a medical technologist. American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) certification as Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT).

Associate degree Varies with position.

Manager I (Exempt)

Ensures employees in functional areas follow established procedures and generate finished work products under time and budgetary constraints and ensures product yields the expected outcome and meets established quality levels. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Demonstrates interpersonal and team building skills. Performs a variety of complex tasks.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Manager II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Manager I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Directs work of supervisors and other employees.

Demonstrates experience managing a diversified team. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and team building skills. Proven track record of completing projects on schedule, within budget with satisfied customers.

Typically reports to a Program Manager.

Bachelor’s degree 6 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians (Non-exempt)

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system.

Certification by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as appropriate: Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

High School Diploma (or equivalent), associate degree or required course work as required by certification.

Varies with position

Nurse Licensed Practical (Non-exempt)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Care for ill, injured, or patients or persons in an outpatient clinic. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Must pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) State license required.

High School diploma (or equivalent) and completion of state approved educational program.

Varies with position.

Nurse Practitioner (Exempt)

Nurse Practitioner: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication.

State license required. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Completion of an accredited educational program, generally master’s degree.

Varies with position.

Nurse Registered (Exempt)

Registered Nurse: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Must pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and state license required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Completion of state approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

Varies with position.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist I (Non-exempt)

Occupational Health and Safety Technician: Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists.

Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

Associate degree or completion of a certificate program

Varies with Position

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist II (Exempt)

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. Includes environmental protection officers. Maintain Certification in Industrial Hygiene.

Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or related field

Varies with Position

Optometrist (Exempt)

Optometrist: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. State license required.

Completion of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

degree.

Varies with position

Pharmacist (Exempt)

Pharmacist: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications. State Pharmacist license required.

Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited program.

Varies with position

Pharmacy Supervisor (Exempt)

Pharmacist (Supervisor or Research) Same as Pharmacist above but with supervisor or research responsibilities. State Pharmacist license required.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited program.

Varies with position

Physician I (Exempt)

Physician (Entry): A Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) licensed in the state of practice. Has completed state residency (post-graduate training) but is not board certified. Also includes licensed veterinarian-researcher (DVM).

MD or DO Varies with Position

Physician II (Exempt)

Physician (Experienced): Possesses board certification(s) in key clinical specialties that are considered unique to the contract. Examples of such specialties include: Aerospace Medicine, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Sports Medicine, Pathology, OB/GYN, Hyperbaric Medicine, etc. 3 years of experience post residency. Main responsibility is to perform Flight Surgeon duties that include overseeing the medical care of crew members and surgeon console operations.

MD or DO and completion of residency

Varies with Position

Physician III (Exempt)

Physician (Director): Responsibilities and/or oversight for occupational medicine programs, both foreign and domestic, Hyperbaric and Hypobaric and Emergency Medical Services.

MD or DO and completion of residency

Varies with Position

Physician Assistant (Exempt)

Physician Assistant: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. State license required.

Completion of an accredited educational program, generally master’s degree.

Varies with position.

Planner/Scheduler I (Non-exempt)

Responsible for reviewing, planning, estimating, and coordinating the efficient execution of manufacturing or maintenance work requests using project management software. Must be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the manufacturing or maintenance field.

Must perform a variety of tasks requiring precise attention to detail, excellent communication and computer skills, and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings. Must follow organizational and departmental procedures to complete tasks in a safe and timely manner.

Must be familiar with work control applications and processes being utilized on the contract. Typically works under the direction of a higher-level Planner/Scheduler or works on small to medium sized projects.

High School diploma or equivalent

2 years of relevant experience

Planner/Scheduler II (Non-exempt)

Performs functions of Planner/Scheduler I along with additional functions and qualifications.

High School diploma or equivalent

5 years of relevant experience

Professional I/ Technical Level I (Non-exempt)

Entry-level professional or technical positions. Examples of positions may include those in Human Resources, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Public Relations, laboratory support or those not captured already in other SLCs.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of associated work

Professional II/ Technical Level II (Exempt)

Mid-level professional or technical positions. Performs functions of Professional I/Technical I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Examples of positions may include those in Human Resources, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Public Relations, laboratory support or those not captured already in other SLCs.

Bachelor's degree 2 years of associated work

Professional III/ Technical Level III (Exempt)

Performs functions of Professional II/Technical Level II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years of associated experience

Project Controls Specialist I (Non-exempt)

Performs project controls support for engineering, design and delivery projects. Assists in the development and maintenance of project schedules for multiple projects. Assists in implementing standard project management practices to support good schedule, project management and reporting processes across multiple areas. Assists in preparing monthly contract management summary reports and monthly estimates at completion (EAC). Participates in audits, both internal and external.

Typically performs tasks under the direction of higher-level Project Controls Specialists.

Bachelor’s degree 0-2 years of experience

Project Controls Specialist II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Project Controls Specialist I along with additional responsibilities and functions.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years of experience

Psychologist Clinical (Exempt)

Psychologist: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Requires state license.

Doctorate in Psychology

Varies with position

Quality Assurance Manager (Exempt)

Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, plans and processes in accordance with quality assurance requirements, standards, and processes. As the Quality Management System Manager, performs or oversees corrective actions and periodic audits of internal quality processes and associated reporting. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Bachelor’s degree

10 or more years of relevant experience

Quality Assurance Specialist I (Non-exempt)

Performs inspections, verifications, and/or witnessing per work authorizing documents throughout the flight, flight-like, and ground support equipment product lifecycle during receiving, manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and final acceptance. Documents discrepancies for testing facilities and equipment, flight and flight-like hardware, ground support equipment, software and firmware. Accurately interprets and applies drawings, specifications, and standards. Adheres to safety protocols.

Works under the guidance of a senior QA. Requires certification and proficiency in electronic assembly workmanship standards as well as facility and product handling requirements, such as contamination control, lithium battery handling, electro-static discharge control.

High School diploma or equivalent

2 years of experience in process controls, inspections, verifications, and witnessing as well as laboratory operations

Quality Assurance Specialist II (Non-exempt)

Performs functions of Quality Assurance Specialist I as well as additional responsibilities, qualifications, and certifications. May perform geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T) and physical inspections using precision measuring equipment. May perform nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspections for flight, flight-like hardware, and ground support equipment. Adheres to safety protocols. Requires certification and proficiency in specialized inspection processes.

High School diploma or equivalent

5 years of experience in specialized inspections, such as GD&T and NDE

Quality Engineer I (Exempt)

Assures the quality of products and services throughout product lifecycle reviews for design, development, test and evaluation. Technical documents, such as drawings and specifications, are evaluated for adequate quality requirements and in-process controls. Performs flight equipment acceptance reviews. Evaluates test readiness review documentation and identifies hardware, software, firmware and facility readiness pre-test status. Approves work authorization documents and establishes mandatory inspection points. Provides inputs to milestone reviews and boards. Quality Engineers and Quality Assurance Specialists work together as members of an integrated Quality Team. Evaluates discrepancy reports and concurs on Material Review Board decisions.

Screens non-conformances for problem reporting and corrective action.

Supports the disposition and resolution of reported problems and tracks effectiveness of corrective actions. Evaluates engineering changes and waivers for quality assurance impacts. Evaluates inspection and test methods, tools, instruments, and processes for effectiveness. Actively assists and supports product delivery/acceptance reviews. Abides by and enforces adherence to published safety procedures.

Bachelor's degree in appropriate field of engineering

1 year of experience

Quality Engineer II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Quality Engineer I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Bachelor's degree in appropriate field of engineering

5+ years of experience

Quality Engineer III (Exempt)

Performs functions of Quality Engineer II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Prefer Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) designation.

Bachelor's degree in appropriate field of engineering

10+ years of experience

Radiologic Technologist (Non-exempt)

Radiologic Technologists: Take x rays and other scanning modalities for diagnostic purposes. International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) certification required for DEXA technicians; American Registry of Radiological Technologist (ARRT) certification for radiography. Texas state license required.

ARRT and/or ISCD approved training program.

Varies with position.

Safety Manager (Exempt)

Familiar with a variety of accepted safety concepts, practices and procedures. Develops, implements, and manages Safety plans, programs, and policies. Responsible for maintenance of safety/accident records.

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Assures safety coverage in facilities and laboratories. Familiar with OSHA requirements of 29 CFR 1910 and 1926. Requires a Certified Safety Professional.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.

10 years of experience in the safety profession and minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Scientist I (Exempt)

Assists with or performs professional work in research, using theoretical and experimental investigation in their specific discipline. Develops methodologies to solve problems. Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. Example would be a Science Coordinator.

Bachelor’s degree

Scientist II (Exempt)

Performs functions of Scientist I along with responsibilities and qualifications. Example would be a Science Assistant.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years of experience or a master's degree are required.

Scientist III (Exempt)

Performs functions of Scientist II along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Responsible for the solution of complex total systems problems.

Bachelor’s degree 10 years of experience, or a master's degree with 5 years of experience, or a doctoral degree is required.

Scientist IV (Exempt)

Expert in a scientific field. Performs functions of Scientist III along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. May direct major projects requiring integration/coordination across multiple scientific disciplines.

Performs professional work in research, using theoretical and experimental investigation in their specific scientific discipline at a level of complexity that requires unique capability. Develops methodologies to solve problems. Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. Responsible for the solution of complex total systems problems. May direct and coordinate activities of team/teams of technical personnel performing complex scientific activities. Example:

Biostatistician.

Doctorate degree 5 years

Scientist V (Exempt)

Authority in scientific field with national and or international recognition in their area of expertise. Performs functions of Scientist IV along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Responsible for major projects requiring integration/coordination across multiple scientific disciplines. Responsible for professional work in research, using theoretical and experimental investigation in their specific scientific discipline at a level of complexity that requires unique capability. May direct and coordinate activities for team/teams of technical personnel performing complex scientific activities. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible and accountable for the solution of complex total system problems. Directs guides and coordinates activities for team/teams of technical personnel performing complex scientific activities. Examples: Biostatistician, data scientist, or other science subject matter expert (SME).

Doctorate degree 10 years of related

Scientist VI (Exempt)

Recognized as an authority in one or more scientific fields with national and/or international recognition in their area of expertise. Performs functions of Scientist V along with additional responsibilities and qualifications.

Responsible for major operations in an entire lab, HRP Element, or Program requiring integration/coordination across multiple scientific disciplines. Fosters collaboration across NASA Divisions, Directorates, Centers, and/or external organizations. Responsible for professional work in research, using theoretical and experimental investigation in their specific scientific discipline, usually as a Principal Investigator, Co- Investigator, or Collaborator. Directs and coordinates activities for multiple teams of technical personnel performing complex scientific activities.

Clearly articulates vision and instills a sense of ownership in subordinates and co-workers. Responsible and accountable for the solution of complex total system problems, often resulting in exceptional or unique contributions.

Doctorate degree 15 years of related experience

Supervisor (Exempt)

Supervises work activities and oversees personnel. Ensures proper procedures are implemented and followed, and helps devise new techniques. A supervisor has full authority and may be considered a member of management. Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.

Bachelor’s degree 5 years of related experience

Supervisor (Senior) (Exempt)

Performs functions of Supervisor in addition to having additional responsibilities or qualifications.

Bachelor’s degree 10 years of supervisory

System Safety Engineer (Exempt)

Performs a range of analyses and assessments to include, but not limited to, failure mode and effects and analysis (FMEA)/critical items list (CILs), hazard analyses, safety control verifications and validations, and Probabilistic Risk Assessments (PRA) throughout the product lifecycle.

Tracks and updates these products at periodic safety review milestones.

Participates in product safety reviews, panels, and boards. Possesses knowledge of system safety standards, requirements, plans, and procedures.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

10 years

Technician I (Non-exempt)

Responsible for setting up, checking operational and experimental machinery, circuitry, and equipment. Follows pre-established guidelines, procedures and engineering specifications. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. May manufacture, assemble, and integrate flight and flight-like hardware and ground support equipment using electronic and mechanical assembly workmanship standards. Relies on instructions to perform the functions of the job. May require certification and proficiency in electronic assembly workmanship standards as well as facility and product handling requirements, such as contamination control, lithium battery handling, electro-static discharge control, and torquing.

High School diploma or its equivalent

Technician II (Non-exempt)

Performs functions of Technician I along with additional responsibilities and qualifications. Proficient in the use of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Manufactures, assembles, and integrates flight and flight-like hardware and ground support equipment using electronic and mechanical assembly workmanship standards.

Requires certification and proficiency in electronic assembly workmanship standards as well as facility and product handling requirements, such as contamination control, lithium battery handling, electro-static discharge control and torquing.

High School diploma or its equivalent

4 years of experience in the field or related area.

Technician Specialist (Non-exempt)

Possesses extensive and detailed knowledge of specific testing or operational processes employed in applicable areas. Has demonstrated capability to apply technical knowledge to solve new problems that require innovative approaches and skills normally achieved only through extensive experience. Interfaces with engineers and/or scientists at all levels to develop operational and experimental machinery, circuitry, and test equipment. Works with and provides technical guidance for lower-level technicians. May lead and direct the work of others. Requires certification and proficiency in electronic assembly workmanship standards as well as facility and product handling requirements, such as contamination control, lithium battery handling, electro-static discharge control and torquing.

High School diploma or its equivalent

15 years of experience in the field or related area and may require additional experience or education in one of the physical sciences directly applicable to the tasks performed.