Banknote Planning & Quality Engineer/Scientist II

Banknote Planning and Quality Engineers/Scientists work under regular supervision to participate in the coordination and direction of the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing banknote functions. Conduct in-depth analyses on quantitative and qualitative data. Identify options, assess trade-offs, measure outcomes, and develop consensus related to moderately complex projects involving Federal Reserve note design, development, production, quality, and ability to operate in commerce and resilience to counterfeiting threats. Collaborate with staff from the Federal Reserve System, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the US Secret Service, other domestic and international authorities, international central banks, and banknote industry. Projects include those that ultimately lead to decisions by the Board or Board Committees, notably the Committee on Federal Reserve Bank Affairs (BAC) and senior Division and Reserve Banks’ management. Perform assigned project tasks while developing domain expertise and may lead well-defined tasks within a project. Share information and ideas regarding projects and work for their Project Team, Section, or Division. Prepare and deliver communications including presentations and recommendations to others in the Section/Division and/or to external stakeholders. Some travel may be required.

Banknote Planning and Quality Engineers/Scientists perform the following responsibilities under regular supervision:

•   Perform quantitative and/or qualitative analyses in support of FRB mission, Division goals, and Section objectives

•   Assist senior staff by providing support, information or analysis

•   Prepare and deliver clear, accurate and concise communication orally and in writing

•   Share information and ideas regarding projects and work to Section/Project Teams/Division or external stakeholders

•   Perform assigned project tasks and lead well-defined tasks within a project

•   Support Section or Division in areas of expertise

•   Begin to develop areas of expertise

Banknote Planning and Quality Engineers/Scientists at the Federal Reserve Board may play many roles related to their jobs. They are responsible for a combination of the following roles:

•   Supports in producing charts, graphs, and other visuals to help analyze data

•   Helps identify relevant issues and trends and draw conclusions through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data

•   Supports the analysis of physical materials, assists with the assessment of characteristics, and helps with generating reports to inform data-driven strategic decision-making regarding banknote design, functionality, development, production, quality, security, adversarial analysis, counterfeit deterrence, and authentication programs

•   Use scientific methods and equipment to gather data to be used in analysis

•   Helps identify data that can be used to analyze banknote policy

•   Participate in governance and assist core teams

•    Helps review and analyze test plans for qualification of new materials, new banknotes, new production processes and new equipment and assess impact to the finished banknote security and quality, production, banknote processing, and use in commerce

•   Support and implement banknote policies and programs

Financial Analysis  

•   Supports in performing analysis of financial data and information in support of Division/Section’s area of responsibility

•   Clearly present analysis of financial data

•   Helps identify relevant issues and trends and draw conclusions through analysis of financial data

•   Helps to interpret and/or implement policy and/or guidance

•    Participate in drafting banknote policy and governance recommendations supported by logical reasoning and sound analysis

•   Helps to identify and analyze emerging risks in banknote design, development, security, production, quality, and ability to operate in commerce

•   Helps to assess the risks/threats facing Federal Reserve Notes (counterfeiting) and provide recommendations to address the risks

•   Apply appropriate risk management frameworks and policies to support the banknote life-cycle

The Bank Note Planning and Quality Control (BPQC) section supports the Board in meeting its statutory responsibilities under the Federal Reserve Act to issue banknotes. The goal of the program is to protect and maintain confidence in Federal Reserve notes (FRNs). To achieve this goal, BPQC staff is responsible for ensuring that FRNs are designed and produced to meet strict quality control standards in such a way that the notes effectively serve the needs of U.S. currency users. Staff participate on various currency program governance bodies, such as the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence Steering Committee, Interagency Currency Council, and Banknote and Technology Approval Committees. These inter-agency groups coordinate counterfeit deterrence activities, conduct programmatic reviews, recommend redesigns for U.S. currency, and evaluate banknote and technology projects with the Department of the Treasury and its Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the United States Secret Service.