Engineering Technician
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Posted
- Aug 13, 2022
- Closes
- Aug 18, 2022
- Function
- Engineer, IT, QA Engineer
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
Duties
The Structures Group, part of the Materials and Structural Systems Division in the Engineering Laboratory, conducts research to monitor, quantify, and predict performance of structural systems made of conventional and innovative construction materials subjected to multiple hazards, including age-related hazard.
Ongoing research includes innovative beam-column connections for enhanced robustness of precast concrete structures, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)-strengthened reinforced concrete bridge pier's non-destructive evaluation (NDT) and seismic performance, innovative sensors and NDT for life-cycle infrastructure condition assessment, and performance of materials and welded connections at elevated temperature.
If selected, you will:
- Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team.
- Provide technical laboratory support related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete test specimens, including acquisition of materials and construction of formwork, application of sensor on reinforcement, and planning for concrete delivery and casting of specimens.
- Perform troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical and hydraulic equipment, sensors and instruments, data acquisition systems, and/or software.
- Under supervisor guidance, carry out experimental testing based upon objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
- Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and carry out work in ways that improves the safety of the work environment.
- Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes and techniques.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent at the GS-08 grade level (ZT-II for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience with providing technical support in the application of embedded sensors (strain gages), usage of transducers, and/or operation of hydraulic systems.
OR
Two full years of graduate education
OR
Master's degree
OR
A combination of education and experience
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook .
Applicant Reconsideration
Education
This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here !
A trial period may be required.
This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition.
This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:
NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as:
The Structures Group, part of the Materials and Structural Systems Division in the Engineering Laboratory, conducts research to monitor, quantify, and predict performance of structural systems made of conventional and innovative construction materials subjected to multiple hazards, including age-related hazard.
Ongoing research includes innovative beam-column connections for enhanced robustness of precast concrete structures, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)-strengthened reinforced concrete bridge pier's non-destructive evaluation (NDT) and seismic performance, innovative sensors and NDT for life-cycle infrastructure condition assessment, and performance of materials and welded connections at elevated temperature.
If selected, you will:
- Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team.
- Provide technical laboratory support related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete test specimens, including acquisition of materials and construction of formwork, application of sensor on reinforcement, and planning for concrete delivery and casting of specimens.
- Perform troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical and hydraulic equipment, sensors and instruments, data acquisition systems, and/or software.
- Under supervisor guidance, carry out experimental testing based upon objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
- Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and carry out work in ways that improves the safety of the work environment.
- Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes and techniques.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. citizenship
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Suitable for Federal employment
- Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
- Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
- Bargaining Unit Position: No
Qualifications
Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent at the GS-08 grade level (ZT-II for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience with providing technical support in the application of embedded sensors (strain gages), usage of transducers, and/or operation of hydraulic systems.
OR
Two full years of graduate education
OR
Master's degree
OR
A combination of education and experience
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook .
Applicant Reconsideration
Education
This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here !
A trial period may be required.
This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition.
This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:
- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over
- Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds
- Light lifting, under 15 pounds
- Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over
- Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds
- Light carrying, under 15 pounds
- Reaching above shoulder
- Use of fingers
- Both hands required
- Walking (1 hour)
- Standing (3 hours)
- Kneeling (1 hour)
- Both legs required
- Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
- Both eyes required
- Depth perception
- Ability to distinguish basic colors
- Ability to distinguish shades of colors
- Hearing (aid may be permitted)
- Hearing without aid
- Outside
- Outside and inside
- Constant noise
- Dust
- Solvents (degreasing agents)
- Grease and oils
- Working around machinery with moving parts
- Working around moving objects or vehicles
- Working on ladders or scaffolding
- Working below ground
- Working with hands in water
- Working closely with others
- Working alone
NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as:
- Telework
- Flexible work schedules
- Paid parental leave
- Paid vacation
- Sick leave
- Family-friendly leave
- Child and elder-care resources
- On-site childcare center
- Lactation spaces
- Wellness programs
- Fitness center
- Employee assistance programs