Duties

The Materials and Structural Systems Division in the Engineering Laboratory, conducts experimental research on an array of topics focused on structural systems and materials performance composing US buildings and infrastructure.

Research projects within the Division focus on prediction of performance of conventional and innovative materials, components, and structural systems throughout the service life by developing a fundamental understanding of the performance properties and the degradation mechanisms when exposed to intended (real world) or accelerated (laboratory) loading environments. Material systems being evaluated include polymers exposed to environmental stressors, including ultraviolet light. Concrete development efforts include measurement methods for 3D printing of cement-based materials. Some of the experimental work includes structural testing of large steel, 3D printed concrete or reinforced concrete specimens.

Ongoing structural engineering research includes innovative beam-column connections for enhanced robustness of precast concrete structures, and assessment criteria for structural components considering loading history.

If selected at the II level, you will:

• Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team.
• Under the supervision of senior ZT staff, perform well defined tasks related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete/steel test specimens, prepare concrete specimens for materials testing, install various sensors on testing specimens.
• Assist senior ZT staff with troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical equipment, instruments, and/or software.
• Under supervisor guidance, carry out smaller parts of experimental testing.
• Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and perform work that improves the safety of the work environment.
• Provide engineering support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes and techniques.

If selected at the III level, you will:

• Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team.
• Perform tasks related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete test specimens, including acquisition of materials and construction of form work, application of sensors 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 equipment, instruments, 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 perform work that improves the safety of the work environment.
• Provide engineering support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes
• and techniques.

We would like the selectee to have experience in the following: electronics repairs, soldering, field and laboratory concrete testing, computer-aided design and drafting software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), familiarity with Labview for collecting data using NI DAQ systems, Python or other programming language for analyzing experimental data. Any previous experience in using power tools and equipment during construction activities, such as: concrete saws, drills, coring equipment, jackhammers, forklift, skid steer, overhead crane, etc.

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

Basic Requirement:

To qualify at the ZT-II Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-04
grade level (ZT-I for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in at least one of the following:

1. Performing tasks related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete or steel test specimens. Building and testing companion concrete and/or steel specimens for material testing.

2. Performing measurements with material characterization instruments in a research setting.

OR

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics. At least 6 of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting if the position has been designated by a drafting area of specialization.

OR

A combination of education and specialized experience

To qualify at the ZT-III Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-08 grade level (ZT-II for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in at least two of the following:

1. Performing tasks related to the preparation and construction of structural concrete or steel test specimens. Building and testing companion concrete and/or steel specimens for material testing.

2. Performing measurements with material characterization instruments in a research setting.

3. Applying established research methodologies based on analytical data produced, such as project preparations, quality control, calibrations, calculations, and/or generating reports.

OR

Two full years of graduate education in a directly related field.

OR

Master's degree in a directly related field.

OR

A combination of education in a directly related field and specialized 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 .

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: 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 !

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY in order to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations
• 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 2 hours
• Standing 4 hours
• Kneeling 1 hour
• Repeated bending 2 hours
• Climbing, use of legs and arms
• 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

This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:

• Outside
• Outside and inside
• Excessive heat
• Excessive humidity
• Constant noise
• Dust
• Solvents (degreasing agents)
• Grease and oils
• Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
• 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

We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

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
• Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
• Child and elder-care resources
• On-site childcare center
• Lactation spaces
• Wellness programs
• Fitness center
• Employee assistance programs