Skip to main content

This job has expired

Engineering Technician

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Closing date
Feb 1, 2022
Duties

The Infrastructure Materials Group, part of the Materials and Structural Systems Division in the Engineering Laboratory, conducts research to predict performance of conventional and innovative materials, components, and systems composing US buildings and infrastructure 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.

If selected, you will:
  • Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team.
  • Perform sophisticated 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 performs 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.


Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment


Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

To be qualified for this position, 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 in:

1. Performing measurement science using material characterization instruments and a minimum of two of the following data collection methods: image capture by either optical or scanning electron microscopes, spectra by ultraviolet - visible - near infrared spectroscopy or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, load-displacement by mechanical testing, diffraction patterns from an x-ray source, mass loss measurement by thermogravimetric analysis, thermal measurements by differential scanning calorimetry, surface area measurements of powders by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller testing, viscosity - thixotropy - shear stress - shear strain measurements by using a rheometer, position control using a 5 or more axis robot.

AND

2. Applying established research methodologies to include preparations, quality control, calibrations, calculations, and recording results based on analytical data produced.

OR

Two full years of graduate education in a field directly related to the work of the position.

OR

Master's degree in a field directly related to the work of the position.

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.

Foreign Education: 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

The physical worksite for this position is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. However, the Materials and Structural Systems Division is currently under a maximum telework posture due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, this position is currently under a telework schedule. The position's telework schedule will likely change in the future when Materials and Structural Systems Division moves away from its maximum telework posture. At that time, the incumbent will be expected to report to the physical work site in accordance with the updated status requirements of their supervisor. The nature and scope of future telework opportunities will be subject to the unit's telework policy, any applicable bargaining unit agreements, and supervisory approval. Payment of relocation expenses, as applicable, will be paid in accordance with this Job Opportunity Announcement. Non-compliance with the supervisor's telework-schedule requirement could result in adverse action, including separation.

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.

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
  • Child and elder-care resources
  • On-site childcare center
  • Lactation spaces
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness center
  • Employee assistance programs


Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert