Physical Scientist
Company
Department of Defense - Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Location
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Type
Full Time
Job Description
Summary
This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023.This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024.
This is an acquisition position. For more information please see: AcqDemo.
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Duties
As a Physical Scientist at the GS-1301-15 some of your typical work assignments may include:
The position requires the individual to act as a subject matter expert in physical sciences, such as applied physics and chemistry, to guide the development of advanced technology prototypes for detection, protection, modeling, and hazard mitigation of chemical and biological threats. Key duties include:
Directs the formulation, development, implementation, and dissemination of DTRA's research and development efforts involving shock-related nuclear weapons effects and provides technical expertise on these matters
Manages and coordinates efforts that address the shock-related nuclear weapons effects needs of DTRA and the Department of War (DoW) and involves the activities of numerous other government, commercial, and academic organizations
Oversees the development of user-oriented shock-related nuclear weapons effects computer codes to aid non-technical Senior decision makers evaluate acquisition and operational plans
Serves as scientific advisor to DTRA superiors, staff, and other DoW services/agencies on all shock-related nuclear weapons effects matters
Prepares budget estimates, provides for continuity of effort, and reviews service proposals and proposals from commercial research and development firms in support of shock-related nuclear weapons effects phenomenology and related system impacts
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Work Schedule: Full-time
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Overtime: Occasionally
Tour of Duty: Flexible
Recruitment Incentives: Subject to approval
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance and access to North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, and Restricted Data information.
Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter.
Travel, including international, in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 10% of duty time.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
The employee must be willing to comply with each Combatant Command (COCOM) travel medical requirement to include vaccinations.
May be subject to random DoD counterintelligence scope polygraph if assigned to programs or duty locations that have such a requirement.
Incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE 450, upon entering the position, annually, and upon termination of employment, in accordance with DOD Directive 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, August 30, 1993.
This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Engineering and Technical Management (ETM) functional area: Will be required to become certified at the ETM Foundational tier within 3 years and the ETM Practitioner tier within 5 years.
The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal with 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.
Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS 15 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service, military or private sector:
Creating, coordinating and executing large research, development, test and evaluation programs to successful outcomes
Translating basic scientific principles into capabilities for non-technical Senior decision makers
Building, directing and guiding multi-functional and multi-national teams to successful outcomes
Managing financial resources to achieve fiscal goals in a timely manner, including adjusting plans based on emerging requirements
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Additional information
Other Notes:
ACQUISITION POSITION: This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Program Management functional area. The incumbent will be required to become certified in the Practitioner tier within 5 years. The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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Date Posted
03/31/2026
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