Electromechanical Metrology Scientist

Summary NIST is seeking an Electromechanical Metrology Scientist to design ENTR with a focus on optimizing usability, robustness, and ergonomics. If selected, you will: Develop the design, testing, and analysis of an electromechanical system Promote the SI torque realization project to external projects Participate as a creative member of a research team This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Learn more about this agency Duties The Fundamental Electrical Measurement Group is seeking a dedicated Electromechanical Metrology Scientist to advance the nation's primary measurement standards. In this role, you will leverage physical laws, quantum invariants, and ultra-precision measurement techniques to maintain and refine the experiments that serve as the U.S. national standards for the ohm and farad. By utilizing the defining constants of the International System of Units (SI), you will help provide fundamental traceability through the exact values of quantum electrical constants. If selected, you will: - Participate as a creative member of a basic research team - Realize the SI mechanical units from the defining constants of the SI - Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures - Develop the design, testing, and analysis of an electromechanical system to realize torque - Promote the SI torque realization project to outside interested projects Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements: 1. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR 2. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience in realized SI units via defining constants; designed precision rotary mechanics in CAD; coded LabVIEW/Python for FPGA real-time control; AND published peer-reviewed measurement research. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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 has an education requirement. 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 before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. 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 course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. 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 to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. 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. For more information, please visit our Careers website. Expand Hide  additional information 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.