Superconducting Device Fabrication Technician

Summary PML's Quantum Sensors Division seeks a Superconducting Device Fabrication Technician to serve as a senior expert in the micro-fabrication and characterization of millikelvin-scale superconducting sensors. You will lead process innovation in photolithography, vacuum, and plasma systems to advance device architectures. By driving yield improvement and failure analysis, you will shape Division-wide fabrication strategy and ensure the success of ultra-high performance quantum research programs. Learn more about this agency Duties NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, sometimes across more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Quantum Sensors Division, whose mission is to build the metrological foundation for emerging electronic, magnetic, and photonic technologies. They achieve this by developing high-precision measurement devices, systems, standards, and methodologies and applying them to address national needs. If hired for this position, you will: Lead the end-to-end development of ultra-high performance superconducting sensors and integrated circuits, managing everything from micro-fabrication to device characterization at millikelvin temperatures. Drive technical innovation in micro- and nano-fabrication by developing novel processes and device architectures that expand the Division's facility capabilities and meet critical program deliverables. Expertly manage advanced fabrication tools, maintaining senior-level proficiency in photolithography, vacuum systems, plasma processing, and wet chemistry to ensure high-precision results. Spearhead strategic process improvements, overseeing yield optimization, failure analysis, and the integration of superconducting devices with advanced readout systems to ensure the success of large-scale research programs. 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 To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 (or ZT-IV at NIST) or higher in ALL of the following areas: Experience in micro- or nano-fabrication of ultra-low temperature superconducting sensors or circuits, including the conception, development, and optimization of novel fabrication processes. Experience using and troubleshooting photolithography, vacuum, plasma, and wet chemical processing techniques and tools in a Class 100 cleanroom. Experience leading or significantly contributing to multi-disciplinary projects, mentoring or guiding junior staff on best practices, and influencing fabrication strategy, facility capabilities, or research direction. Experience applying advanced diagnostic, metrology, and materials characterization techniques to superconducting sensors, circuits, and/or microwave devices to establish process control methodologies and improve device yield and reproducibility. 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 Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. 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 trial period may be required. This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. 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.