INTERDISCIPLINARY-NUCLEAR ENGINEER, PHYSICIST, CHEMIST

Air Force STEM$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of specialized experience in nuclear material forensic collection and analysis required.
  • Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field is highly desired.
  • Demonstrated mastery of nuclear explosion forensics is essential.
  • Extensive knowledge of nuclear weapons testing program processes and materials is necessary.
  • Ability to engage with senior technical advisors and scientists as a recognized expert required.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and interpret complex nuclear analysis data using the scientific method.
  • Set collection and analysis requirements for nuclear material sampling post-explosion.
  • Act as the subject matter expert in national technical discussions.
  • Continuously improve processes for data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
  • Review research and development efforts to assess technical value to mission.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive federal benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans.
  • Eligibility may depend on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
  • Access to training and development opportunities.
  • Potential for travel required to perform duties.
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request.
Full Job Description
Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is to: to evaluate a broad spectrum of disparate nuclear collection and laboratory analysis data to determine the appropriate technical assessment of those data and the associated confidence level.

*** Salary ranges includes local market supplements ***

Duties

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Duty 1 - Data/event evaluation, assessment, and reporting. Applies scientific method to analyze and interpret complex, and often disparate, nuclear analysis laboratory/field data.

Duty 2 - Sets collection and analysis requirements. Sets the collection requirements and makes technical decisions affecting both airborne and ground-based sampling based on an understanding of the types, forms, and environmental transport/fate of nuclear materials after a nuclear explosion or accident.

Duty 3 - Represents center and squadron as subject matter expert. Recognized national expert in trace material forensic collection and analysis. Participates in technical discussions with senior US civilian/military technical advisors and scientists.

Duty 4 - Monitors and improves collection, analysis, and evaluation processes. Stays abreast of mission related technology. Reviews RDT&E efforts to determine technical value to the mission.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/.
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
  • Shift work may be required.
  • Employee must maintain current certifications.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments.
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Advanced technical degree, Masters or Ph.D., is highly desired.
  • Employee may be required to undergo random Cl polygraph examinations in accordance with security regulations involving material handled.
  • Leave Accrual may be authorized upon request.
  • The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • This is an Interdisciplinary position that can be filled as a GG-0840-13 NUCLEAR ENGINEER, GG-1310-13 PHYSICIST, or GG-1320-13 CHEMIST.


Qualifications

This is a GG-13 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-13 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-13 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

To qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements describes in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

NUCLEAR ENGINEER GG-0840- 13

A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. Click the following link to view occupational requirements for the Nuclear Engineer position:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/nuclear-engineering-series-0840/

PHYSICIST GG-1310-13

A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

B.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 courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

CHEMIST GG-1320-13

A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience - course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: Mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of trace nuclear material forensic collection, analysis, and related nuclear evaluation (at a level that enables the incumbent to serve as technical authority on nuclear explosion forensics). Detailed knowledge of nuclear weapons testing program processes and the materials used/produced in/during testing. Knowledge of technical analyses of effluent detection/measurement and signatures of nuclear weapons, reactors, and other nuclear phenomena sufficient to distinguish between the different events/sources and to serve as a recognized consultant and expert on national and international groups and committees. An in-depth knowledge of the nuclear-test treaty monitoring community and the multiagency interests and requirements, and interactions. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Substantial professional knowledge of physics and chemistry associated with nuclear data evaluation methods/processes related to nuclear explosions.

2. In-depth knowledge of physics and chemistry related to the detection, and discrimination of nuclear explosions from other nuclear processes/activities (for example, medical isotope production).

3. Ability to evaluate highly complex scientific information in relation to scientific theory and observed results; and to apply sound scientific judgment in addressing unprecedented situations.

4. Substantial skill in applying scientific, theoretical principles of physics with an emphasis on nuclear detection and nuclear process discrimination in both independent and team evaluation scenarios.

5. Ability to recognize and anticipate subtle changes in global/regional nuclear background that may affect organization's treaty monitoring capabilities.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in order to produce scientific reports and senior level presentations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

1. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.

2. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the AF Civilian Testing Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the AF, national security, and public safety.

3. The duties of this position meets all requirements as a category 4 designation, and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency or office to function effectively. This position must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CAN NOT become a member of the Ready Reserve. (IAW: DoDD 1200.7, "Screening the Ready Reserve,")

4. This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.

For additional information on DCIPS, click here

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

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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

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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.

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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.

About Air Force STEM

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Join the dedicated team at Air Force STEM, where innovation meets leadership, and diversity training is at the core of its mission. This is an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a professional network that is committed to excellence and growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines within the military sector.

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Air Force STEM offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and interests. From cutting-edge research positions to roles supporting advanced technology implementations, each job is crucial in maintaining national security and advancing technological frontiers.

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For those starting their career journey, Air Force STEM provides robust internship programs designed to transform academic knowledge into practical, hands-on experience. These internships pave the way for full-time employment, offering a seamless transition into professional roles within the team.

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Career development is a cornerstone of Air Force STEM's commitment to its team. With comprehensive professional growth plans and diverse career paths, individuals can navigate through various roles that align with their professional ambitions and personal interests.

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The benefits at Air Force STEM go beyond traditional employment perks. Team members enjoy comprehensive health benefits, substantial retirement plans, and continuous learning opportunities. The culture promotes a collaborative environment where every member’s contribution is valued, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

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Leadership at Air Force STEM is about inspiring team members to exceed their potential. With a focus on innovation and leadership development, the company equips its team with the tools necessary to lead in their fields and contribute to significant advancements in technology.

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