Physical Scientist

Summary

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy on behalf of the Office of Electricity. As a General Engineer, you will oversee technically complex DOE scientific and engineering projects or initiatives. This may include but is not limited to the scientific and engineering design, development, implementation and evaluation of these programs/projects.

Duties

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The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) provides project management oversight for the Office of Electricity's (OE) demonstration and deployment projects focused on enhancing the reliability, resilience, security, and affordability of the nation's electric grid.

At the full performance level, GS-13, Physical Scientist, you will:

• Direct and oversee scientific and engineering projects from conception to completion, including research, development, design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Evaluate engineering and physical science issues, data, and technological trends to resolve major conflicts, address uncertainties, and develop innovative solutions.
• Prepare essential project documentation (e.g., statements of work, budgets, procurement packages) and serves as Technical Project Officer to monitor award progress, schedules, costs, and deliverables.
• Assess the applicability of new technologies and collaborates in formulating new technical standards, concepts, and operational strategies to support energy resource sustainability and infrastructure resilience.
• Provide authoritative expert consultation to management and external partners, and develops reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate project progress and technical results to diverse audiences.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08).
• Occasional travel may be required.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• Obtains and maintains Technical Project Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (TPO/COR) certification at a level appropriate for assigned project(s). Selectee will be required to obtain certification within 6 months from start date.

Qualifications

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

A. 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.

OR

B. 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.

GS-12 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

1. Participating in the planning or tracking of physical science projects, studies, or research and development initiatives, including monitoring project milestones, schedules, or basic resource needs.
2. Assisting in preparing technical documentation (such as draft statements of work, technical specifications, project plans, test procedures, or funding applications) and reviewing technical deliverables for adherence to established guidelines or requirements.
3. Preparing written technical reports, summaries, or data profiles, and delivering technical briefings or presentations to project team members, management, or external partners to report on progress, test results, or study findings.

GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

1. Planning, coordinating, and monitoring physical science research, development, demonstration, or technology deployment projects from initiation through completion, including tracking technical scope, project schedules, and budgets.
2. Preparing project requirements (such as Statements of Work, technical specifications, or funding proposals) and monitoring contract or financial assistance award deliverables to ensure compliance with established standards, regulations, or policies.
3. Writing technical reports, evaluations, or project documentation, and delivering oral presentations or technical briefings to diverse audiences (such as project teams, leadership, contractors, or external partners) to explain project progress, findings, or recommendations.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Additional information

• Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.

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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.