NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physical Science Technician to join our team!

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 provide the metrological foundation for emerging electronic, magnetic, and photonic technologies by developing high-precision measurement devices, systems, standards, and methodologies and applying them to address national needs. If hired as a Physical Science Technician for the Quantum Sensors Division, you will: Fabricate and assemble high-performance silicon platelet micromachined microwave feed horns and other microwave components for use in cryogenic microwave polarimeter arrays for astronomical science. Perform metrology and other quality assurance measurements on microwave components during and after the manufacturing process. Maintain existing processes and develop improved processes for fabricating microwave optical components including photolithography and plasma etching. Provide technical knowledge as needed to maintain and expand the capabilities of the division's micro-fabrication facilities (cleanroom).

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 (ZT-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience providing technical support in the characterization of materials using modern techniques such as electron microscopes and NMR synchrotron radiation Experience preparing samples, performing measurements, and assisting in analysis Experience providing technical support in the design and fabrication of components of scientific equipment that must operate under moderate or high vacuum Experience with material properties and behavior under vacuum and at the high or low temperatures to which components are frequently subjected -OR- Master's degree in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position -OR- Two full years of graduate education (36 semester hours) in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position -OR- An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education beyond the first 1 1/2 years (27 semester hours) of progressive graduate study. Graduate education must be in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. For application tips, please refer to this site: Application Tips If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position allows applicants to qualify with education. 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 prior to a final offer of employment.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view more information about this from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.

Contacts

• Address Quantum Electromagnetics Division 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899 US
• Name: Tailor Thompson
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]