Engineering Technician (Materials Research)

The Engineering Laboratory (EL) promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology for engineered systems in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life. The Engineering Technician provides essential technical support to various research projects conducted within the Division's laboratories by utilizing advanced precision research apparatuses and sophisticated measurement devices.

**Qualifications:**
To qualify at the ZT-III Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-08 grade level (ZT-II for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes conducting high-energy weathering experiments (SPHERE) and characterizing material degradation via advanced spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman, NMR, UV/Vis), microscopy (SEM, Confocal), and synchrotron-based techniques. This includes the design, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory prototypes-incorporating precision soldering and circuit maintenance-alongside the development of computer-based automation and data analysis pipelines using Python, LabTalk, and Origin. Furthermore, it involves the expert operation of specialized software (OPUS, OMNIC, TESCAN), the execution of carbon/sulfur combustion analysis (LECO CS744) including preventative maintenance, and the synthesis of complex datasets for technical reporting. OR Two full years of graduate education in a directly related field. OR Master's degree in a directly related field. OR A combination of education in a directly related field and specialized experience. To qualify at the ZT-IV Level: Applicants must have one year (52 Weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-10 grade level (ZT-III for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes leading research milestones and co-authoring technical publications while executing high-energy weathering experiments (SPHERE) and characterizing material degradation via advanced spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman, NMR, UV/Vis), microscopy (SEM, Confocal), and synchrotron-based techniques. This role involves the high-level design, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory prototypes-incorporating precision soldering and circuit maintenance-alongside developing computer-based automation and data analysis pipelines using Python, LabTalk, and Origin. Furthermore, it requires the expert operation of specialized software (OPUS, OMNIC, TESCAN), the execution of carbon/sulfur combustion analysis (LECO CS744), and the synthesis of complex datasets for formal technical presentations to scientific audiences. 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: Section 14: Reconsideration of Qualification Determinations | NIST