Engineering Technician (Materials Research)

Full Job Description

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.

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 Major Duties:

ZT-III: The Engineering Technician employs a variety of complex precision research apparatuses and measurement devices in consultation with scientists and engineers that advance the measurement of material properties.

Helps design and improve research plans to study how materials break down when exposed to heat, humidity, and UV light. Collects and analyzes data for several projects at once.

Follows existing data rules or creates new ones when a project needs a unique approach. Researches new equipment, writes technical specs for purchases, and manages service contracts.

ZT-IV: 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, in close collaboration with researchers.

Contributes technical expertise to the development, evaluation, and refinement of research plans and experimental testing procedures, focused on advancing the understanding and measurement of material properties and material degradation mechanisms over time when exposed to environmental stressors including UV, temperature and RH.

Manages data collection and analysis for multiple research projects, following lead researcher-identified protocols or creating new data collection protocols for specific project needs.

Oversees assigned laboratory spaces and equipment to ensure a safe, high-efficiency environment that streamlines the execution of experimental projects.

Performs administrative tasks to prepare procurement packages, service agreements, and credit card purchases to effectively maintain laboratory operations.

This includes conducting in-depth market research to establish technical specifications for acquisition of new laboratory equipment and ensure effective acquisition by serving as Technical Point of Contact or Contracting Officer Representative (COR-Level1) during procurement phase.

Plays a lead role in safety by identifying hazards and unsafe practices across all current and proposed laboratory activities during execution of experimental projects.

Develops clear and concise Hazard Review (HR) documentation to proactively evaluate and eliminate potential risks.