Engineering Technician - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD
About the Job
Summary The Fire Research Division at the Engineering Laboratory is dedicated to reducing the impact of fires through experimental research. We enhance firefighter safety, develop models to assess building fire performance, and advance measurement science to minimize fire hazards. Our work spans small labs, the National Fire Research Laboratory, and field research, including efforts to advance firefighter safety and effectiveness and to protect Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities from fire risks. Responsibilities If selected at the ZT-III level: you will: Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team. Perform tasks related to the preparation and fabrication of experimental apparatuses and test fixtures using manufacturing processes such as forming and shaping (forming brake, etc.), machining (turning, milling, etc.), and joining (welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical joining, etc.); construct building mock-ups; and install various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatuses, and fixtures. Perform troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. Carry out experimental testing based upon supervisory-defined objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and perform work that improves the safety of the work environment. Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes, and techniques. If selected at the ZT-III level: you will: Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team. Perform tasks related to the preparation and fabrication of experimental apparatuses and test fixtures using manufacturing processes such as forming and shaping (forming brake, etc.), machining (turning, milling, etc.), and joining (welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical joining, etc.); construct building mock-ups; and install various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatuses, and fixtures. Perform troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. Carry out experimental testing based upon supervisory-defined objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and perform work that improves the safety of the work environment. Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes, and techniques. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify at the ZT-II Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-04 grade level (ZT-I for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in all the following: Assisting colleagues in fabricating and assembling devices, mechanisms, machines, or laboratory apparatuses using prototype manufacturing processes, such as forming and shaping (forming brake, etc.), machining (turning, milling, etc.), and joining (welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical joining, etc.). Assisting teammates in basic troubleshooting efforts on technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics. At least 6 of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting if the position has been designated by a drafting area of specialization. OR A combination of education and specialized experience 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 is defined as experience in all of the following: Fabricating and assembling complex devices, mechanisms, machines, or laboratory apparatuses using manufacturing processes such as forming and shaping (forming brake, etc.), machining (turning, milling, etc.), and joining (welding, brazing, soldering, mechanical joining, etc.). Performing troubleshooting efforts on mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, or technical instruments. Working with a team to resolve technical challenges and complete complex technical projects. OR Two full years of graduate education OR Master's degree OR A combination of education and experience 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: 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 before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: Heavy lifting: 45 pounds and over Moderate lifting: 15-44 pounds Light lifting: under 15 pounds Heavy carrying: 45 pounds and over Moderate carrying: 15-44 pounds Light carrying: under 15 pounds Straight pulling: (1 hours) Pulling hand over hand: (1 hours) Pushing: (1 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking: (<8 hours) Standing: (<8 hours) Crawling: (<1 hours) Kneeling: (<1 hours) Repeated bending: (<8 hours) Climbing, legs only: (<1hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms Both legs required Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Half and full face respirator This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: Outside Outside and inside Excessive heat Excessive cold Excessive humidity Excessive dampness or chilling Dry atmospheric conditions Excessive noise, intermittent Dust Fumes, smoke, or gases Solvents (degreasing agents) Grease and oils Working around machinery with moving parts Working around moving objects or vehicles Working on ladders or scaffolding Working closely with others Working alone NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs
Source : National Institute of Standards and Technology