Engineering Technician Job in Gaithersburg, MD

Vacancy No. EL-733-25-12565269-DE Department National Institute of Standards and Technology
Salary $45,146.00 to $97,925.00 Grade 2 to 3
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/22/2024 Close Date 11/4/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Gaithersburg, MD


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.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).

Duties

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

  • 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
  • Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No

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:
  1. 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.).
  2. 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:
  1. 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.).
  2. Performing troubleshooting efforts on mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, or technical instruments.
  3. 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

Benefits

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.

Review our benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

How you will be evaluated: We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position. Please be sure that your resume and supporting documents include detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient and/or legible evidence in your resume or supporting documents may result in a "not qualified" determination. You MUST select at least ONE eligibility (i.e., how you wish to be considered) to receive consideration for this position.

Rating: Applications will be assessed on the following competencies:

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Research
  • Technical Competence
  • Toolmaking


Subject Matter Experts may be used for qualification determinations. If the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met, your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals, or awards relevant to the duties of the position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses in the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application. To preview the questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12565269

Referral:If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. You will be referred depending upon your eligibility (i.e., Merit candidate, veterans preference, etc). Please review the Evaluation Process on how applicants are review and referred based upon how they wish to be considered for the position.

CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility

Required Documents

The documents required vary based on how you're applying (i.e., as a veteran or disabled veteran, current or former Federal employee, etc.). Please review the Required Documents for this position to find out if there are any documents required with your application. Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

A complete application includes: 1) A resume, 2) vacancy question responses, and 3) submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, or if the documents submitted are illegible you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Resume: All applicants must submit a resume by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their choosing. Cover letters are optional. To receive any credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and the number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please refer to the Resume Guidance on how to build an effective resume.

Reinstatement: If you are a former federal employee (separated from Federal service for at least 1 year) and wish to be non-competitively reinstated for a higher grade or full performance level than which you left federal employment, you MUST provide a copy of your separation SF-50 (the "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2") AND the last performance appraisal you received from your federal employment which shows at least a fully successful rating.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the closing date of the announcement.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Human Resources Office will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Need help applying?

  • If you are experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button), please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If you receive any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or, at a minimum, the error message text and number.We will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance if necessary.
  • If you are having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder), please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
  • If you are experiencing a significant hardship that hinders your ability to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during regular business hours to discuss your situation.

Agency contact information

Evelyn Carter-Hopkins
Address
Fire Research Division
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

We will update applicant statuses when:

  • A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
  • Applications are referred to the selecting official.
  • A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after announcement's closing date. Also, note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication, which could affect your consideration for this position.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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