PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (TECHNICAL EXPLOITATION) Job in Charlottesville, VA

Vacancy No. ST-127055-01-EW Department Defense Intelligence Agency
Salary $74,678.00 to $116,362.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/10/2026 Close Date 7/23/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Charlottesville, VA


PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (TECHNICAL EXPLOITATION)

Department of Defense
Defense Intelligence Agency

Summary


We are committed to:

  • Teamwork: Partnering at all levels and across organizational boundaries for mission accomplishment.
  • Integrity: Adherence to the highest legal and ethical principles in our responsibilities.
  • Excellence: Unrivaled defense intelligence expertise.
  • Service: Putting the welfare of the Nation and commitment to our mission before oneself.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

See "WHO CAN APPLY” for more information on who is eligible to apply

Duties

DIA employs a variety of professionals who serve throughout the workforce to ensure successful operations. To view this position’s duties, click Vacancies to be directed to DIA’s online application system. Please make note of the position title and 6-digit Job Opening ID number to which you are interested. You can scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the announcement or click on the “Advanced Search” link and enter in the 6-digit Job Opening ID number in the “Job Opening ID” field.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • - U.S. Citizenship - Drug Test - Security Investigation

All applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a thorough background inquiry.

Qualifications



ASSESSMENT FACTORS

1. Demonstrates intermediate level of substantive understanding in the areas of technical and scientific expertise with goal of being able to interact effectively with peer Intelligence Community (IC) analysts and industry experts.
2. Makes informed decisions about work priorities to ensure accurate completion of assignments and projects, and makes adjustments as required.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of the basic functions of the hardware, software, and other tools relevant to area of responsibility.
4. Maintains flexibility in involving others when completing a task.
5. With guidance, seeks opportunities to collaborate or help solve a problem outside of his/her immediate team.

HIGHLY DESIRED SKILLS


1. Experience conducting laboratory analysis of metal alloys, ceramics, or composites using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, spark optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing (e.g. tensile, hardness, or impact testing), and thermal or mechanical analysis techniques (e.g. differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, or thermomechanical analysis).
2. Experience in metallographic sample preparation, including cutting, sectioning, mounting, machining/polishing, etching, and coating for microstructural examination across metals, ceramics, and composites. Demonstrated proficiency in preparing samples for grain structure analysis, grain size determination, phase composition characterization, and mechanical evaluation.
3. Exhibits adaptability in applying tailored analytical techniques to unconventional, field-collected, or compromised specimens while maintaining rigorous documentation, traceability, and
reporting standards to ensure reliable analysis and effective communication of findings.

Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

or

2. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

DIA positions are Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) positions in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. All applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. Applicants must meet the agency’s conditions of employment, to include, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of an initial special background investigation and periodic reinvestigation, completion of any required medical examination and physical requirements, completion of any required personal interviews, favorable completion of any required initial or aperiodic polygraph examinations, completion of any required drug test, satisfactory completion of a two-year Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System trial period, and completion of a civilian mobility agreement. All employees are required to sign an agreement not to disclose, in any fashion, classified information to unauthorized persons. All civilian employees are required to participate in the DoD Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer of Pay (DD/EFT) Program. DIA employees and applicants for employment are protected by federal laws, from discrimination. Employees and applicants are also protected against retaliation. Consistent with federal laws, acts of retaliation against an employee who engages in a protected activity, whistle blowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law, will not be tolerated. Veterans who are preference-eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Please visit our web site, www.dia.mil. Under the "Careers" heading on our web site, you will find a listing of benefits available to DIA employees.

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.

In order to qualify for this position, your application must include sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position to which you are applying. To view this position’s requirements, click Vacancies to be directed to DIA’s online application system. Please make note of the position title and 6-digit Job Opening ID number to which you are interested. You can scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the announcement or click on the “Advanced Search” link and enter in the 6-digit Job Opening ID number in the “Job Opening ID” field.

Required Documents

Please see instructions within the on-line application for this vacancy announcement on the DIA web-site, www.dia.mil.

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

How Do I Apply

HOW DO I APPLY?

Unless specified within the vacancy announcement, you must complete and submit your job application electronically, using DIA's online job tool.

  • Go to: http://www.dia.mil.

  • Click the link to "Search and Apply for Jobs" or click the link to "Careers" > "Vacancies."

  • Your first visit?  Click "New User" to setup your account.

  • Click "Search" to view Vacancy Announcements for opportunities that interest you.

  • Save as a Favorite or select the Job Opening to Apply.

  • At the top of the "Job Search" page, click "My Favorite Jobs" to view each announcement. Start the application process by clicking the "Apply" at the bottom of the announcement.
  • While working on the application, "Save" frequently. When you save the document, prior to final submission, you can exit the application and return later to continue by logging-in and going to Job Search > My Activities > Applications with a status of Not Submitted.

  • Finished? Click "Submit."
  • You must complete and submit the application prior to the closing date listed on the Vacancy Announcement.
  • Final applications are not available for revision. If you need to revise your application, complete and submit another application.

All positions in the Defense Intelligence Agency are in the excepted service under 10 USC 1601 appointment authority and covered by the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS), a General Grade (GG) pay system divided into grades and steps similar to OPM’s General Schedule (GS) compensation system. All candidates must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a thorough background inquiry and any required medical examinations.

Agency contact information

Civilian Operations Division
Phone
Not Available
Address
Defense Intelligence Agency
Bolling AFB
Washington, DC 20340

Next steps

Your application for employment must be prepared and submitted on-line at www.dia.mil. We will notify you, via e-mail, when your application has been received. Later, you will be notified, via e-mail, if DIA is or is not interested in you as a potential employee of our agency.

Defense Intelligence Agency

Agency contact information

Civilian Operations Division
Phone
Not Available
Address
Defense Intelligence Agency
Bolling AFB
Washington, DC 20340

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Intelligence Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.dia.mil