In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.
Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee. Please keep this in mind when indicating the lowest grade you will accept. If selected at the lower grade level, your scientific impact will be examined in addition to other factors, to determine if you are eligible for promotion.
To qualify for GS-12, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:
- Analyzing the voltage characteristics of a photovoltaic cell to assess performance and experience with solar simulation;
- Supporting the modeling of photovoltaic cell performance, synthesis of wafer-based or thin film photovoltaic cells, or assembly of photovoltaic cells into arrays;
- Participating in research or data collection of environmental, durability or qualification testing for aerospace photovoltaic cells or arrays.
OR
b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
- Designing, developing, or leading performance qualification testing of photovoltaic cells for aerospace applications;
- Conducting tests or data analysis to evaluate the environmental interaction or durability of photovoltaic cells (e.g., exposure to charged particle and lunar dust environments);
- Formulating new proposed research on the construction of aerospace flight quality photovoltaic cells or arrays.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit
https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Required college majors for applicants qualifying
on the basis of graduate education only (GS-12 only): Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics, Chemistry, Applied Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics.
Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Electronics Engineering, Applied Mathematics (or other field), if the major includes or is supplemented by one course in thermodynamics, nuclear physics, rocket propulsion fundamentals, gas dynamics or modem or molecular physics; Astronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pure Mathematics (or other related field), if includes or is supplemented by nine semester hours (or the equivalent) in physics, thermodynamics, chemistry or closely related fields.