On-Wafer Standard Reference Instrument Engineer

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Boulder, CO

9d

About The Position

NIST is hiring an Electronics Engineer to lead and develop research in on-wafer integrated devices, circuits, and systems, advancing measurement science for next-generation microwave and millimeter-wave technologies. The role develops new concepts and methods for improved measurements, including calibration and traceability approaches that strengthen U.S. measurement capabilities and support innovation in emerging technologies.

The work includes developing an on-wafer devices and circuits program; designing, fabricating, simulating, measuring, modeling, and calibrating microwave devices and circuits using extender heads; and developing calibration algorithms. The engineer presents results to management, sponsors, and the scientific community, consults with researchers and sponsors on technology and precision measurements, and mentors junior-level scientists.

This vacancy is issued under direct-hire authority. The position is covered by NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system. A probationary period may be required. The position has an education requirement, and transcripts must be submitted to validate it.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment.
• Meet the engineering education requirement through an acceptable engineering degree, or an accepted combination of education and experience demonstrating the required engineering knowledge and competence. Acceptable alternatives include professional registration or licensure, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering or another qualifying written examination, at least 60 semester hours of specified physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, or a related bachelor's curriculum combined with at least one year of professionally supervised engineering experience.
• In addition to the basic requirements, have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or a qualifying combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
• Specialized experience includes designing, fabricating, simulating, measuring, modeling, or calibrating microwave devices and circuits with extender heads; precision on-wafer microwave instrumentation and measurements with extender-head technology; and microwave circuit theory and development of calibration algorithms.
• Submit transcripts to validate the education requirement. Unofficial transcripts may be included with the application, but official transcripts are required before a final employment offer.
• For foreign education, provide an evaluation from an accredited organization confirming U.S. comparability, including a course-by-course listing.

Responsibilities

• Develop pioneering on-wafer calibration and traceability approaches to strengthen U.S. measurement capabilities and support innovation in emerging technologies.
• Develop new measurement concepts, including underlying algorithms and system design, hardware development, testing and integration, measurements, and data analysis.
• Present results clearly and accurately through presentations and journal articles to management, sponsors, and the scientific community.
• Test and measure on-wafer calibration structures and pioneer on-wafer traceability.
• Provide consultation to researchers and sponsors on technology and precision measurements.
• Mentor and serve as a resource to junior-level scientists.
• Lead and develop a research program in on-wafer integrated devices, circuits, and systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• NIST offers work-life flexibilities to help employees balance responsibilities at home and work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level