Physical Scientist

Department of Energy Headquarters • Paducah, KY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management, Portsmouth Paducah Project Office (PPPO). The PPPO manages cleanup at the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant in Piketon, Ohio, and the Paducah plant in Kentucky, including environmental remediation, waste management, depleted uranium hexafluoride conversion, and decontamination and decommissioning. Its goals are to accelerate cleanup, eliminate potential environmental threats, reduce the DOE footprint, and lower life-cycle costs.

The Physical Scientist serves as an expert advisor providing strategic leadership for major DOE scientific and engineering initiatives. The position develops and implements technical guidance for complex systems, projects, and programs to address novel, mission-critical management and operational challenges. The role is not eligible for remote work and requires travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; alternatively, qualifying equivalent education with the required coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 managing complex engineering or science projects from planning through completion, conducting technical analyses to solve difficult scientific or engineering problems, and preparing technical reports, project documents, budgets, or recommendations for managers and senior leaders.
• For GS-14: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 planning and leading major science and engineering programs, evaluating complex technology risks and performance to develop risk-mitigation plans and advance long-term strategic goals, and advising senior leadership on complex scientific and engineering issues.
• Provide college transcripts; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an appropriately recognized organization.
• Valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance; the position is Critical-Sensitive.
• Pass applicant testing and submit to random drug testing thereafter.
• Meet applicable background investigation and suitability or fitness requirements.
• If selected, may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• At GS-14, submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
• Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.

Responsibilities

• Direct high-impact scientific and engineering programs that lack technical precedent to meet organizational goals and missions.
• Represent the agency on interagency task forces and before Congress, state officials, and industry partners, delivering technical briefings or testimony.
• Evaluate technical maturity and scientific trends across complex technology options to inform decisions and reduce operational risks.
• Serve as a technical authority, formulate and implement policies, and provide strategic counsel to senior leadership and external partners.
• Develop cross-organizational guidance to resolve complex engineering problems and promote collaboration with public and private partners.
• Plan and lead major science and engineering programs.
• Evaluate complex technology risks and performance to develop risk-mitigation plans and advance long-term strategic goals.
• Advise senior leadership on complex scientific and engineering issues.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized under agency policy if funding is available.

What This Job Offers

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