Physical Scientist

Department of Energy Headquarters • Albany, OR

2d

About The Position

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy, on behalf of the Office of Electricity. The National Energy Technology Laboratory provides project management oversight for the Office of Electricity’s demonstration and deployment projects focused on improving the reliability, resilience, security, and affordability of the nation’s electric grid. At the GS-13 full performance level, the Physical Scientist oversees technically complex scientific and engineering projects or initiatives, including their design, development, implementation, and evaluation.

The role directs projects from conception to completion; evaluates scientific, engineering, data, and technology issues; prepares project documentation; and serves as a Technical Project Officer monitoring awards, schedules, costs, and deliverables. The scientist assesses new technologies and contributes to technical standards, concepts, and operational strategies that support energy resource sustainability and infrastructure resilience. The position also provides expert consultation and communicates project progress and technical results through reports, briefings, and presentations.

The position requires U.S. citizenship or nationality, submission of an annual financial disclosure, and obtaining and maintaining Technical Project Officer/Contracting Officer Representative certification at the level appropriate for assigned projects. The selected candidate must obtain certification within six months of the start date. Occasional travel may be required. A suitability or fitness determination and a one-year probationary period may apply.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or national.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; or equivalent education including at least 24 such semester hours plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-13, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, meeting at least two of the three specified experience criteria: planning, coordinating, and monitoring physical science projects; preparing project requirements and monitoring award deliverables; and writing technical reports or documentation and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Provide college transcripts; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized organization.
• Obtain and maintain Technical Project Officer/Contracting Officer Representative certification appropriate to assigned projects, with certification obtained within six months of the start date.
• Submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure upon entering the position and annually.
• If a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
• Meet any suitability or fitness determination requirements resulting from a background investigation.
• Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee scientific and engineering projects from conception to completion, including research, development, design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Evaluate engineering and physical science issues, data, and technological trends to resolve conflicts, address uncertainty, and develop solutions.
• Prepare project documentation, including statements of work, budgets, and procurement packages.
• Serve as Technical Project Officer to monitor award progress, schedules, costs, and deliverables.
• Assess the applicability of new technologies and collaborate on technical standards, concepts, and operational strategies supporting energy resource sustainability and infrastructure resilience.
• Provide expert consultation to management and external partners.
• Develop reports, briefings, and presentations communicating project progress and technical results to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; 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