Created at: September 11, 2025 00:11
Company: Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Location: Colorado Springs, CO, 80509
Job Description:
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is: to lead a group of laboratory scientists at the Harkins Laboratory Complex in support of the Air Force Technical Application Center's treaty monitoring programs. Executes R&D across two nuclear analysis research laboratories.
This is a GG-13 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-13 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-13 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job. This is an interdisciplinary position that may be filled as a Nuclear Engineer/ Physical Scientist, GG-0840/1301-13 In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions for the GG-0840, Professional Engineering Series or GG-1301, General Physical Science INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: GG-0840-13, Nuclear Engineer A degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT, GG-1301-13, Physical Science 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. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. OR Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of Creditable experience include: A wide range of advanced knowledge of the principles and methods associated with the physical sciences career field, in particular, low-level, low-background nuclear measurements, and gas chemistry. Must have extensive knowledge of the theory, operation and maintenance of radiation detectors, such as counting tubes, solid state detectors, and pulse height analyzers. Must understand gas sample preparation techniques, in particular gas chromatography, to determine the kind of gas processing information that will enhance the mission efforts to plan studies and to interpret results. Must be able to apply new gas analysis developments and theories in optimization of gas processing techniques for enhanced radiation detection sensitivity. Must have a working knowledge of radiation detection/measurement systems, vacuum technology, cryogenics, computer programming, microcomputer-controlled instrumentation, statistical quality control, physical laws governing radioactive phenomena, and mathematical analysis and modeling of results. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Mastery-level knowledge of advanced analytical, mathematical or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods or other scientific methods and techniques used in nuclear measurements. 2. Expert knowledge of radiochemistry principles, techniques, processes, procedures and equipment coupled with knowledge of nuclear instrumentation, measurement equipment, and radiation detection systems. 3. Ability to effectively plan, lead, and manage comprehensive research projects and development programs; demonstrates skill in coordinating collaborative research efforts. 4. Advanced analytical and decision-making skills, with a proven ability to interpret, present, and communicate complex data from low-background nuclear measurements and conflicting information sources in a clear, concise manner to diverse audiences. Demonstrates expertise in resolving complex issues within nuclear and environmental science, adhering to budgetary and time constraints. 5. Ability to originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; develop and utilize appropriate techniques to resolve problems, and execute projects and/or studies within established budgetary and time constraints. 6. Ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: 1. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. 2. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
DUTY 1: Leads research focused on nuclear sample processing, measurement, analysis techniques and analytical equipment development supporting critical, nationally visible, analytical activities. DUTY 2: Advises senior management on the scientific and technical aspects of new research projects, utilizing deep knowledge and mastery of nuclear science. DUTY 3: Applies scientific expertise necessary to lead independent, original research DUTY 4: Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. DUTY 5: Leads the evaluation of existing processes in an effort to improve all aspects of identifying and precisely quantifying small amounts of individual radionuclides in complex gas mixtures.