Standards and Conformity Assessment Scientist

Role overview

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is hiring a Standards and Conformity Assessment Scientist to help shape national strategy by examining technical policy and working with public- and private-sector partners on international standards. The role focuses on solving conformity assessment challenges and supporting standards that strengthen U.S. innovation. This hiring action uses direct-hire authority for occupations where NIST reports a significant shortage of qualified candidates.

What you will do

The Standards Coordination Office at NIST runs programs, tools, and initiatives that improve the competitiveness of U.S. industries in technical standards and conformity assessment, while also strengthening coordination among federal agencies involved in the creation and use of those standards. In this role, you will apply leadership experience to issues affecting U.S. competitiveness in critical and emerging technology standards work. You will also design and roll out proposals for products that address identified standards-development and conformity-assessment challenges in line with NIST’s mission. A key part of the job is reviewing technical policy to build strategies that encourage the adoption of standards that support innovation and expand trade opportunities for U.S. industry in the global market. You will also work closely with relevant stakeholders on standards-development efforts.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. A qualifying combination of education and experience is also acceptable if it is equivalent to one of those majors and includes at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, along with appropriate experience or additional education. In addition, the role requires one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent (ZP-IV at NIST). That experience should include leading, implementing, and coordinating technical standards-related engagement and partnerships with stakeholders such as government agencies and private-sector standards development organizations in the U.S. and abroad, including work on standards issues and policy. Both paid and unpaid experience count, including volunteer service through programs such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social organizations. Volunteer experience can be credited if it demonstrates relevant competencies and skills. Qualification decisions follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management standards.

Additional information

This vacancy announcement is based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management qualification standards handbook. If you request reconsideration of a qualification determination, you should refer to the Applicant Reconsideration process.