This position is part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Headquarters, Department of Energy. As a Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist, you will be responsible for technical and administrative planning, management and implementation of research and development (R&D) and verification activities, and scientific studies in assigned area of program responsibility.
Summary
This position is part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Headquarters, Department of Energy. As a Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist, you will be responsible for technical and administrative planning, management and implementation of research and development (R&D) and verification activities, and scientific studies in assigned area of program responsibility.
As a Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist, you will:
Oversee technically complex Department of Energy scientific and engineering projects or initiatives.
Evaluate scientific and engineering programs/project needs and prepares documentation (i.e., budget, procurement, SOWs, etc.) to support those needs.
Conduct in-depth analysis of technical science and engineering issues, requirements and development efforts to resolve major conflicts, unique issues and to address scientific and engineering uncertainties.
Assess and carry out strategies and actions to ensure the integrity, economy, quality, and effectiveness of engineering programs/projects.
Give presentations on program/project objectives, content, and progress to a variety of professional audiences.
As a general engineer within the Geothermal Technologies Office's Data, Modeling, and Analysis Subprogram the incumbent will use expertise in engineering, data science, and engineering principles relevant to the energy system to serve as the principal technical and project management contact on a portfolio of DMA research and analysis projects and to assist with the strategic development of new approaches to valuing geothermal energy resources in meeting 2050 decarbonization goals. The incumbent is responsible for technical and administrative planning, management and implementation of research, development, analysis, and verification activities, and scientific, economic, and market studies in his/her assigned area of program responsibility. The incumbent reviews the budget and monitors budget expenditures for assigned area. The incumbent reviews proposals for interagency agreements and other cooperative efforts required for the research, development and demonstration of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and recommend approval or declaration to supervisor or authorized selection panel officials. The incumbent conducts technical review to determine the scientific merit and economic feasibility of the proposed projects, and adequacy of the proposed facility to conduct the research work.
The incumbent keeps abreast of current and emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, approaches being used to value renewable energy resources in a rapidly decarbonizing electricity grid and U.S. economy, as well as the state-of -the-art applications pertaining to the development of new products or scientific theories related to geothermal energy technologies. The incumbent evaluates and analyzes current research gaps and makes recommendations for future areas of strategic analysis. Makes site visits to laboratories, universities and private industry where research is being conducted to evaluate the technical progress of research or development projects funded under the assigned program. Prepares issue papers and/or written analysis and reports for management on scientific findings and project progress.
The incumbent uses well developed written and presentation skills to communicate geothermal energy, market, and modeling research and analysis results to non-specialists. The incumbent makes presentations on project objectives, content, and progress to a variety of professional audiences; participates in professional society meetings, and reports reception of objectives to supervisor. At times, represents the Office in intradepartmental and interagency groups for exchange of information on research, development, analysis, and evaluation of renewable energy technologies, and makes presentations at management reviews and technical meetings prepares comprehensive technical reports and participates in conferences and demonstrations to present technical reports.
The incumbent provides input and recommendations to the supervisor during the preparation of the annual program budget and spend plans regarding technical progress of assigned projects/programs towards meeting established milestones and programmatic goals.
The incumbent writes summaries and analyses of research reviews, and makes recommendations regarding solutions to deficiencies, discrepancies, and deviations found in assigned project/program area. Prepares a variety of reports using data from different sources, and disseminates information to concerned official in DOE Headquarters, field organizations and other agencies.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Occasional travel may be required.
Position may be included in a Bargaining Agreement.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must meet the Basic Requirement and "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this position as described below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 0801 SERIES:
Degree: 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. 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 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. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES
A. 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. OR B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
For GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
Apply engineering practices to ensure the project systems meet performance objectives.; AND
Plan and conduct projects/studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the efficiency of operations.; AND
Provide recommendations to ensure projects/programs are coordinated in an efficient and cost-effective manner.; AND
Participate in the resolution of engineering issues affecting assigned project.
For GS-13: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
Apply professional knowledge of physical sciences such as fuel diversification, vehicle efficiency, energy storage, and/or mobility energy productivity to expand technologies and practices. AND
Perform project and proposal reviews/evaluations in energy efficiency areas such as critical materials, plastics recycling, manufacturing processes, grid-interactive building systems, advanced lightning, space heating and cooling, and/or building envelopes. AND
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define initiatives for renewable energy technologies to include any power generation technologies to such as solar, wind, water, and/or geothermal industries.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist positions in the 0801/1301 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process.
Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).
Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Career Transition Assistance Programs: If you are eligible for career transition assistance, such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the Education and Qualification requirements to be referred for consideration.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (06/28/2023) of this announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, ifspecific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Headquarters
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, ifspecific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Headquarters
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
