Physicist, AST Basic Properties of Materials (Direct Hire)

This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. A one-year probationary/trial period may be required. Selected candidates must meet pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance requirements, which may vary by duty location. Financial disclosure, drug testing, and travel requirements may also apply based on duty location.

About the Role

The Exploration Technology Branch at Kennedy Space Center is seeking a Physicist to strengthen the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL) through expertise in applied physics, electrostatics, plasma physics, and measurement techniques. This hands-on role develops practical technologies that enable ESPL to rapidly develop and deliver mission-critical technologies supporting Artemis, commercial providers, and other fast-turnaround projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on technology development to reduce dust-related risks to mission assets and crew for lunar, Martian, and deep-space exploration.
• Design, test, and implement novel dust mitigation technologies using applied physics, plasma dynamics, and advanced engineering techniques relevant for spacecraft systems.
• Coordinate and perform projects required to support current and future electrodynamic dust shield (EDS) development for NASA's exploration missions.
• Develop methods to quantify electrostatic charge buildup on flight hardware using advanced electrometer technologies.
• Support custom testing on electrostatic safety for spacecraft and ground support equipment.
• Attend meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, technology development, and specialized testing.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement, to qualify for this position you must meet the following specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Participating in medium-scale research or applied technology projects by providing technical data and support to the principal investigator (PI) or project manager.
• Applying principles of electrostatics to research and conduct testing.
• Supporting applied technology development projects.
• Authoring or co-authoring technical publications, presenting papers, and poster presentations at national conferences.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description or other reference material may result in disqualification.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:

• Engineering from a college or university that has ABET-accredited engineering programs.
• Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science, or other field of Science.
• Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with at least half in mathematics and statistics (including differential and integral calculus), and provided in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical computer science applications.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST-qualifying field. Applicants who do not fully meet the basic education requirement may still be considered if they possess exceptional relevant experience or a combination of education and experience demonstrating full performance-level achievement.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Must be from a college or university with at least one ABET-accredited engineering program. Verify accreditation at http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). For a list of signatories, visit https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Must be from colleges or universities accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: Must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in foreign education credential interpretation to confirm equivalence to a U.S. education program. For more information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to, the original date of accreditation.

Benefits

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. For more information, review federal benefits.