Research Structural Engineer

SummaryNIST is seeking a Research Structural Engineer to support computational research focused on assessing the performance and resilience of aging infrastructure systems, with emphasis on the effects of material degradation and multi-hazard scenarios. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. DutiesThe candidate will lead computational research focused on assessing the performance and resilience of aging infrastructure systems and the application of AI to evaluate building performance. They will also: Direct and pioneer research efforts in applied artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of multi-hazard performance assessments for engineering structures. Lead the design and execution of probabilistic simulations to quantify the impact of various sources of uncertainty on risk assessments for critical infrastructure systems, influencing engineering practices and standards. Disseminate research findings to the broader scientific community, industry practitioners, and standards committees to drive innovation and influence regulatory change, and engages in professional development. Integrate existing theories and formulate novel methodologies to address challenges in infrastructure vulnerability and resilience, providing technical leadership and advancing the state of the art. Work to enhance public safety and promote the development of disaster-resilient communities. QualificationsBasic Requirements: 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. OR B. 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: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), 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. 2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. In addition to the basic requirements above, Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service (ZP-III for NIST employees). Specialized experience is defined as experience in conducting research and/or applying numerical and probabilistic analyses to assess the effects of aging on structural performance, utilizing machine learning to guide mitigation strategies, and quantifying the impact of uncertainties on estimating risks and enhancing future resilience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration