Summary This position is located at Bureau of Engraving and Printing, within the Security Features Division. As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGER - INTERDISCIPLINARY), you will conduct research, test, evaluation and analysis related to potential security features that would be most effective in counterfeit deterrence. Responsibilities The following are the duties of this position at the GS-13. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties and will receive training to help you grow in this position. As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGER - INTERDISCIPLINARY), you will: Devise methodology and use statistical programming to acquire data and perform complex calculations to analyze and evaluate data. Define evaluation methodology and formulate analytical models for optical and other phenomena in the development of counterfeit deterrence features for currency. Manage technology development projects concerned with the design and development of optically variable features such as diffraction gratings, liquid crystals, complex lens systems, holograms, optical interference structures, polarizing systems, spectroscopic methods, etc. Evaluate and/or develop new optical features for counterfeit deterrence. Design experiments to conduct design verification with lab testing and conduct testing to determine functionality and optimization or to establish limitations of features. Requirements Conditions of Employment Veterans Preference does NOT apply to this Direct Hire announcement. The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé. Key Requirements: Please refer to "Conditions of Employment." Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying. Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for disqualification in the hiring process. The background investigation process conducted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is very thorough. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants exercise candor and honesty when answering background questionnaires, especially as it relates to arrest, employment, education, finances, illegal drug use, and/or other criminal history. Falsification discovered in security documents or during the background investigation process may result in an immediate negative suitability determination or immediate revocation of your interim clearance (if applicable). Qualifications You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience for the GS-13: Specialized experience is one year of experience, at the GS-12 level or equivalent in other public or private sectors, that is directly related to the position as listed in this announcement and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: - Performing research and development on materials; AND - Working with or as a part of a project team performing research and development; AND - Developing new materials or technology; AND - Developing new optical methodology Specialized Experience for the GS-12: Specialized experience is one year of experience, at the GS-11 level or equivalent in other public or private sectors, that is directly related to the position as listed in this announcement and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: - Performing research and development on materials; AND - Working with or as a part of a project team performing research and development; AND - Developing new materials or technology Education Individual Occupational Requirements for the Physical Scientist: A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in 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. Individual Occupational Requirements for the Chemist: A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Individual Occupational Requirements for the Physicist: A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound. The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions. Additional Information OTHER INFORMATION: We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This is a non-bargaining unit position. The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for workdays during the shutdown period. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: A one-year probationary period may be required. Must successfully complete a background investigation. Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time. For more information about individual rights, Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov). Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc. Weekend work and overtime, if applicable, will be scheduled when needed based on production requirements as determined by Management.