PHYSICIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to perform work in physics and the physical sciences in order to create and evaluate solutions for physics-based problems, methods, conditions, and issues enabling the development of quantitative targeting recommendations/effects assessments supporting warfare planning options.

Duties

• DR-1310-01 Under the guidance of senior personnel, either individually or as part of a multi- disciplinary team, develops representations, constructs mathematical models, and performs targeting and effects assessment analysis of components, nodes, networks and systems of interest using engineering/scientific principles and established methodologies and models. Supports routine to moderately complex operational problems within the assigned area, and the analysis is often times based on structured and unstructured data sources that can be conflicting or incomplete. Engages in professional development and monitors technical advancements to build foundational expertise for application to work assignments. With limited oversight from senior personnel, supports the improvement of existing or development of new analytic methods, models, techniques, and tools to improve analytical products through needs identification, requirement documentation, capability evaluation, and feedback generation. Collaborates across disciplines and organizational boundaries to achieve and/or enhance organizational effectiveness. Coordinates with science, engineering, and intelligence professionals engaged in related activities for exchange of ideas and information, including coordination on data, methods, and analysis. Ensures security and other programmatic requirements are met. In a clear and timely manner, prepares and/or presents supporting documentation to include responses to routine inquiries, reports, presentations, and/or other related documents in order to communicate and defend analytical approaches and findings. Works with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and other work assignments. DR-1310-02 As a recognized technical expert in specified network(s), the incumbent scopes tasks and performs complex, accurate, and technically rigorous model-based analysis of adversary components, nodes, networks and/or systems based on multiple structured and unstructured intelligence datasets. Develops representative network/system characterizations and mathematical models using appropriate methods to fill information shortfalls/ensure optimal depiction of real world network(s). Identifies critical elements/vulnerabilities, prioritizes targets for engagement to meet specific objectives, and provides qualitative and/or quantitative estimations of effectiveness of recommended engagement options. Prepares timely, relevant, and technically accurate targeting products. Presents and defends project plans, objectives, and findings internally and externally. Stays abreast of community/academic advancements. Uses critical thinking and creative problem solving to adapt existing methods and tools and/or develop innovative approaches to improve ability to meet requirements/enhance operational utility. Provides requirements, develops, and assesses the capability and performance of new and/or improved analytic methods, models, techniques, and tools. Collaborates across disciplines/organizational boundaries to achieve and/or enhance organization effectiveness. Provides information and effectively partners within and beyond own organizational unit to influence decisions or recommend solutions. Leads development and execution of projects to execute or advance work unit mission. Generates key ideas and contributes technically to advance the modeling capability of command. Leads, mentors, and performs complex assignments within a team environment to improve capability of a technology area or address command initiatives.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Basic Requirements: Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. or 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: DR-1310-01 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is scientific experience assisting with the development of mathematical models used in support of identifying solutions to physics-based problems; and experience communicating technical findings through reports, briefings, and/or collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. DR-1310-02 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11/DR-01 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is scientific experience analyzing complex networks, systems, and/or components; developing systems characterizations and/or mathematical models in support of solutions to physics based problems; and experience collaborating with teams to deliver analytical products, improve methodologies, and/or influence decision-making. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. -OR -Successfully completed a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed post 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts. COMPETENCIES: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, Teamwork and Leadership Ideal Candidate: Highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong background in engineering mechanics and physics. Proven ability to perform complex engineering/scientific work with the predictive effects of energetics, kinetics, and various other damage mechanisms. Experience and knowledge of model development, weapon testing, and capability development would be sought. Demonstrated ability to prepare, produce, and deliver timely, relevant, and technically accurate analytical products and recommendations to military customers. Experience in exploring, developing, evaluating, and/or operationalizing new methodologies, technologies, or tools to enhance organizational capabilities in weapons effects prediction. Applied knowledge of weapons systems and capabilities Knowledge of simulation techniques including Monte Carlo and associated scripting ability to aid in automation Ability to analyze information, extrapolate where data is missing, make correct inferences and conclusions, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives. Knowledge of Department of War military command structure, missions, and programs, national security issues, trends, and topics of interest. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/09/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12981122 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (Includes current Air Force employees): You are required to submit legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1"). Additionally, if you are applying for a higher grade (GS) and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.