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Semiconductor Quantum MEMS Experimentalist

National Institute Of Standards And Technology

Job Location:

Boulder, CO - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 83265 - 83265

Posted: 6 October 2026 (6 days ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

NIST is seeking a Semiconductor Quantum MEMS Experimentalist to develop software control and data acquisition systems for micro-electro mechanical systems. Join a world-class multi-disciplinary team that is facilitating commercialization of advanced electronics (e.g. semiconductors quantum computing).

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

In this position you will:

Develop software control and data acquisition systems for micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) and related instruments.
Characterize small-scale test specimens and MEMS.
Develop hardware for MEMS-based material testing.
Communicate and collaborate with team members other NIST teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. citizenship
Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements:

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
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.

In addition to the basic requirements applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience with:

MEMS testing and characterization
software development
data acquisition systems
control systems
circuit design
vacuum systems
environmental chambers
micromechanical testing of materials
MEMS packaging
micromechanical specimen fabrication and integration.

OR

Masters or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements.

OR

A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

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

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Educations website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
The position may be non-competitive converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
The trial period is for the duration of the term appointment.
The term may be extended for up to 6-years.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information please visit our Careers website.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Review our 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.

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