Summary About the Position: This position is with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL). This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. This position is being filled as a Research Interdisciplinary DB-04 (GS-12/14 equivalent). Responsibilities Uses optical design software for modeling such as Zemax (OpticStudio). Evaluates stress, kinematic, vibration, and thermal considerations in opto-mechanical components. Designs and build mechanical, optomechanical, and electro-optical systems for defense applications. Uses CAD in the design of opto-mechanical instruments. Is familiar with optical systems, components, and applicable codes, standards, and regulations. Prepares or delivers reports or presentations of geospatial project information. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. For 0801Series: General Engineering Series 0801 (opm.gov) For 0830 Series: Mechanical Engineering Series 0830 (opm.gov) For 0850 Series: Electrical Engineering Series 0850 (opm.gov) For 0855 Series: Electronics Engineering Series 0855 (opm.gov) For the 1301 Series: General Physical Science Series, 1301 (opm.gov) For the 1520 Series: Mathematics Series 1520 (opm.gov) For the 1550 Series: Computer Science Series 1550 (opm.gov) For the 1310 Series: Physics Series 1310 (opm.gov) In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: To qualify at the DB-04 (GS-12-14) grade level in addition to the Basic Education requirement you must also have one year of Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in 1) Research and Development of advanced technology and scientific investigation; 2) Writing proposals and obtaining funding to conduct research and development aimed at developing technology-enabled solutions for customers; 3) Managing customer-focused Research and Development (R&D) programs in order to develop solutions aligned with mission requirements; and 4) Provide expertise in remote sensing and lidar research. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service DB-02 (GS-11). OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Data Scientist, Geographer, General Engineer, Physical Scientist, Mathematician, and/or Computer Scientist. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. This announcement MAY be used to fill like vacancies six months from the closing date. All qualification requirements, including time after competitive appointment, must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) 16 - Engineers and Scientists Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act Eligible for situational telework only, including emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework". Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.