Materials Research Engineer

$82,764 - $181,216/Yr

Department Of Commerce - Gaithersburg, MD

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Gaithersburg, MD

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Join NIST's Materials Measurement Science Division as an expert in X-ray Diffraction (XRD) science, where you will enhance measurement capabilities, develop and certify Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), and collaborate with the scientific community. This role is critical in advancing XRD technology and requires a strong background in engineering and physics, as well as experience in XRD processes and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate existing custom XRD instruments and design new components as needed.
• Extend and develop advanced mathematical models of XRD processes, including dynamic and kinematic X-ray scattering theory and Monte-Carlo simulations.
• Support the certification and utilization of existing SRMs and develop new standards.
• Communicate results through publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Lead efforts to improve in-house XRD measurement capabilities and engage with the XRD community to identify future needs.
• Evaluate candidate reference materials and provide research grade test materials (RGTMs).
• Build and maintain collaborations related to XRD measurement capabilities within and outside of NIST.
• Recruit and mentor postdocs and students as appropriate.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, with specific coursework in engineering science or physics.
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-10 level or equivalent, including experience with XRD of powders and/or thin film materials, building custom lab equipment, and knowledge of commercial automation hardware.
• Experience with LabView and Python scripting.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with advanced mathematical modeling in XRD processes.
• Familiarity with Monte-Carlo simulations and the Fundamental Parameters Approach for powder diffraction SRMs.

Benefits

• Telework options available as determined by agency policy.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Family-friendly leave.
• Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families.
• Back-up childcare program.
• Child and elder-care resources.
• On-site childcare center.
• Lactation spaces.
• Wellness programs.
• Fitness center.
• Employee assistance programs.