Military

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Naval Sea Systems Command ยท Department of the Navy
๐Ÿ“ Dahlgren, Virginia ND-3/4 $70,623 - $158,322/yr
Posted: Apr 21, 2026 Deadline: Jun 23, 2026 (Closes in 35 days)

About This Position

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.

Qualifications

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled by a General Engineer (0801-series), a General Physical Scientist (1301-series), an Operations Research Analyst (1515-series), a Mathematician (1520-series), or a Computer Scientist (1550-series) depending upon the qualifications of the candidate. Applicants in positions with occupational series other than those listed (0801, 1301, 1515, 1520 and 1550) may apply; however, you must apply directly to the series listed in this vacancy that is most applicable to your qualifications. TO QUALIFY FOR ND-4: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-3 pay band (GS-9 through GS-11 equivalency) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: As a professional engineer or scientist performing the comprehensive testing, troubleshooting, and modification of radar systems and analyzing engineering data. Examples of qualifying experience may include (1) proven ability to use advanced techniques, modify and extend theories, precepts, and practices in the specialty area, related sciences and disciplines; (2) demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; (3) proven ability to work effectively in a multi-organizational team environment; (4) thorough understanding of electromagnetism and the electromagnetic affects of different materials; (5) broad understanding of analog and digital electronics; (6) demonstrated superb technical writing skills and ability to give presentations and communicate technical concepts; (7) thorough knowledge of analysis and problem solving techniques necessary to perform scientific/engineering work; (8) proven ability to effectively communicate ideas with a diverse group of scientists, radar and communications engineers, and technicians. TO QUALIFY FOR ND-3: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-2 pay band (GS-5 through GS-8 equivalency) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: As a professional engineer or scientist applying basic engineering or scientific principles to understand and complete limited engineering or scientific projects. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR): All Professional Engineering Positions, 08XX General Physical Science Series, 1301 Operations Research Series, 1515 Mathematics Series, 1520 Computer Science Series, 1550 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.

Major Duties

You will serve as an Engineer or Scientist in the Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department, Advanced Radars Systems Division, Expeditionary Radars Software Engineering Branch (Code B46) of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.

You will perform and lead testing, troubleshooting, analysis, evaluation, and modification of radar (active and passive) systems.

You will conduct research, development and analysis of engineering data, extracting and compiling specific data from records or other sources (i.e., design and assembly drawings; specifications; test plans, etc.).

You will develop and present technical briefs, to include findings and results, in writing or orally, for higher level review or publication.

You will develop tools, interfacing hardware to software, GUI development using high level languages (such as Python, C++, JAVA), or model development using languages such as Matlab.

You will work proactively, both independently and as a team member, with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel, to include military, civilian, and contractor representatives.

You will conduct technical analysis and recommendations to project leadership.

Education

Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements. OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience.

This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.); OR 1301-General Physical Science Series: A 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 education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education; OR 1515-Operations Research Series: A degree in operations research; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses. At least 3 of these 24 semester hours must have been in calculus; OR 1520-Mathematics Series: A degree in mathematics; or a combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total coursework described above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite; OR 1550-Computer Science Series: A degree in computer science; or a degree with at least 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

At least 15 of these 30 semester hours must have been in a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. TO QUALIFY FOR ND-3: In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience: A master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR A combination of experience and graduate education as described above that equates to one year of experience. A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education.

See Required Documents for additional information.?

How You Will Be Evaluated

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer.

You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation. If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation. If after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible/not qualified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.

Additional Information

This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project. The ND-3 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to GS-9 through GS-11; the ND-4 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to GS-12 and GS-13. This announcement uses the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) Direct Hire Authority for Scientists and Engineers with Bachelor's or Advanced Degrees to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf. Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority.

However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below. Vacancies filled from this announcement may be filled at any grade level listed. If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management.

Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.

How to Apply

Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: [email protected]. Please reference announcement number DE-12937720-26-BM in the subject line of your e-mail. Facsimile applications will not be considered.

All resumes/applications must be received no later than the close date of this flyer. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, are received, legible, and accurate.

HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.

Required Documents

A complete resume is required. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered.

Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments.

Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week if experience was less than full time (35-40 hours per week), and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.

TIP: A good way to ensure you include all essential information is to use the Resume Builder in USAJOBS to create your resume. Are you claiming membership in any professional organizations, or possession of a license, certificate or credentials? Check the Conditions of Employment section above to see if any are required.

If you claim membership, license, certification, or credentials, you must submit a copy of said document in your application package. Are you using education as a substitute for some or all of the experience requirement? Is there a basic education requirement for this position?

Check the Education section above to see what is allowed and what is required. Any claims you make in your resume or assessment questionnaire regarding education or degrees MUST be supported by submitting with your application official or unofficial transcripts or a list of courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned issued from your school. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application, an official transcript will ultimately be required if you are selected for the position.

You may submit a copy your degree(s) if specific coursework does not have to be verified. Are you a veteran claiming 5-point veterans' preference or claiming sole survivorship preference?

You must submit a copy of your latest DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (any copy that shows all dates of service, as well as character of service [Honorable, General, etc.] is acceptable) OR a VA letter that shows dates of service or service connected disability AND character of service. If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty service, submit a copy for each period of service. If you were issued a DD-215 to amend aforementioned information on the DD-214 you must submit that too.

If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor's website: Veterans' Preference Advisor Are you a disabled veteran or claiming 10-point veterans' preference? If you are eligible to claim 10 point veterans preference you must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty as described above for 5-point preference.

You must also provide the applicable supporting documentation of your disability (e.g. disability letter from the VA) as described on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf. Are you an active duty service member? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command.

The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Application documents, including supplemental ones, may be shared outside the Human Resources Office. Supplemental documents may contain your SSN, DOB, or personal information of others (e.g., on military orders, marriage certificates).

You may redact this information before submitting; however, if selected, you must provide unredacted originals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the ENGINEER/SCIENTIST position at Naval Sea Systems Command?
The salary range for this position is $70,623 - $158,322/yr. This is a ND-3/4 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the ENGINEER/SCIENTIST job located?
This position is located in Dahlgren, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements. OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience. This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.); OR 1301-General Physical Science Series: A 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 education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education; OR 1515-Operations Research Series: A degree in operations research; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses. At least 3 of these 24 semester hours must have been in calculus; OR 1520-Mathematics Series: A degree in mathematics; or a combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total coursework described above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite; OR 1550-Computer Science Series: A degree in computer science; or a degree with at least 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of these 30 semester hours must have been in a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. TO QUALIFY FOR ND-3: In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience: A master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR A combination of experience and graduate education as described above that equates to one year of experience. A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.?
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 23, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.