PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

Intelligence Careers; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Intelligence Careers seeks a senior imagery scientist to lead the most complex GEOINT analyses and develop novel analytic methods for national security objectives. This GG-14 role requires directing production, ensuring accuracy and impact, and oversight of mission-critical analysis in a high-stakes environment.

The position notes potential correspondence to a GS/GG-14 level in pay, with a salary set according to qualifications and the standard DCIPS framework.

Qualifications

• Mastery of physical science principles and advanced sensor physics.
• Experience applying GEOINT data analysis to complex problems.
• Knowledge of DoD/AF doctrine, regulations and policies.
• Experience with contracts and software licenses management.

Skills

Engineering principles

GEOINT analysis

Sensor systems

DoD doctrine

Contract management

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in physical science/engineering/math (24 semester hours)

Job description

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the principal technical advisor and senior imagery scientist, responsible for directing and executing the most complex technical analysis. The incumbent will pioneer innovative analytic methodologies, solve the most challenging intelligence problems, and provide expert oversight for all mission‑critical production, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and impact for national security objectives.

This is a GG-14 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-14 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-14 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

1. 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

1. 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 meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include mastery of physical science principles, electromagnetic wave theory, and imagery science to solve complex intelligence problems that are resistant to standard analytical approaches. The incumbent applies experimental theories and advanced sensor physics to develop novel software tools capable of extracting technical intelligence from masked or early-stage foreign threat hardware.

Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of a broad range of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, and modeling/simulation principles, combined with a comprehensive understanding of GEOINT data analysis and the technical characteristics of foreign ground, air, and persistent infrared sensor systems.
2. Knowledge of national-level, Department of War (DoW), Air Force (AF), and agency-level doctrine, regulations, policies, guidelines, and initiatives governing assigned programs, projects, and specialized GEOINT operations.
3. Knowledge of a comprehensive range of concepts, principles, and practices in GEOINT data analysis, regulations, policies, guidelines, requirements and initiatives related to characteristics of foreign ground, air, and persistent infrared sensor systems.
4. Knowledge of administrative aspects of contracts and software licenses, to include procurement policies, preparation of work statements and development plans, cost estimating, etc.
5. Skill in applying analytical and evaluation techniques to identify, investigate, resolve complex issues or problems, and modify standard practices and techniques to solve complex interrelated problems.
6. Skill, judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and ability to foresee the impact of changing technology. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to produce highly technical reports, position papers, and briefings, resolve conflicts based on mature judgment and experience, effectively negotiate complex issues, and maintain good working relationships.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONT.

• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TOP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.

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 into paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.