Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) - Direct Hire

US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives seeks a Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) to support OST’s Forensic Science Laboratory. The incumbent will perform highly technical analyses, prepare reports, and testify in court as needed.

The position requires specialized experience at the GS-12 level and a thorough understanding of firearm/toolmark examination and related laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

• Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science.
• OR combination of education and experience meeting 24 hours in physical science and related engineering science, plus relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Examine firearm and toolmark evidence from criminal investigations.
• Perform comparative testing of firearm/toolmark evidence to determine common origin.
• Prepare laboratory reports detailing examination conclusions.
• Provide court testimony based on laboratory examinations.

Skills

Firearm/toolmark examination

Education

Physical science degree with 24 semester hours

Job description

The Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST). Forensic Science Laboratory. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission.

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

To qualify for the position of Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner), at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the basic qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements

A. 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 B. 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.

AND To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of the below:

• Examining a wide variety of firearm/toolmark evidence from criminal investigations; AND
• Performing comparative testing of firearm/toolmark evidence to determine if they share a common origin; AND
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations performed; AND
• Providing court testimony based on laboratory examinations of firearm/ toolmark evidence.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (10/21/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.