Soldier Center - BEYA 2022 Research Physicist DB-02/3

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center (SC) is looking for an experienced Research Physicist to join our team in Natick, MA.

DEVCOM SC as a Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) will be utilizing Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Advanced and Bachelor’s degrees to fill this position.

1310 – Physics Series:  This series includes positions that advise, administer, supervise, or perform research or other professional and scientific work in the investigation and application of the relations between space, time, matter, and energy in the areas of mechanics, sound, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, or atomic and nuclear phenomena.

Employees at this level, working in this area, are responsible for carrying out basic research, applied research or experimental development activities that range from extending knowledge and understanding to evolving new or improved products, processes, and techniques. Assignments involve complex equipment, emerging technologies, scientific phenomena, exceptionally difficult research obstacles to progress, or project assignments of considerable difficulty and complexity involving major programs or operations. The work involves research, development or systems and program analysis of new equipment, material, projects, or concepts that significantly add to the understanding and usefulness of previously unexplained or untested phenomena. Solutions to problems represent a major advance of great significance that open the way for extensive related development, or contribute to the solution of significant Army problems. Products include publications and papers that produce theories, principles, and explanations of phenomena, application of theories and principles; design concepts; simulations and modeling; laboratory techniques; prototype models; patents; and inventions. Employees are expected to work independently under general supervision as mature and fully responsible scientists and engineers.

The Optical and Electromagnetic Materials Team (OEMT) at the DEVCOM Soldier Center researches the interaction of electromagnetic energy with materials across a broad spectrum, including RF, visible, thermal and microwave regions, in order to develop materials and material systems to protect, sustain and enhance the Warfighter.  Application areas include laser protective eyewear, personnel protection against high power lasers and microwave threats, camouflage and concealment, thermal management, chemical and RF detection.  We are looking for a candidate with a diverse background in some or most of the following: physics, electrical engineering and/or mechanical engineering. The ideal candidate will possess a desire to work in the lab and perform hand-on experiments.  Experiments to be conducted include measuring the response of materials to various electromagnetic and radio frequency probes, measuring the performance of laser protective eyewear, designing new materials or material systems to protect against EM and RF threats or hazards.  The ability to design and fabricate basic electrical circuits and perform coding in C, MATLAB or Python for programming Arduino's and microcontrollers (as an example) is desired. Experience in producing 3D models and technical drawings with CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, etc) and experience in rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, etc) is also desired. The candidate would be expected to contribute to documentation of research efforts in written reports, such as peer reviewed publications or technical reports and will have the opportunity to present their work in appropriate forums such as technical conferences and program reviews.  The candidate would be expected to contribute to the development of proposals for future research efforts.  The position may be filled as an entry level position and the candidate will be mentored by more senior technical personnel to develop skills and awareness required in the various aspects of the job. Performs other duties as assigned.

Incentives: Recruitment incentives may be offered.

Benefits: 11 Paid Federal Holidays, Paid Vacation (13 days for 1st year, pro-rated if only working during certain times, such as summer interns), Paid Sick Leave (13 days for 1st year), Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Basic Retirement Annuity, Thrift Savings Plan (Similar to 401K), Flexible and Alternative Work Schedules Available, Telework Eligibility, Wellness Program, Federal Employee Discounts, Wealth of Training Opportunities Available, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Assistance. 

U.S. Citizenship

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Additional Information: 

Pursuant to EO 14043, all Federal employees, regardless of duty location or work arrangement, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by November 22, 2021, or before entrance on duty if after November 22, subject to exceptions as required by law.

If selected, the agency will provide information regarding what documentation is needed and how to request any legally required exceptions from this requirement.