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PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (TECHNICAL EXPLOITATION)

Department of Defense
Defense Intelligence Agency

Summary


We are committed to:

  • Teamwork: Partnering at all levels and across organizational boundaries for mission accomplishment.
  • Integrity: Adherence to the highest legal and ethical principles in our responsibilities.
  • Excellence: Unrivaled defense intelligence expertise.
  • Service: Putting the welfare of the Nation and commitment to our mission before oneself.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/23/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 23, 2026
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$74,678 - $116,362 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 11 - 12
Promotion potential
12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Announcement number
ST-127055-01-EW
Control number
876095600

Duties

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DIA employs a variety of professionals who serve throughout the workforce to ensure successful operations. To view this position’s duties, click Vacancies to be directed to DIA’s online application system. Please make note of the position title and 6-digit Job Opening ID number to which you are interested. You can scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the announcement or click on the “Advanced Search” link and enter in the 6-digit Job Opening ID number in the “Job Opening ID” field.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • - U.S. Citizenship - Drug Test - Security Investigation

All applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a thorough background inquiry.

Qualifications



ASSESSMENT FACTORS

1. Demonstrates intermediate level of substantive understanding in the areas of technical and scientific expertise with goal of being able to interact effectively with peer Intelligence Community (IC) analysts and industry experts.
2. Makes informed decisions about work priorities to ensure accurate completion of assignments and projects, and makes adjustments as required.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of the basic functions of the hardware, software, and other tools relevant to area of responsibility.
4. Maintains flexibility in involving others when completing a task.
5. With guidance, seeks opportunities to collaborate or help solve a problem outside of his/her immediate team.

HIGHLY DESIRED SKILLS


1. Experience conducting laboratory analysis of metal alloys, ceramics, or composites using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, spark optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing (e.g. tensile, hardness, or impact testing), and thermal or mechanical analysis techniques (e.g. differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, or thermomechanical analysis).
2. Experience in metallographic sample preparation, including cutting, sectioning, mounting, machining/polishing, etching, and coating for microstructural examination across metals, ceramics, and composites. Demonstrated proficiency in preparing samples for grain structure analysis, grain size determination, phase composition characterization, and mechanical evaluation.
3. Exhibits adaptability in applying tailored analytical techniques to unconventional, field-collected, or compromised specimens while maintaining rigorous documentation, traceability, and
reporting standards to ensure reliable analysis and effective communication of findings.

Basic Requirements:

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

2. 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.

Additional information

DIA positions are Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) positions in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. All applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. Applicants must meet the agency’s conditions of employment, to include, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of an initial special background investigation and periodic reinvestigation, completion of any required medical examination and physical requirements, completion of any required personal interviews, favorable completion of any required initial or aperiodic polygraph examinations, completion of any required drug test, satisfactory completion of a two-year Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System trial period, and completion of a civilian mobility agreement. All employees are required to sign an agreement not to disclose, in any fashion, classified information to unauthorized persons. All civilian employees are required to participate in the DoD Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer of Pay (DD/EFT) Program. DIA employees and applicants for employment are protected by federal laws, from discrimination. Employees and applicants are also protected against retaliation. Consistent with federal laws, acts of retaliation against an employee who engages in a protected activity, whistle blowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law, will not be tolerated. Veterans who are preference-eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

In order to qualify for this position, your application must include sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position to which you are applying. To view this position’s requirements, click Vacancies to be directed to DIA’s online application system. Please make note of the position title and 6-digit Job Opening ID number to which you are interested. You can scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the announcement or click on the “Advanced Search” link and enter in the 6-digit Job Opening ID number in the “Job Opening ID” field.

Defense Intelligence Agency

Agency contact information

Civilian Operations Division
Phone
Not Available
Address
Defense Intelligence Agency
Bolling AFB
Washington, DC 20340

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Intelligence Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.dia.mil

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