Project Manager

Summary This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office - National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Department of Energy. As a Project Manager, you will serve as a Federal Project Manager/Coordinator in technology areas focused on characterizing, extracting, separating, and refining critical minerals and materials (including rare earth elements) from carbon resources. Duties The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office - National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) office works to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation's energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. Through forward-looking research and technology development, our team of talented and diverse experts provides technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow. For more information visit We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Project Manager at the GS-13 level, you will: Oversee technically complex scientific and engineering projects or initiatives, providing expert advice and recommendations on planning, organizing, and implementing these projects and processes. Conduct in-depth analysis of technical science and engineering issues, requirements, and development efforts to resolve conflicts and address uncertainties, developing innovative recommendations for program advancement. Evaluate new and improved technologies, strategies, and applications, and investigates issues affecting standards, approaches, and concepts to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of engineering programs. Present program objectives, content, and progress to professional audiences, and represents the organizational unit in meetings to exchange information and make presentations. Manage large, complex projects in critical minerals, materials, and carbon ore processing, ensuring alignment with mission needs and serving as a Technical Project Officer for assigned awards. Set direction for, guides, and evaluates research projects with external partners (industry, academia, non-profits, national labs) to meet programmatic goals, including structuring funding opportunities and executing projects. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period. If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities. You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually. Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. Occasional Travel may be required. Within 6 months of appointment, obtain and maintain Technical Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (TPO/COR) certification at level appropriate for assigned projects. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. Degree : Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) 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 Combination of education and experience – college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying 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: Professional registration or licensure – Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Written Test – Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Specified academic courses – Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. Related curriculum – Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. GS-12 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting all of the following: Leading or managing highly complex scientific or engineering projects or initiatives, including their design, development, implementation, and evaluation, from conception to completion. Analyzing and evaluating research project results from diverse sources (e.g., industry, academia, national laboratories) to ensure alignment with strategic goals and make informed recommendations. Preparing and presenting comprehensive technical findings, project statuses and recommendations to varied audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders, to influence decision‑making. GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting all of the following: Leading and managing complex scientific or engineering projects or programs from conception to completion, including defining scope, planning resources, monitoring progress, managing budgets, and evaluating outcomes. Applying engineering or physical science principles, theories, and methods to oversee the technical aspects of projects, ensuring adherence to established standards, policies, and regulations. Conducting in‑depth technical analysis and evaluation of scientific or engineering issues, identifying problems, developing innovative solutions, and making recommendations to resolve complex technical conflicts or uncertainties. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community‑based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. Additional information Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre‑established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. Equal employment opportunity policy. Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Veterans Information: Selective Service Registration: The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non‑compliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr