PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST FOR ASSURED NAVIGATION AND TIMING.

Responsibilities

• You will plan and oversee research and development work through a combination of science and technology leadership, business management, and cooperative engagement.
• You will develop and lead a comprehensive research portfolio and technology roadmap for resilient navigation and timing, designed to empower Naval dominance across all operational domains.
• You will drive innovation and the transition of cutting‑edge assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions that directly enhance naval warfare and intelligence operations.
• You will champion the experimentation and integration of next‑generation sensor technologies to achieve superior accuracy, reliability, and security in navigation, fostering the adoption of alternative PNT technologies.
• You will develop cross‑organizational teams to address the research problems, and identify and secure funding from sponsors for this research.
• You will serve as a preeminent NRL, Navy, and DoW expert on assured navigation and timing matters, providing authoritative technical leadership and forging essential partnerships across government, industry, and academia.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e‑verify.gov.
• Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code § 3326.
• Males born after 12‑31‑59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You will be required to complete ethics orientation within three months of appointment and submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE‑450, within 30 days of appointment.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
• This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
• This position is considered Key/Emergency‑Essential. You will be required to provide immediate and continuing support to ensure the success of combat operations or the availability of combat‑essential systems.

Qualifications

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 will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

Technical Qualifications (TQs)

• TQ1: Demonstrated competence in understanding, planning, and conducting original independent research and leading multi‑disciplinary research based on the physics and engineering principles of Assured Navigation and Timing, with significant, recognized impact on the Assured Navigation and Timing science and technology community.
• TQ2: Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, guide, execute, and maintain multi‑disciplinary research programs having national and international impact. This includes formulating technology roadmaps, aligning NRL science and technology investments with Fleet and national security requirements, and acquiring funding for these programs on an ongoing basis.
• TQ3: Ability to provide subject matter expertise as a senior advisor and authoritative technical leader for the NRL, Navy, and DoW on assured navigation and timing matters. This includes forging essential partnerships across government, industry, and academia, and representing the U.S. government in international forums to shape global standards.

Education

For 1301‑General Physical Science Series

• A degree in 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
• 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.

For 1310‑Physics Series

• A degree in physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR
• Combination of education and experience – courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education; In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

For 1520‑Mathematics Series

• A degree in mathematics; or the equivalent of a major that included at least 24 semester hours in mathematics; OR
• A combination of education and experience – courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

An advanced degree of Master's or Ph.D. in one of the educational fields listed above is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Senior Scientific Technical Manager (SSTM) positions are positions which exceed the NP‑04 (GS‑15 equivalent). SSTMs provide a continuity of technical leadership and oversight that is needed to ensure long term stewardship of an organization’s technical capabilities. Typically, applicants for SSTM positions are expected to have a graduate degree, significant research or development experience, and a national or international reputation in his/her field and are recognized throughout the applicable community as a renowned expert. SSTM positions are in the competitive service.

This position is not covered by the Department of War Priority Placement Program.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. The U.S. Government’s EEO policies prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Benefits

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. 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.