Head of project energy

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.

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.

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.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.

You must be a United States Citizen.

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. 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.

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; b) strength of materials (stress‑strain relationships); (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

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. 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.

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:

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.

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.

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