Department: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Agency: Langley Research Center
Announcement: LaRC-26-DE-13058794-JL
Pay grade: GS 12-15
Closes: Sep 15, 2026
Open to: Open to the public

• Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Plans and conducts physical science studies, analyses, tests, and field or laboratory investigations using appropriate scientific methods, instrumentation, and analytical techniques.
• Develops, applies, and evaluates analytical, statistical, or computational models to assess physical phenomena, uncertainty, risk, and technical performance.
• Collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets scientific data; performs quality assurance and quality control; and communicates findings through reports, visualizations, and briefings.
• Develops and reviews technical requirements, test or sampling plans, procedures, specifications, and other scientific or technical documentation.
• Conducts technical reviews and assessments of in-house and contractor activities for scientific rigor, safety, quality, compliance, and completion of corrective actions.
• Integrates scientific and technical inputs across disciplines to support projects, programs, systems, and mission requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plans and manages scientific projects or work packages, including scope, schedule, resources, performance, risks, and mitigation activities.
• Provides scientific advice and recommendations to management and stakeholders and represents the organization in technical reviews, working groups, and collaborative activities.

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary/trial period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• Duty location will be determined upon selection. This position is not designated as remote; however, may be authorized to perform work from an approved duty location based on mission needs and supervisory approval, consistent with Agency policy.
• To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on September 15, 2026.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Performing physical science studies, analyses, or investigations involving the selection or application of scientific methods, data analysis, modeling, testing, or evaluation and developing technical findings or recommendations.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Planning and leading physical science studies or assessments involving analytical, statistical, computational, or experimental methods and integrating scientific data to develop technical findings, solutions, or recommendations.

To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

• Leading complex or multidisciplinary physical science projects, studies, or assessments involving the development or evaluation of scientific methods, requirements, or analytical approaches and providing technical guidance on significant scientific issues or risks.

To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level:

• Directing major physical science programs, projects, or technical initiatives involving multiple organizations or disciplines and providing authoritative scientific guidance on significant technical requirements, risks, standards, policies, or decisions.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

Promotion Potential: The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.