Become a Facilities Construction Project Manager at NIST

Are you ready to blend technical engineering expertise with high-level project management? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently hiring Facilities Construction Project Managers to lead the modernization of our research campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our scientists and researchers have the infrastructure necessary to push the boundaries of innovation.

Job Responsibilities

This position is an interdisciplinary role involving both General Engineering (0801) and Architecture (0808). Key responsibilities include:

Project Oversight: Managing the full lifecycle of multi-disciplinary facility design and construction.
Contract Management: Serving as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), preparing procurement documentation, and overseeing source selection.
Stakeholder Coordination: Acting as the primary bridge between NIST researchers and technical construction teams.
Strategic Planning: Translating scientific facility requirements into executable infrastructure plans.

Role Comparison: ZP III vs. ZP IV

Feature	ZP III Level	ZP IV Level
Responsibility	Technical oversight & coordination	Program management & expert leadership
Independence	Operates with minimal supervision	High autonomy, expert-level resolution
Contract Role	Assists with procurement & COR duties	Directs major federal procurement & decision-making

Requirements

To qualify, candidates must meet specific educational backgrounds in either engineering or architecture. For engineers, an ABET-accredited degree or equivalent coursework is required. For architects, specific semester hours in structural technology and design are necessary. Additionally, you must demonstrate:

Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 (for ZP III) or GS-12 (for ZP IV) level.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with AutoCAD and mechanical design principles.
Documentation: All applicants must submit a two-page maximum resume.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $85,447 to $187,093 per year. Beyond compensation, NIST provides a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and a commitment to employee work-life balance through flexible work arrangements.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Focus on quantifiable achievements in construction management.
Adhere to Formatting: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages and in PDF format.
Honesty is Key: Ensure all narrative responses are your own work.

Joining NIST is an opportunity to support world-class science through superior engineering and construction leadership. If you are an experienced professional ready to take the next step in your federal career, we encourage you to review the full details and apply before the closing date.

Why This Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Transform cutting-edge science into reality by leading high-impact facility construction projects at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking highly skilled Facilities Construction Project Managers to join our team in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This interdisciplinary role, encompassing General Engineering and Architecture, focuses on the modernization and development of sophisticated research and administrative infrastructure. You will manage projects from design through execution, acting as a key liaison between scientific stakeholders and technical construction teams to ensure our facilities meet the rigorous demands of world-class innovation.

Requirements for Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship is required.
For General Engineer (0801): Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of education/experience meeting specific fundamental engineering science criteria.
For Architect (0808): Degree in architecture/related field with 60 semester hours of coursework (including 30 hours in design and specific technical credits) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
For ZP III level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, involving coordination of building design, technical documentation, and AutoCAD proficiency.
For ZP IV level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, involving management of laboratory construction, stakeholder coordination, and contract administration.
Ability to perform site visits involving physical requirements such as moderate lifting, climbing, and navigating construction environments.
Submission of a resume (strictly limited to two pages) and required educational transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on complex federal projects.
Proven track record in managing laboratory or high-tech facility construction projects.
Advanced technical expertise in mechanical design load calculations and building code compliance.
Strong proficiency in project procurement processes and federal contract administration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with pay-for-performance incentives through the APMS system.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Work-life balance initiatives and flexible scheduling options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
✓Collaborative and mission-driven work environment focused on scientific advancement.

💡 How to Apply Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary Job

Prepare a concise, two-page resume in PDF format (11-point font or larger).
Review the full vacancy announcement for specific documentation requirements.
Log into USAJOBS to start the application process.
Complete the required questionnaires and provide narrative responses to technical qualification questions.
Upload transcripts and any required professional certifications.
Submit the final package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized requirements listed (e.g., mention specific lab construction projects).
Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; additional pages will not be reviewed.
Use your own words for narrative responses; do not use AI tools, as certification is required.
Double-check your email address in the system to ensure you receive status updates.
Clearly label your files to avoid confusion and ensure they are legible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the APMS pay system?

NIST utilizes the Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), which is a pay-for-performance model designed to offer greater flexibility in recruiting and retaining top-tier talent compared to the standard General Schedule (GS) system.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The system and subject matter experts will only review the first two pages of your uploaded document.

Does this position involve telework?

Yes, the position is telework eligible, though the nature of construction management may require significant onsite presence at the Gaithersburg facility.

Job from National Institute Of Standards And Technology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, a bureau of the Department of Commerce, works at the intersection of industry and science. Our mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. As a project manager here, you contribute directly to the physical environment that enables these breakthroughs.