Career Opportunity: High-Voltage Electrician at the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Are you a skilled electrician looking for a career that makes a tangible impact? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently seeking two dedicated High-Voltage Electricians to join their Facilities Maintenance team in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role is essential for the continuous operation of NIST’s world-class research facilities, requiring a professional who understands the gravity and technical complexity of high-voltage power distribution.
Job Responsibilities
As a High-Voltage Electrician, you will be the backbone of the facility's power infrastructure. Your daily duties will include:
- System Maintenance: Inspecting, testing, and repairing transformers, switchgear, and 13.8 kV feeders.
- Troubleshooting: Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like meggers and voltmeters to identify and resolve electrical faults.
- Installation: Planning and installing new high-voltage equipment and control systems in accordance with strict safety codes.
- Infrastructure Repair: Splicing and repairing underground cabling and interpreting complex schematics to maintain campus power stability.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a blend of hands-on technical skill and a commitment to safety. While no specific years of experience are mandated, applicants must demonstrate a high proficiency in:
- High-voltage systems operations.
- Usage of electrical hand tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Ability to read and follow electrical drawings.
- Meeting physical demands, including lifting 45+ pounds and working at heights.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $36.49 - $42.63 per hour |
| Location | Gaithersburg, Maryland |
| Job Category | High-Voltage Electrician (WG) |
| Openings | 2 |
NIST offers a stable, supportive work environment with federal benefits designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, including leave, retirement contributions, and career growth pathways.
Application Tips
To stand out during the review process:
- Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly documents your relevant electrical experience and specific high-voltage tasks.
- Be Precise: List the number of hours worked per week for each job entry to ensure full credit.
- Follow Format: Keep your resume under two pages; longer submissions will be disqualified.
- Review Requirements: Carefully read the questionnaire to ensure your answers are backed by your documented work history.
If you have the skills to maintain complex electrical systems and a desire to contribute to national scientific innovation, this role at NIST is an ideal next step. Apply today to secure your position in this vital facilities maintenance role.
Why This Electrician (High Voltage) Job Matters
Power the future of scientific discovery! Join the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a High-Voltage Electrician and ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure for world-class research.
Electrician (High Voltage) Job Overview
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently seeking two skilled High-Voltage Electricians to join their Facilities Maintenance Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the campus power distribution systems, including 13.8 kV feeders, switchgear, and transformers. As a key member of the facilities team, you will perform essential troubleshooting, installation, and repair services to keep NIST's scientific research environments safe, functional, and efficient.
Requirements for Electrician (High Voltage)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be able to pass a background suitability/fitness determination
- Ability to perform duties of a High-Voltage Electrician with minimal supervision
- Physical ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying (45+ lbs), climbing, and working in varied environmental conditions
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages
- Must meet all defined screen-out elements with a minimum rating of 50%
Preferred Qualifications for Electrician (High Voltage)
- Demonstrated experience in inspecting and testing high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers
- Proven proficiency in interpreting complex electrical schematics and blueprints
- Hands-on experience splicing underground high-voltage cables
- Strong troubleshooting skills using diagnostic tools such as meggers and voltmeters
- Extensive knowledge of electrical safety practices and industrial trade standards
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives
- ✓Professional development opportunities within NIST
- ✓Contribution to national scientific and technological progress
💡 How to Apply Electrician (High Voltage) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Electrician (High Voltage) Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS platform
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your high-voltage electrical experience (2-page limit)
- Review and answer all vacancy-specific questionnaires
- Submit your application and all required supporting documentation before the closing date
- Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates regarding your application
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the hours worked per week for each role to receive full credit for experience
- Use the resume builder to ensure you provide all required information in the correct format
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible to prevent disqualification
- Address the screen-out elements thoroughly in your application responses
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline to avoid technical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay range for this position?
The pay for this High-Voltage Electrician position ranges from $36.49 to $42.63 per hour, consistent with the Federal Wage System.
Is a specific certification or license required?
The position does not mandate specific years of experience or certifications, but you must demonstrate the ability to perform high-voltage maintenance duties without extra supervision.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, the role requires physical tasks such as heavy lifting, climbing ladders/scaffolding, working in extreme temperatures, and operating within a range of environmental conditions.
What is the significance of the 13.8 kV system?
*A: This is a critical high-voltage distribution level that supports the large-scale equipment necessary for NIST scientific research. Reliability at this level is paramount.*
Can I apply if I have a disability?
*A: NIST welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and provides accommodations throughout the hiring process.*
Job from National Institute Of Standards And Technology
NIST is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness. By advancing measurement science, standards, and technology, NIST improves the quality of life for all citizens. Working here means being part of an organization that prides itself on scientific excellence and providing a safe, sustainable environment for groundbreaking research.