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Facilities Construction Project Manager - Interdisciplinary

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Gaithersburg, MDFull-time$85–187K/yrPosted today

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At a glance

Compensation
$85–187K/yr
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Job overview

NIST seeks a Facilities Construction Project Manager to modernize research and administrative facilities through multidisciplinary design and construction management. The role oversees projects from design through execution, coordinates stakeholders, administers federal contracts, serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative, and manages procurement. Depending on level, the position provides advanced program leadership and technical oversight, with substantial independence and minimal supervisory oversight.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Construction Project ManagementFacility DesignConstruction ManagementContract AdministrationFederal ProcurementStakeholder CollaborationTechnical Requirements DevelopmentArchitectural EngineeringElectrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringCivil EngineeringStructural EngineeringSafety Engineering

Qualifications

Engineering Degree or EquivalentArchitecture Degree or EquivalentEngineer Intern Registration or EIT or PE LicenseFundamentals of Engineering Exam60 Semester Hours Engineering CourseworkRelated Curriculum and One Year Engineering ExperienceOne Year Professional Engineering Experience

Full job description

Summary

NIST seeks a Facilities Construction Project Manager to drive multi-discipline construction management, modernizing research and administrative facilities. Working independently from design to execution, this role coordinates stakeholders, administers contracts, serves as a COR, and manages procurement above the micro-purchase limit. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

ZP III duties include: Provide project management and technical oversight for multi-disciplinary facility design and construction projects, integrating architectural, electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, and safety engineering using agency-specific processes. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including internal/external engineers, maintenance personnel, end-users, and NIST Safety and Security divisions, to ensure successful, compliant project completion. Translate complex scientific goals into technical facility requirements by working directly with researchers and customers to develop actionable project recommendations for management review. Administer federal construction contracts by preparing procurement documentation, serving on source selection boards, and acting as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor compliance and make project decisions. Execute project tasks independently with minimal supervisory oversight, while actively pursuing continuing education to maintain mastery of evolving federal procurement laws and engineering codes. ZP IV duties include: Provide advanced project and program management along with expert technical oversight for multi-disciplinary facility design and construction projects, seamlessly integrating architectural, electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, and safety engineering through agency-specific processes. Lead independent collaboration across a diverse matrix of stakeholders, including internal and external architects, engineers, maintenance personnel, project end-users, and NIST Safety and Security divisions to drive successful project completion. Partner directly with researchers and customers to define, develop, and finalize highly technical facility requirements, translating complex scientific objectives into executable infrastructure design and construction plans. Direct federal procurement and contract administration by authoring comprehensive contract documentation, serving strategically on source selection boards, and executing authority as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor compliance and render key project decisions. Operate with maximum autonomy to execute critical program tasks and resolve complex facility engineering challenges independently with little to no supervisory oversight. Qualifications

General Engineer (0801) ZP III/IV - Basic Requirements A. Degree in Engineering: 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; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. 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. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) 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. 3. 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. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. 4. 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. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. Architect (0808) ZP III/IV - Basic Requirements A. Degree in architecture or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems. OR B. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: 1. Related Curriculum -- Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations. 2. Experience -- An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had one year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture. In addition to the basic requirements for the 801 and 808 series at the ZP III level: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of the specialized experience at the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in the coordination of building design and construction projects. Experience gathering and documenting technical requirements. Candidates must experience applying mechanical design principles and experience utilizing AutoCAD for drafting, documentation, and routine project administration. OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR A combination of education and experience. In addition to the basic requirements for the 801 and 808 series at the ZP IV level: Applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 (ZP-III at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience managing of lab construction projects. Experience coordinating with stakeholders to gather and refine technical requirements, ensuring building code compliance, performing routine mechanical design load calculations, and drafting project documents. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. How You Will Be Evaluated

Please prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages; only the first two pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended. How you will be evaluated: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may be used to review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume. Applications will be assessed on the following competencies: Building and Construction Contracting/Procurement Problem Solving Project Management Referral: All applicants may be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked, and veteran preference does not apply. CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Other Information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) Light carrying (under 15 pounds) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Walking (1 hour) Standing (1 hour) Climbing, use of arms and legs Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted). This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: Outside and Inside Excessive noise, intermittent Dust Slippery or uneven walking surfaces Working around machinery with moving parts Working around moving objects or vehicles Working on ladders or scaffolding Working closely with others Working alone This position requires filing an OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of onboarding and annually thereafter. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website. Applicants who apply under this Job Opportunity Announcement may opt-in (at their request) to allow the sharing of their resume, cover letter, transcripts, certifications, and other associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureaus/Offices who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade and pay band (or its equivalent), and full performance level in the same duty location or commuting area of the duty location listed on the Job Opportunity Announcement. Applicants that apply for General Schedule (GS) positions can be considered for pay band positions under one of the DOC's alternative personnel systems (i.e., Commerce Alternative Personnel System (CAPS), or Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS)) that have the equivalent GS grade level and full performance level, and similarly, CAPS and APMS applicants may be considered for GS positions or one of DOC's alternative personnel systems. Upon acceptance of a position, the employee will be subject to the corresponding pay system (i.e., GS, CAPS or APMS). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which they wish to receive consideration.

How this job compares

Set against the 1,668 open Construction Project Manager jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 29, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$85–187K/yr
  • US median$115–180K/yr878 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $136K, is 9% below the US median midpoint ($150K) — in the middle half of Construction Project Manager salary ranges across the US.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 27 open Construction Project Manager jobs in Maryland and 1,668 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Maryland
Experience
Construction Project Manager postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 4 to 8 years (1,241 postings).
Education
362 of the 1,668 open Construction Project Manager jobs (22%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 29, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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