Student Trainee (Engineering) (Start ASAP)

About the United States Department of Commerce

The United States Department of Commerce is a government agency focused on fostering economic growth through initiatives such as trade policies, technology advancements, and census activities. Under the Department, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness through the advancement of measurement science, standards, and technology, supporting businesses and enhancing the nation's overall

Your role

Duties:

• Develop distributed machine learning algorithms for supporting networking needs (e.g., anomaly detection, edge artificial intelligence, edge computing, traffic management, and service quality assurance).
• The machine learning algorithms will include federated learning and other distributed learning methods.
• Perform mathematical analysis of these new machine learning algorithms.
• Develop test tools and testbed for experimenting with these new algorithms.

Training & development

An intern at NIST undergoes comprehensive training in cutting-edge measurement science and technology, gaining hands-on experience in research and development to contribute to the advancement of standards and innovation. The program emphasizes mentorship, fostering a dynamic learning environment within the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Salary & benefits

The student stipend for the role can range from $55,924 - $97,925 per year. 

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Telework
  • Flexible work schedules
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Child and elder-care resources
• On-site childcare center
• Lactation spaces
• Wellness programs
• Fitness center
• Employee assistance programs
• Long-term care insurance.

Career progression

At NIST typically start with hands-on projects, gaining experience and can progress to more specialized roles, collaborating with experts and contributing to cutting-edge research in their chosen field. Career advancement often involves pursuing advanced degrees, and certifications, and taking on increasingly complex responsibilities within the organization.

Work-life balance

NIST values work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and telework options to support employees in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal commitments, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Regular evaluations and adjustments to workload expectations contribute to a culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

Culture & vibe

NIST cultivates a collaborative and innovative culture, where scientists and professionals across disciplines work together, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to advancing science and technology for the greater good. The organization's ethos emphasizes excellence, integrity, and a shared dedication to advancing standards and measurement science.

About you

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• You must be at least 16 years of age
• Must be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying institution
• Must possess a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a 4.0
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate-level education;
• Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree.
• Applicants must be currently pursuing a degree in Engineering.

To be acceptable, the curriculum must:

• Be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum;
• 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:
  • Statics, dynamics;
  • Strength of materials (stress-strain relationships);
  • Fluid mechanics, hydraulics;
  • Thermodynamics;
  • Electrical fields and circuits;
  • Nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties);
  • Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics

Education:

All applicants must be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, degree) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). In addition, you must be enrolled in school for the duration of the appointment. You will be required to provide documentation to support your eligibility for the program.

Applicants must possess a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0. Grade-point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.If you are submitting an acceptance/enrollment letter from your university you MUST also upload your last known unofficial transcript containing your cumulative GPA. If you do not provide proof of GPA, you will be disqualified from further consideration.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• intern.usajobs.gov/job
• help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits
• youtube.com