Introduction
If you are passionate about artificial intelligence and want your work to make a real impact, the IT Specialist (AI) job at NIST could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. This role is not just about building AI systems—it’s about testing, evaluating, and improving them so they can be trusted in real-world environments.
Working at NIST means contributing to national innovation while helping ensure that AI technologies are reliable, safe, and effective for everyone.
About NIST
NIST is a respected U.S. government agency that partners with industry, scientists, and researchers to advance technology and improve quality of life. Its work influences how new technologies are developed, measured, and adopted across the country.
Within NIST, the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) focuses on developing methods and tools to evaluate AI systems once they are deployed in real-world settings.
Role Overview: IT Specialist (AI)
This position is open to U.S. citizens and is advertised under Direct-Hire Authority, meaning NIST is actively seeking qualified professionals due to a shortage of talent in this area.
As an IT Specialist (AI), you will play a hands-on role in understanding how AI systems behave outside the lab and in everyday use. You will shape how different sectors evaluate, improve, and trust AI.
What You’ll Do in This Role
In this position, your day-to-day work will focus on analyzing and improving AI systems in practical environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate AI models in support of national AI initiatives
- Design scientific and reliable methods to test AI systems
- Assess AI performance after deployment in real-world scenarios
- Identify weaknesses, failures, and reliability concerns in AI systems
- Develop tools and guidelines for end-to-end AI evaluation
- Improve testing techniques such as benchmarks and red teaming
- Collaborate with technical teams across NIST
- Clearly explain complex AI concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Support the development of best practices for AI evaluation
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy problem-solving, working with advanced AI systems, and contributing to meaningful public-sector projects.
Basic Experience Requirements
Applicants must have IT-related experience, which may include:
- Professional work (paid or unpaid)
- Volunteer experience
- Specialized training or certifications
You should also demonstrate strength in:
- Attention to detail
- Customer service and collaboration
- Clear oral communication
- Analytical problem-solving
Specialized Experience Levels Explained
ZP-2210-IV (Mid–Senior Level)
You qualify at this level if you have at least one year of experience working with:
- AI and machine learning models
- Real-world AI evaluation methods
- Technical testing to identify AI reliability issues
- Team-based AI projects
ZP-2210-V (Senior Level)
This level is for experienced leaders who can:
- Demonstrate advanced expertise in generative AI and ML
- Lead cross-functional AI teams
- Define technical standards and workflows
- Oversee complex AI evaluation programs
Education Requirement
You cannot use education alone to qualify for this role. Selection is based entirely on relevant experience.
Applicants with foreign education must provide a recognized U.S. credential evaluation.
Employment Conditions
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Selective Service registration (if applicable)
- Drug testing and financial disclosure required
- One-year trial period
- NIST may extend the appointment for up to four years.
How the Hiring Process Works
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- A two-page resume only
- Optional cover letter
- Responses to technical qualification questions
Your resume should clearly include:
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Hours worked per week
- Detailed descriptions of AI-related work
Under Direct-Hire Authority, NIST does not rank applicants, and it does not apply veteran preference.
Why This Job Matters
This position offers more than a title—it offers purpose. You’ll guide how AI systems are tested, trusted, and improved at a national level. Your work will directly influence AI standards used by government, industry, and researchers across the United States.
IT Specialist (AI) job at NIST
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