Military

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PROJECT MANAGER) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Air Force Materiel Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio NH-3 $92,841 - $143,523/yr
Posted: Sep 18, 2026 Deadline: Jan 16, 2027 (Closes in 93 days)

About This Position

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior professional mechanical engineer, performing operations and maintenance (O&M) duties in support of a military installation.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions for this series in conjunction with the Individual Occupational Requirements described below. BASIC REQUIREMENT For 0830 series: All Professional Engineering Positions (You must provide a copy of your transcripts): A Bachelor's degree (or higher 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

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 professional 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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience in Perform design and construction work in support of operations and maintenance duties and lead project teams for multi-phase new constructions, renovation/repairs, and improvement projects. Manage operation and maintenance plans and programs for mission essential mechanical systems throughout the installations.

Perform preliminary mechanical engineering analyses on large and complicated projects and conduct surveys, research, and investigation to determine what needs to be done to ensure systems and facilities meet current and future requirements. Serve as a consultant on all engineering aspects of projects and provide engineering support to trades and crafts shop. Maintain engineering data for all projects/programs and coordinate projects with engineers in other disciplines or with architects.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Professional knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts, principles, and practices and familiarity with other engineering disciplines and architecture; a broad range of O&M engineering and construction standards, methods, practices, and techniques, materials, and equipment to ensure work is in compliance with regulations and standards; and the operations, products, services, needs, and goals of O&M programs and assigned organizations and related customers, functions, resources, and users. Knowledge of standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures; and work classifications and the regulatory and statutory restrictions on the expenditures of appropriated and non-appropriated funds.

Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable standards, regulations, and/or technical orders. Knowledge of program planning and budgeting cycles, automated data processing concepts, financial control and budget systems, and management; and of environmental principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues. Ability to plan, conduct, lead, and record site/facility surveys and inspections; research, analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures to a variety of situations and to recommend timely and economical solutions; plan and organize work and coordinate with other engineering disciplines and architects.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain good working relations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

Performs design and construction work in support of O&M engineering involving maintenance, repair, upgrade, and operation of mechanical equipment and systems to infrastructure facilities, including utility systems, at a military installation utilizing a professional knowledge of mechanical engineering. Develops or oversees the preparation of plans, instructions, and specifications for the repair, modification, maintenance, and operational testing of new types of systems with many component pieces of equipment, where the employee must search out and develop new or greatly modified approaches because available technical manuals or specifications are frequently inadequate Review, prepare, and/or develop design calculations, cost estimates, schedules, underlying analysis, technical drawings, and specifications related to mechanical engineering on a wide variety of projects sizes and complexities. Performs design and construction work in support of determining short- and long-range requirements for replacement of existing complex and major mechanical systems, equipment, etc.

Provides professional consultation on a wide range of difficult mechanical engineering issues and problems. Provides advice to requesting organizations. Prepares/reviews designs for a variety of real property facilities construction projects, determining the design criteria, putting together cost estimates and time schedules, preparing A&E statements of work, etc.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education.

Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.

You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Additional Information

This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position.

You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

Click here for more information. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/16/2027 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13065712 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.

Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).

If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.

Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.

Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

  1. A complete Application Questionnaire
  2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
  3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE

NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.

You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PROJECT MANAGER) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $92,841 - $143,523/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PROJECT MANAGER) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY job located?
This position is located in Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jan 16, 2027.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.