About This Position
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will provide advanced professional mechanical engineering expertise in support of nationally managed design and construction programs and initiatives. The Office of Engineering provides centralized national engineering expertise and technical oversight in support of PBS design, construction, repair, alteration, modernization, and building performance programs. We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide: the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year) number of hours per week you worked (if part time). If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume. The GS-13 salary range starts at $108,173 per year.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected. To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service.
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINEERS: A Degree in professional engineering OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Engineer Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes preparing and/or reviewing designs for complex mechanical systems in large buildings and campuses. Designs should include both new construction and renovation, encompass many different kinds of HVAC systems serving a diverse array of building occupants and ensure all code, energy, and legal requirements are met.
Major Duties
Serves as project engineer or designated technical lead for complex design, construction, renovation, or alteration projects involving advanced mechanical systems. Reviews mechanical engineering design documents at multiple project phases to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and agency technical criteria. Analyzes system performance calculations, load analyses, equipment selections, and energy modeling documentation.
Provides authoritative consultation to project managers, engineers, architects, and facility managers regarding mechanical system design, repair, alteration, and modernization. Performs field investigations and site assessments for complex projects where significant mechanical system deficiencies, failures, or performance concerns have developed or are anticipated.
Conditions of Employment
If selected, you must meet the following conditions: Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required. Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level). Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee.
We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment. Site visits may require walking, bending, climbing stairs or ladders, and use of personal protective equipment.
Education
Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
How You Will Be Evaluated
A panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review the resumes of qualified candidates and assign a score for each of the five required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) based on the experience documented in the resume and narrative responses. Advanced professional knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices sufficient to serve as a senior technical authority for complex design and construction initiatives. Skill in interpreting and applying national engineering standards, codes, sustainability requirements, and procurement procedures.
Knowledge of building automation systems, plumbing systems, advanced HVAC technologies, and commissioning processes. Knowledge of integrated building systems and cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure cohesive mechanical, electrical, architectural, and control system performance. Ability to investigate, advise and resolve unusual and controversial problems related to the interface and integration requirement for a broad range of existing and new building mechanical control systems and equipment.
Demonstration of these KSAs must be supported by your resume.
Applicants should also make note of each KSA, as you will be asked to address them later in the application process. Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process.
If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. If you are eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), your resume must clearly demonstrate experience in at least 3 of the 5 required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to receive priority consideration.
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Additional Information
Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants are encouraged to make their resume searchable in their USAJOBS.gov profile. This will allow Federal hiring specialists and hiring managers across agencies to find their resume as part of agency recruitment campaigns or staffing searches.
If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage. Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved: · Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government · Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee · Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government This vacancy may be filled in any of the following locations: Washington, DC Kansas City, MO Fort Worth, TX Lakewood, CO Tacoma, WA Raleigh, NC New York, NY Boston, MA Philadelphia, PA Atlanta, GA Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all. We are also accepting applications from all U.S. Citizens and Nationals under Vacancy Announcement # PA-2026-0004.
You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
How to Apply
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job. If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device.
Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement. Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application. Resumes exceeding two pages will not be accepted by USAJOBS and will prevent your application from moving forward in the hiring process. Please see Required Documents for additional details. Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online.
You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process). Need Assistance? Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact [email protected] or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Required Documents
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume should not exceed 2 pages and must demonstrate the specialized experience related to the position for which you are applying.
Your resume must contain the following information: Name, address, telephone number, email address; Job Title (if Federal Service, provide series and grade; if not in GS plan, provide GS equivalent grade); Relevant work experience—should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement. Education, certifications or licensures—If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure to include the required information and any required documents like transcripts.
Your resume should contain enough information to make a valid determination that you fully meet experience requirements for each grade level you are applying to. If you do not provide enough information for us to determine your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible.
Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are claiming veterans preference: (a) DD-214 that shows your type of discharge, character of service and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), you must submit documentation that establishes your entitlement
in addition to the DD-214: VA disability rating letter or other official documentation (refer to SF-15 for complete list). SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference
Note: If sufficient documentation is provided to establish 10-point preference, preference may be granted based on the supporting documentation even if the SF-15 is not submitted. If selected, a completed SF-15 will be required prior to appointment. IF YOU ARE: Active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50. Eligible under an Interchange Agreement: Submit your latest SF-50. Former Peace Corp or VISTA volunteer: Submit your Description of Service.
Current or former Land Management Agency Employee - Submit a and b: (a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years. (b) Copy of your agency's annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s). ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal. Current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
Applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information. If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility.
For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS page for more information. College transcripts: you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates.
If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.