Federal

Powered Support Systems Mechanic

Washington Headquarters Services ยท Department of Defense
๐Ÿ“ Adams County, Pennsylvania WG-11 $32 - $37/hr
Posted: Feb 17, 2026 Deadline: Feb 23, 2026 (Closes in 5 days days left)

About This Position

This position serves as a Power Support Systems Mechanic located at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC). RRMC is on one of the Nation's premier facilities, providing support to various Department of Defense (DoD) tenants in an all-hazards environment.

Qualifications

Mission Essential Employees: Mission essential employees may be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other emergency situations (e.g., building closure due to power outage) causing disruptions of government operations, and are required to maintain contact with their supervisor during any dismissal or closure situation unless specifically excused by their supervisor. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your background must demonstrate a full range of installing, operating, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing electrical power production equipment and associated components, electrical distribution equipment, and diesel engines. Adjusting, repairing, and replacing major assemblies and components such as rings, pistons, rods, rod bearings, seals, camshaft bearings, valves, valve guides, and gaskets for engines. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the questions. The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision JOB ELEMENTS: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements: Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Trouble Shooting PHYSICAL EFFORT/REQUIREMENTS: Work is very strenuous and requires prolonged walking, standing, frequent bending, reaching, crouching and arm movement. Sometimes must work in awkward positions or cramped areas. Frequently lift and carry items weighing up to about 75 pounds and lift heavier items using jacks, hoists or helpers. WORKING CONDITIONS: The work place is located within a high security underground facility, as well as, buildings located at the surface. The incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance. The incumbent will be subjected to frequent security searches, call-ins and multi-day, overnight relocations. Relocation could be for an extended period of time. Mechanics may work inside or outside. Inside, they are frequently exposed to heat, loud noise and cold temperatures in the winter when changing air intake filters. May work in bad weather, rain or snow, or in wet or icy areas. Both inside and outside, the mechanics are frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust, heat, fumes and hard damp floors and surfaces. Work on parts and systems which are dirty and greasy and which may be dangerous to operate or repair because of defects. Frequently exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, bums, bruises, strains and electrical shock while repairing, positioning, adjusting and moving equipment, and are exposed to the possibility of receiving burns and skin irritations from acids, fluids and lubricants. To reduce the dangers and irritations from the above conditions, the mechanics follow numerous safety procedures and wear equipment such as protective eyeglasses, ear protection, hard hats, hard-toe shoes, respirators, gloves and clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear or use, and may be worn or used for long periods of time. ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission.. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.

Major Duties

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Under this recruitment, applications will be accepted for each location and/or installation identified in this Public Notice and selections will be made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application. This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) in accordance with Section 1109 of FY 2020 NDAA; P. L. 116.92 and Section 9905 of Title 5 U.S.C. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration. Incumbents typical work assignments may include the following: Performs maintenance and repair of all AC generators, voltage regulators, engine gauge boards and governing systems. Performs maintenance, repair and major overhaul of all diesel prime movers. Performs calibration, testing and rebuilding of high-pressure injectors. Maintains, repairs, and overhauls multiple, two-stage air compressors/scroll compressors and high/low compressed air systems. Inspects electrical power production equipment. Analyzes malfunctions by visual or auditory inspection, observation of operation and use of test equipment. Interprets inspection findings and determines adequacy of corrective action. Inspects completed or in-progress work to assure compliance with standard operating procedures and technical publications. Advises on technical problems of installation and repair of electrical power production equipment. Solves complex maintenance problems by studying layout drawings, wiring diagrams, schematic diagrams, and analyzing construction and operating characteristics of electrical generating plants and equipment. Must independently determine work sequences, specifications, and special procedures to be used to fault-isolate and repair unusual problems in various pieces of powered support equipment.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Under this DHA, veteran's preference does not apply. Qualified veterans will be considered along with all other qualified candidates. Your eligibility and qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the assessment(s) required for this position. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Trouble Shooting If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. DOD PPP candidates using Application-Based Procedures: Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-4) dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-3) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-2) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-1) to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference.

Additional Information

Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing an online application, you may request an alternative application. Please send an email to the following address for information on how to obtain an alternative application: [email protected] 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. /www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/ Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative. Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application and questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To view the questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12890635 To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. Washington Headquarters Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please view the "Alternate Application" method listed in the "Additional Information" section of this announcement. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the following link and review AI 114 for more information http://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/admin_inst/

Required Documents

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. 1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you will not be considered for this vacancy. 2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) PPP Registrants/Eligibles: Must submit the following applicable documents: 1) PPP registration 2) PCS orders (if applicable) DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE? You are strongly encouraged to provide a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your license number and the name of the licensing authority in your resume. ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE? 1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation. 2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired). ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE? 1. Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/ng-paths/veterans/ ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency; and Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Powered Support Systems Mechanic position at Washington Headquarters Services?
The salary range for this position is $32 - $37/hr. This is a WG-11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Powered Support Systems Mechanic job located?
This position is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Mission Essential Employees: Mission essential employees may be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other emergency situations (e.g., building closure due to power outage) causing disruptions of government operations, and are required to maintain c...
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 Feb 23, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does WG-11 mean?
WG-11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
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.