Mechanical Engineer, GS-0830-12 Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (33770)
- WELCOME!The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position.Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here).
- Position Title:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Pay Plan:
- GS
- Occupational Series:
- 0830
- Grade:
- 12
- Highest Grade:
- 12
- Hourly vs Salary:
- Salary
- Job Posting Open Date:
- 10/30/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 11/15/2026
- Announcement Type:
- Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- High Salary:
- 127443
- Low Salary :
- 104502
- USACE Organization :
- South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Savannah District
- HISTORICAL Locations (City, State):
- Savannah, GA
- Position Overview/Duties:
Serves as a mechanical engineer on the staff of a design organization responsible for planning and design of new and/or extension, conversion, or modernization of existing buildings or facilities. Assignments involve performance of office and field design duties associated with in-house design and mechanical engineering review on project sites with diverse climatic, geographic, and environmental conditions that involve mechanical engineering features such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; plumbing, compressed gas systems; POL storage and dispersing systems; central heating/cooling plants; mechanical distribution; cybersecurity industrial control systems; and enhanced commissioning. Applies the latest design and construction techniques to all types of structures and buildings.a statementthe mostthe A-E
- Performs technical design, contract document preparation, review, assessment, and provides guidance, including the resolution of complex design problems, development of Building Information Models (BIM), CADD drawings, specifications, and design analysis, as well as the preparation of appropriate documents for agency officials, client agencies, and contract Architect-Engineer (A-E)/Design-Build (D-B) firms.
- Conducts, or directs the conduct of, investigations of the project site to determine (for new construction) the feasibility of the proposed project; topography; and essential site configuration; or (for additions or renovations) condition of structure and essential data prior to initiating design. Evaluates data obtained, incorporating relevant features into design considerations and solutions.
- Prepares a statement of mechanical engineering scope of work and detailed man-hour estimates used for negotiating with A-E firms for design services; and all pertinent correspondence, plans, reports, and A/E contract criteria necessary for project completion.
- Reviews, evaluates, and determines the adequacy of shop drawings, samples, certificates of compliance, laboratory analyses, and other submittals and data from contractors covered by Government contracts. Determines compliance or noncompliance for such submittals.
- Meets with contractors, manufacturers' representatives, and Government agency representatives to establish materials and test, and building commissioning requirements. Reviews contractors' reports to determine adequacy of design. Consults with construction personnel to resolve difficult and complex problems developing during construction and prepares and reviews recommendations for corrective action.
- Evaluates technical data pertaining to design, materials, equipment, shop drawings, proposals for modifications and additions, and methods of installation submitted by contractors. Reviews for technical feasibility, adequacy, and compliance with specifications and established criteria. Determines if materials and equipment meet contract requirements, and recommends approval or rejection of all or parts of the submissions and proposals. Confers with contractors to resolve any problems or conditions.
- Evaluates design and construction objectives, identifies the most economical and efficient procedures for building design, renovation and/or new construction, including in-house design, coordinating with other architects and/or engineers in coverage of all technical areas, resolving overlapping responsibilities among technical disciplines concerning attention to design, and meeting total building objectives and schedules; and preparing all drawings, specifications, and supporting documents necessary for advertised or negotiated procurement. Provides input for cost and value engineering activities.
- Prepares Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for D-B solicitations.
- Participates in the A-E and/or D-B evaluation and selection process. Evaluates and/or recommends the work of design and construction firms to ensure design excellence and compliance with all regulations and design criteria.
- Makes recommendations to contract officers concerning contract modification. Participates in cost engineering.
- Develops and maintains facility standard design documents in coordination with user and facility proponents.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in competitive service.
Minimum Education Requirement:
Mechanical Engineering: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical engineering. The program must: lead to a degree in a school with at least one program accredited by ABET. Degree must be documented on a transcript.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GS-12:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Experience includes 1). Applying the latest advanced mechanical engineering design and construction techniques to develop design plans and specifications for all types of structures and buildings; 2). Experience using computer aided design and building information modeling software such as REVIT; 3). Develop design plans and specifications for heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other systems for complex construction, renovation or maintenance pro.
Other Requirements:
- Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
- All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
- A trial or probationary period may be required.
- A supervisory probationary period may be required.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
- This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time.
- This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
- Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave may be authorized (subject to available budget).
- Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
- This position is eligible for situational telework.
- Life/Work Balance:
- Life/Work Flexibilities Determined by Specific Position
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
