Mechanical Engineer

Philadelphia, PAMarine Design Center (MDC)18346
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Announcement Type

TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Marine Design Center (MDC)

Locations (City, State)

Philadelphia, PA

Position Overview/Duties

This position is with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Design Center, located in Philadelphia, PA. The Marine Design Center was established in 1908 as a center of expertise and experience for naval architecture and marine engineering. The Center provides total project management, including planning, engineering and shipbuilding contract management in worldwide support of Corps, Army and national water resource projects. The Center services the entire Corps of Engineers by preparing preliminary workboat, barge, and ship designs, preparing contract designs, performing marine engineering and naval architectural consulting, performing stability analysis for vessels, load handling analysis for floating cranes, specification writing for both new construction and major vessel upgrades, and preparation of technical contract sections. In addition, the center manages floating plant acquisitions to include quality assurance at shipyards, contract compliance, physical testing, and direct support to Contracting Officers. Vessel types include hopper dredges, dustpan dredges, floating cranes, crane barges, survey boats, towboats, specialty barges, and various types of workboats. For additional information, see our website at https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Marine-Design-Center/.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Who May Apply: US Citizens

Duties:

  • Conducts feasibility studies to evaluate project goals and determine effective design solutions for operational requirements and engineering problems.
  • Develops engineering drawings, technical specifications, and supporting documentation for advertised and negotiated procurements, and prepares detailed cost estimates for project funding, bid evaluation, and contract modifications.
  • Prepares Statements of Work (SOW) for Architect-Engineer (A-E) services and manages contracted design efforts to supplement in-house capabilities.
  • Reviews and evaluates engineering designs prepared by A-E firms, as well as contractor and manufacturer submittals (e.g., shop drawings and equipment designs), to ensure accuracy, compliance with criteria, and functional suitability; identifies deficiencies and provides recommendations for corrective action.
  • Determines compliance of contractor proposals with contract plans and specifications and prepares formal responses outlining required revisions and supporting rationale.
  • Collaborates with construction personnel to resolve complex field issues and unforeseen site conditions; develops sketches, change drawings, and revised specifications, and incorporates design modifications into contract documents.
  • Prepares technical studies, reports, correspondence, and specifications, and delivers presentations on project status, engineering analysis, and technical developments to leadership and review boards.
  • Plans, coordinates, and monitors engineering and design activities for assigned projects; evaluates design objectives, sequences tasks for efficient execution, and prepares preliminary studies and design memoranda.
  • Serves as a technical liaison with project sponsors, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to ensure integration of design changes and effective communication of project status.

  • In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

  • This position is advertised as a GS-07 with a Full Performance Level of GS-12. This announcement is being used to fill the vacancy at any of the following grade levels (GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12). The duties described above represent the full scope of the position; the level of responsibility, complexity of assignments, and degree of supervision will vary based on the grade level at which the applicant is selected.

Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes: (1) assisting in the design and construction of mechanical engineering devices, equipment or systems using established criteria or specifications; or, (2) monitoring the testing of mechanical engineering devices, systems or their equipment or components and reviewing the test results to ensure proper functionality; or, (3) assisting in the inspection and evaluation of mechanical engineering devices, equipment or systems using established criteria. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service.

Other Conditions and Requirements

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 33% of the time.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Parking is available for a daily, weekly, or monthly fee in the vicinity of the Philadelphia District office building, at employee's expense. However, most employees commute through public transportation or high-speed rail. The Army currently provides up to $300 per month for mass transit subsistence.

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).

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/

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.