Mechanical Engineer, GS-0830-12 (59330)

Neville Island, PAGreat Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Pittsburgh District59330
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Announcement Type

TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Pittsburgh District

Locations (City, State)

Neville Island, PA

Position Overview/Duties

Pittsburgh, PA is a dynamic city that blends rich history with cutting-edge innovation, making it an ideal place to build a fulfilling career. Known for its transformation from an industrial hub to a leader in technology, healthcare, and education, Pittsburgh offers abundant opportunities in growing sectors. Sports lovers will feel right at home with the city’s passionate fan base and major league teams—the Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pirates (MLB)—bringing energy and excitement year-round. The city also boasts a low cost of living, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. With top-tier universities like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, it’s a hotspot for talent, research, and collaboration. Whether you're launching your career or seeking new challenges, Pittsburgh offers the perfect environment to thrive professionally and personally.

INTERNAL REASSIGNMENT SOLICITATION

This announcement provides notice of a noncompetitive, reassignment opportunity for a permanent, full-time Mechanical Engineer, GS-0830-12, in the Neville Island Area Office, Construction Division. Your application documents must be emailed to Brian Farmer brian.m.farmer@usace.army.mil by COB, 19 December 2025, to be considered.

The assignment is expected to be effective starting the pay-period beginning on 25 January 2025. The duty location is the Neville Island Area Office located at 3510 Grand Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15225. Flexibility on the effective start date will be considered for the applicant’s current organization.

WHO MAY APPLY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) qualified employees interested in an internal reassignment or voluntary reassignment to this position at the same grade, or to a lower grade. For applicants moving to a lower grade, pay may be set using the Highest Previous Rate (HPR) authority, which allows pay to be set up to the highest previous Federal salary rate earned, not to exceed the grade of the position.

MAJOR DUTIES: Serves as a Project Engineer and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for various construction contracts with an emphasis on mechanical features. Works under the general supervision of the Resident Engineer, Neville Island Area Office (NIAO), Construction Division. Responsible for matters pertaining to investigations, evaluations, and analysis of all mechanical and related problems arising during construction of any of the various projects of the district; checks overall adequacy and efficiency of operations and advises the NIAO of conditions encountered and recommended action taken. Projects such as mechanical aspects of floodwalls and levees at pumping stations and appurtenant structures, flood control structures, navigation locks and dams with supporting mechanical facilities, water and wastewater treatment facilities and military construction such as vertical construction facilities, airfields, and utility plants and systems.

Performs the following major duties:

  • Periodically visits and inspects construction project sites to ensure compliance with contract requirements and sound construction methods and practices (i.e., quality assurance); to analyze specialized mechanical systems; and to aid field personnel in identifying recurring problems areas in mechanical work.
  • Reviews and evaluates various plans (e.g., quality control, accident prevention, environmental, schedule, etc.), testing results, shop drawings, samples, personnel certifications, and material certifications submitted by contractors for compliance with the awarded contract plans and specifications and recommends approval or rejection.
  • Is a technical expert in mechanical construction; acts as a troubleshooter when visiting active construction sites with special problems and recommends solutions to correct and implement.
  • Witnesses performance tests of major items of equipment and/or systems, verifies and/or establishes appropriate procedures for tests and for recording data. Witnesses factory and final acceptance tests on various mechanical items. Coordinates all testing with utility companies, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, and Government personnel. Determines quality, acceptability of mechanical work and directs correction of deficient items.
  • Advises the Area and Resident Engineer of code requirements for work, renders specialized assistance, notes rate of progress, material delays, safety practices, etc., particularly for mechanical work.
  • Reviews plans and specifications prior to award of contract to ensure sound mechanical construction methods and practices are incorporated (i.e., Biddability, Constructability, Operations, Environmental, and Sustainability (BCOES) Reviews at the 30%, 60%, and 95% design review milestones).
  • On the basis of field evaluations and further studies, evaluations, analyses, and design reviews, recommends needed changes in guide or template specifications and standard plans.
  • Responsible for inspection of Government furnished mechanical material and equipment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) certification within six (6) months of the effective start date.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid government and state driver’s license.
  • TDY may be required up to 15% of the time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: PCS may be authorized for this position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The deadline for submitting the complete application package is COB, on Friday, 19 December 2025. All application packages must be emailed to brian.m.farmer@usace.army.mil. Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. Current Resume
    1. Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
    2. For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
    3. Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
  2. Current supervisor endorsement.

Other Conditions and Requirements

This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for noncompetitive placements, to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.

Minimum Education Requirement: Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Minimum Experience Requirement: Fully performing GS-12 or GS-13 Mechanical Engineers within USACE.

Other Requirements:

  • Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 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 30% of the time
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • This position requires a mobility agreement upon entry.
  • The incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Financial Disclosure Report upon entering on duty in this position and annually thereafter.
  • 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, and student loan repayment 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.
  • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.

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 IAW OPM Requirements: 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.