Public Notice for Mechanical Engineer (Direct Hire)

Job Description

Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA Organizations Nationwide

Position Overview:

This position is being filled using the Direct Hire Authority for the 0830 Mechanical Engineering occupational series. The incumbent will apply professional mechanical engineering principles to address problems related to the generation, transmission, measurement, and use of energy—especially heat and mechanical power.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply engineering principles such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanics to support mechanical systems.
• Perform tasks related to energy production, equipment design, facility engineering, and safety analysis.
• Design and analyze mechanical and structural aspects of systems and test projects.
• Utilize engineering software and tools to model systems, analyze data, and develop testing instrumentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project planning, design validation, and execution.
• Contribute to the development of technical standards, policies, and cost estimates.

Qualifications:

Basic Education Requirement (All Grade Levels):

A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent education/experience as defined by OPM’s qualification standards for professional engineering positions.

Alternate pathways to qualify include:

• Current licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT)
• Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• 60+ semester hours in engineering-related coursework
• Related degree (e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture) with qualifying engineering experience

Grade-Level Qualifications:

FV-G (GS-5/7/9 equivalent):

• Must meet the basic education requirement.

FV-H (GS-11/12 equivalent):

• One year of specialized experience at the FV-G level, such as:
  • Design and testing of mechanical systems
  • Application of engineering software for analysis
  • Documentation of test results and processes

OR

• 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or completed Ph.D.

FV-I (GS-13 equivalent):

• One year of specialized experience at the FV-H level, such as:
  • Project management and planning
  • Biodynamic and structural testing
  • Cost estimation and facility component evaluation

FV-J (GS-14 equivalent):

• One year of specialized experience at the FV-I level, such as:
  • Leading research and technical projects
  • Working with composite materials
  • Advising stakeholders on engineering design and criteria

FV-K (GS-15 equivalent):

• One year of specialized experience at the FV-J level, such as:
  • Conducting advanced mechanical research
  • Developing national-level policies or design standards
  • Supporting high-impact engineering operations (e.g., medical or warehouse facilities)

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Selective Service Registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)
• Transcripts required to verify education
• Background investigation and possible pre-employment physical
• Probationary period may apply
• Duty location may be negotiable

How You Will Be Evaluated:

• Evaluation is based on your resume and responses to the job questionnaire.
• FAA does not use KSAs in the application; however, ensure your resume clearly reflects the experience and achievements that support your answers.
• Veterans’ Preference does not apply under Direct Hire Authority.

Required Documents:

• College Transcripts (Official if selected)
• Professional certifications or licensure, if applicable
• Documentation for non-citizen eligibility, disability status, or special hiring authority (if claiming such)

Additional Notes:

• This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• Remote work or duty location may be flexible.
• This is not a bargaining unit position.
• You must apply online to be considered.
• Applications must be marked “Received” by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.