MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior advisor to the AF Chief of Safety and the AF Safety Center (AFSEC) staff on mechanical safety matters for AF nuclear weapons systems.

Duties

Provides professional and expert technical direction and assessment on mechanical safety issues for nuclear weapons systems. Functions as a professional subject matter expert for analyzing and mitigating hazards of mechanical safety issues to nuclear weapon systems, support equipment, and facilities where nuclear weapons are stored, handled, transported, and maintained. Develops AF policy and formulates nuclear certification design criteria for mechanicl safety aspects of all AF nuclear weapon systems. Serves as the AFSEC representative on various Department of Defense and AF boards, IPTs, working groups, technical interchange and interdepartmental project officers meetings with DOE.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions and the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0800 Engineering Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration or licensure, Written Test, Specified Academic Courses, or Related Curriculum. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must meet the basic education requirements for this interdisciplinary position and have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to the GS-13 (or higher) grade level or equivalent pay system (may have been obtained in the Federal service, military, or private sector). Examples of specialized experience include includes Professional mastery knowledge of, and skill in applying, advanced theories, concepts, and principles practiced in the science of mechanical engineering and knowledge of nuclear weapon systems, sufficient to develop novel analysis techniques to take into account emerging technologies. Knowledge shall be sufficient to provide technical direction to Air Force and industry personnel seeking guidance on how to safeguard weapons; advise on equipment and facility modification and application of protection standards; oversee the activities of, and lend technical assistance to, USAF installations on unusual problems and policy matters and resolve major safety deficiencies in facilities and equipment; keep abreast of research and development by reviewing pertinent reports and other related data to ensure proper emphasis on hazard analysis and mitigation; anticipate problems and areas of major difficulty in the mitigation of hazards, and guide installations in their resolution; prepare policy instructions and guidance material for installations; recommend design changes to improve safety and security. Mastery of, and skill in applying, expertise in advanced engineering or software theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods sufficient to apply experimental theories and new applications or developments to extend or modify theories, concepts, and assumptions; to resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, or issues; or to significantly alter standard practices, equipment, devices, processes, and known techniques; provide expert advice to senior colleagues and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations; provide significant and innovative recommendations for advancing programs and/or methods; and execute significant projects representing an important segment of the agency's operating programs. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of general engineering principles, systems mechanical safety, explosive safety requirements, and AF nuclear weapons systems operations and capabilities, and the AF and Weapons Safety organizational structure. 2. Expert knowledge of laws, regulations, and current legislative issues related to nuclear weapon system surety. 3. Expert knowledge of the operations, products, services, needs, and goals of the program(s) and the organizations studied or served, and related customers, resources, and users as well as be able to assess technical compliance and program objectives as means of negotiating an acceptable balance between mission and nuclear surety requirements. 4. Skill in assessing and evaluating broad nuclear surety program issues and providing guidance for resolving mission-critical problems impacting operations of nuclear weapon systems. 5. Skill in the interpretation of program documentation to identify nuclear surety issues that may adversely impact operations in order to plan, develop, implement and coordinate a complete nuclear safety design certification program, including the ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources to meet deadlines. 6. Ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing as well as to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of senior military employees. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

How to apply The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/04/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13095723 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Other information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (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. Click here for more information. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.