Mechanical Engineering
Position Overview
Mechanical Engineers oversee the wide range of mechanical systems at DOI’s facilities throughout the country. They develop designs, plans, and specifications for systems such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, fueling, and ventilation systems. Mechanical engineers also manage projects involving construction, renovation, retrofitting, or historic preservation of equipment or facilities.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate has a great deal of technical knowledge of a wide variety of mechanical engineering concepts and can apply their skills to plan projects and solve problems.
Specialty Areas
Controls; Energy/Economic Analyses; HVAC/Refrigeration; Hydropower; Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants; Plumbing
Work Environment
Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor or field sites. Work may necessitate the use of safety equipment (e.g., hardhat, eyewear) or require considerable care and safety precautions.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Mid:
- Performs trouble-shooting for various facility systems
- Investigates equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions
- Calculates energy losses for buildings
- Evaluates mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact
- Develops and implements plans for maintenance and repair of grounds, buildings, structures, and equipment.
Journey:
- Directs the installation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, water, power, or control systems
- Develops procedures for testing systems or equipment
- Designs mechanical systems
- Conducts research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems
- Coordinates with stakeholders
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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LearningUses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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ResilienceDeals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Teaching OthersHelps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipMid 7-11Journey 12-14
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
General Engineering
Industrial Equipment Mechanic
Civil Engineering
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."
