R&D Operations Engineering / Engineer Representative

Summary

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy. As a R&D Operations Engineering / Engineer Representative, you will plan and execute multidisciplinary engineering projects, evaluate system design and technical data, and provide comprehensive safety and quality assurance oversight across the full lifecycle of advanced energy research facilities and operations.

Duties

The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office works to unleash the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) office works to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation's energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. Through forward-looking research and technology development, our team of talented and diverse experts provides technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow. For more information visit http://www.netl.doe.gov/ We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy At the full performance level, GS-13, R&D Operations Engineering / Engineer Representative, you will: Direct and manage the full lifecycle-from design and development through testing, operation, and decommissioning-of technically complex, broad-scope engineering and R&D projects across multiple engineering disciplines. Analyze intricate engineering issues, conflicting requirements, and novel challenges to resolve major uncertainties, adapt standards to unconventional conditions, and formulate innovative technical solutions. Provide comprehensive oversight of Safety Analysis and Review System (SARS) processes and engineering design implementations to ensure all assigned R&D projects meet rigorous safety protocols, quality assurance (QA) requirements, and federal/industry codes. Serve as an authoritative engineering consultant and subject matter expert to internal leadership, management officials, and outside organizations on controversial, high-visibility, or difficult engineering policies and methods. Serve as a technical point of contact (including potential duties as a Task Task/Contracting Officer's Representative - TCOR/COR), developing critical acquisition packages (e.g., Statements of Work, IGCEs, and QA surveillance plans) and monitoring contractor execution, scope, and budget. Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present project data, emerging technology evaluations, and strategic recommendations to multi-disciplinary teams, interagency panels, and executive leadership to guide decision-making. Qualifications

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 0801 SERIES: Degree: 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. 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 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 -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the 4 of the following: Conducting engineering studies, calculations, or preliminary technical analyses to evaluate conventional equipment, processes, systems, or facility components. Reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, or schematics to identify technical discrepancies and verify alignment with project requirements. Applying quality assurance standards or hazard identification procedures to ensure systems, equipment, or operations comply with established technical codes, safety guidelines, or design criteria. Preparing written technical documentation, such as engineering reports, test summaries, specifications, or project status updates. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the 4 of the following: Conducting engineering analyses and evaluating technical alternatives to resolve complex design, operational, or system compatibility issues. Reviewing and evaluating engineering drawings, design specifications, and modification packages to ensure systems, facilities, or experimental equipment are built to required standards. Applying safety analysis and review methodologies (e.g., process hazard reviews, system safety evaluations, or management of change) to identify hazards and incorporate safety mitigations into engineering designs or operations. Verifying quality assurance (QA) compliance by inspecting components, deliverables, or contractor work against applicable engineering codes and performance criteria. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. How You Will Be Evaluated

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for R&D Operations Engineering / Engineer Representative positions in the 0801 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process. Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b). USA Hire: Your application will be assessed based on your responses to an online assessment that measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to meet the established proficiency threshold or fail to complete the assessment. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, the result of the USA Hire assessment, and a minimum qualification review. Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Decision Making Design Flexibility General Engineering Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Project Management Quality Assurance Reading Comprehension Reasoning Safety Engineering Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Written Communication CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status. Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/14/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13079977 Other Information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/articles/reasonable-accommodation-and-personal-assistance-service-procedure Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. CTAP/ICTAP Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.