Department of Energy Headquarters logo

General Engineer

Department of Energy Headquarters

Washington, DCFull-time$122–187K/yrPosted today

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At a glance

Compensation
$122–187K/yr
Location
Washington, DC
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Engineer Intern Or EIT Or PE RegistrationFundamentals Of Engineering Exam

Job overview

The General Engineer serves as a primary point of contact for the Department of Energy’s SBIR/STTR portfolios, overseeing grants, awards, project performance, and technology commercialization results. The role manages engineering and technology project portfolios, evaluates emerging technologies and proposals, develops budgets and milestones, conducts project reviews, formulates technical guidance, and represents the agency with stakeholders. Applicants must meet the engineering basic requirement and specialized experience requirements for the advertised GS-13 or GS-14 levels.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Technology CommercializationProject ManagementTechnology EvaluationBudget DevelopmentProposal EvaluationTechnical NegotiationProject ReviewPolicy DevelopmentTechnical BriefingAttention to DetailCustomer ServiceDecision MakingFlexibilityInfluencing and NegotiatingIntegrity and HonestyInterpersonal SkillsLearningPartneringReading ComprehensionReasoningSelf-ManagementStress ToleranceTeamworkTechnical Competence

Qualifications

Engineering Degree or Equivalent PathEngineer Intern or EIT or PE RegistrationFundamentals of Engineering Exam60 Semester Hours Engineering SciencesBachelor's in Related Scientific Field1 Year Professional Engineering Experience1 Year GS-12 Specialized Experience1 Year GS-13 Specialized Experience

Full job description

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Energy's, Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). As a General Engineer, you will serve as a primary point of contact for the agency's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Research (SBIR/STTR) portfolios, oversee grants, awards, project performance and support the delivery of strong technology commercialization results.

Duties

The Office of Technology Commercialization works to develop and oversee the delivery of the Department of Energy's strategic vision and goals for technology commercialization and engagement with the business and industrial sectors across the United States. 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 As a General Engineer, you will: 1. Plan, manage and oversee advanced scientific, engineering, and technology commercialization project portfolios (including SBIR/STTR awards) to advance Department energy priorities and national goals. 2. Evaluate the feasibility, technical maturity, and risk of emerging technologies, proposals, and novel concepts, and recommend technical alternatives to mitigate project risks. 3. Develop project budgets, evaluate proposals, negotiate technical milestones, and collaborate with contracting officials to oversee contract modifications, cost-sharing, and funding allocations. 4. Conduct on-site project reviews, inspect facilities, and evaluate technical reports and milestones to ensure contractor/awardee quality, safety, schedule adherence, and regulatory compliance. 5. Formulate policies, technical roadmaps, and guidance to solve complex engineering and physical science challenges, advising agency executives and external partners on critical issues. 6. Represent the agency before interagency working groups, industry, and laboratories, delivering technical briefings and presentations to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Qualifications

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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.) GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the following 3: Providing guidance on technology commercialization, lab-to-market funding programs, energy end-use sectors, or technology maturation processes that advance program objectives. Acting as a technical point of contact to build consensus among corporate partners, research facilities, and academic institutions for all joint technology commercialization projects. Assisting with writing briefing materials or reports that are used by management to develop technical recommendations that advance technology commercialization objectives. GS-14 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the following 3: Overseeing research and development, scientific or technical engineering programs that advance objectives for technology commercialization, lab-to-market funding and energy end-use sectors. Managing technology commercialization projects, including costs, schedules, budgets, and proposals. Advise senior leadership, partner organizations and external stakeholders on scientific, engineering or technology commercialization matters. "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 General Engineer 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 Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Partnering Project Management Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Technical Competence 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 (11/19/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13104844 Other Information

Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. 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.

How this job compares

Set against the 14,753 open Project Management jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 9, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$122–187K/yr
  • Washington, D.C. median$104–187K/yr139 salary ranges
  • US median$102–166K/yr9,594 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $154K, is 4% above the Washington, D.C. median midpoint ($148K) — in the middle half of Project Management salary ranges in Washington, D.C..

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 177 open Project Management jobs in Washington, D.C. and 14,753 across the US. 5% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Washington, D.C.
Experience
This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience — less than three in four Project Management postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 11,832 postings).
Education
5,636 of the 14,753 open Project Management jobs (38%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 9, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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