Lead Engineering Technician

Responsibilities

• Distribute and balance workload among team members to ensure testing deadlines are met.
• Monitor and report on the status of ongoing tests to the supervisor.
• Train and coach junior technicians on complex test setups and safety procedures.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot advanced instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Execute complex test plans on diverse military hardware (weapons, vehicles, electronics).
• Serve as the technical authority on‑site to verify that testing parameters meet strict military standards.
• Devises custom fixtures or modifications when standard testing equipment cannot accommodate a unique test asset.
• Diagnose root causes of system failures during testing.
• Adapt testing methodologies on the fly to handle unexpected technical anomalies.
• Bridge the gap between engineering theory and practical execution by translating complex test plans for technicians.
• Draft clear technical inputs for test reports, failure analyses, and daily status updates.
• Liaise with external stakeholders (program managers, contractors) to coordinate test resources.

• The position requires occasional travel (10% of the time).
• Heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more is required; a pre‐employment physical must be passed.
• Drug testing is required under the Department of the Army Drug‑Free Federal Workplace Program. Acceptance of a DA Form 5019 and acknowledgement of periodic random drug testing are mandatory.
• Access to arms, ammunition, and explosives is required; applicable AR 190‑11 provisions apply.
• Candidates convicted of domestic violence are ineligible for this position.
• A valid state driver’s license (any of the 50 U.S. states or possessions) is required.
• Government motor vehicle license must be obtained and maintained.
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance Level and Tier 3, Non‑Critical Sensitive, Moderate Risk designation.
• Appointment is subject to a one‑year probationary period unless prior requirements are met; termination may occur during probation with limited appeal rights.

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply:

• Current Civilian Employees of the Command
• Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Specialized

Experience:

One year of specialized experience which includes:

• Direct execution of complex test and evaluation programs for advanced military systems, vehicles, or weaponry.
• Distribute work and train a team of technicians to meet critical testing deadlines and safety standards.
• Modify established testing procedures to resolve system failures.
• Advise senior engineers and program managers on test methodologies and author comprehensive technical reports or failure analyses.

Applicants will be evaluated on the following competency areas:

• Leadership
• Oral Communication
• Problem Solving
• Technical Competence

Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS‑11).

This position requires meeting the qualification requirement through experience alone; substitution of education for experience is not permitted.

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre‑Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
• One‑year probationary period during which performance and conduct are evaluated for continued employment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions from the Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Retired federal service members interested in reemployed annuitant employment should refer to additional information.
• This is a 17 Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to Joint Travel Regulations.

A federal employee will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and flexible standard benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the position type and full‑time status. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.