Engineering Technician

Summary

The primary purpose of the Engineering Technician is to use computer-aided software applications to plan and develop various products for projects in support of Facilities Management. The technician also updates and maintains diverse databases storing design files. Incumbents must possess a Bachelors degree in a STEM major (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or a related discipline.

Applicants must satisfy all requirements by the closing date of this announcement (06/22/2026). Current federal employees holding any GS grade in the past 52 weeks must meet the time‑in‑grade requirement of 52 weeks at the GS‑09 level for a GS‑11 position. Required documentation includes an SF‑50 showing fulfilment of time‑in‑grade or an additional SF‑50 if the most recent one is within the past year.

Time‑in‑grade requirements also apply to former federal employees applying for reinstatement or Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 appointment. The series covers technical positions that supervise, lead, or perform work involving practical engineering or architectural knowledge.

• Examples of qualifying specialized experience for positions at GS‑4 or above include drafting, surveying, construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
• Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when it provides intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents.
• Trade positions with substantial developmental, testing, or design responsibilities, such as planners and estimators analyzing designs for production purposes, instrument makers, or model makers performing design or development work on fabricated devices.
• Education and training:
  For positions at GS‑5 or equivalent, successful completion of a full four‑year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.
• Or a bachelor’s degree that included at least 24 semester hours in relevant courses (financial, technical, or specialized subjects).
• At least six of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting if the position requires a drafting specialization.
• Graduate education or an internship meeting the specialized experience required above GS‑5 only when directly related to the work of the position.
• One full year of graduate education satisfies the requirements for GS‑7; two full years or a master’s degree satisfies GS‑9.
• Part‑time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full‑time study at the school attended.
• Certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies or by the Institute will be helpful.
• Meeting the Individual Occupational Requirements and the Specialized Experience listed below is required.
• Specialized experience must include at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS‑09 in the normal line of progression.
• Examples of specialized experience: use of computer‑aided software to plan and develop products for Facilities Management projects; updates and maintenance of complex databases storing design files; full knowledge of professional architectural and engineering concepts and practices for various building types.
• Preferred experience:
  
  experience managing CAD databases.

• Manage several databases including graphic (CAD, Statement of Conditions) and alphanumeric (Computer‑Aided Facility Management) internal to the VA and the medical center.
• Maintain the medical center’s hard‑copy equipment operations manual, warranties, and other facility‑related filing systems relating to the Facility Management Program.
• Preserve and update the CAD files and other CAFM modules, including electrical system single‑line drawings, power riser diagrams, fire protection drawings, medical gas system drawings, and joint commission life‑safety drawings.
• Supervise maintenance of all record drawings in accordance with VACO and medical center requirements.
• Maintain, update, and review…