Engineering Technician (Materials) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Individual Occupational Requirements for series 0802 (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above): This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of engineering or architecture; and construction, application, properties, operations, and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, and materials.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in 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 the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:

• Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
• Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated.

For more information refer to: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/

To determine which grade(s) you are eligible for, review the following grade specific details.  You will be asked questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience and/or education in your resume and/or uploaded transcripts or you may be deemed ineligible. 

For the GS-05:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level, which included:

• Experience following technical documents to perform procedures; AND
• Experience performing detailed oriented tasks to completion.

Or on Education, you must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of undergraduate study leading to a bachelor's degree with (a) your major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; OR (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.

You can also qualify with a combination of applicable post high-school education and experience as noted above.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

For the GS-06:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level, which included:

• Experience in laboratory testing operations, techniques, and procedures; AND
• Experience performing laboratory tests on a range of materials such as soils, aggregates, bituminous mixtures, asphalt cements, and concrete.

Or on Education, you must have at least half of a year of graduate* education leading to a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.

You can also qualify with a combination of applicable graduate* education and experience as noted above.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

For the GS-07:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level, which included:

• Experience applying American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), or special provision procedures and equipment used in the preparation, design, and evaluation of materials; AND
• Experience performing laboratory tests, and reporting test results on a range of material typically used in highway and bridge constructions, such as soils, aggregates, bituminous mixtures, asphalt cements, and concrete.

Or on Education, you must have at least one (1) full year of graduate* education leading to a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.

You can also qualify with a combination of applicable graduate education* and experience as noted above.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will also be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

• Materials Engineering Technical Knowledge - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and methods required to provide technical assistance with the properties, characteristics, and use of engineering materials.
• Technical Competence - Uses 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.
• Communications - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).  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.

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.