Mechanical Engineer

GS-13: Designs, layouts and construction of complex mechanical systems such as plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel storage and distribution in the FBI facilities. Reviews designs, plans, specifications, and analyses for technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, industry standards, and FBI requirements.

Recommends design changes as needed and ensures contractor-submitted mechanical equipment and shop drawings meet specifications. Performs heating/cooling load calculations, heat transfer, pressure calculations, duct/pipe sizing, and other tasks to support mechanical design and equipment selection for HVAC systems.

Provides design support for engineering studies, code reviews, field investigations, and report generation. Conducts field inspections to review existing mechanical utilities as well as ongoing and proposed projects. These reviews include items that affect existing systems, specifications, and cost estimates.

Based on analysis of information obtained, provides recommendations of appropriate actions to be taken to higher level mechanical engineers. Analyze existing equipment and systems to determine their overall efficiency and to provide recommendations concerning use in the new facility or replacement, repair or improvements.

Prepares or oversees preparation of in-depth technical reports/papers concerning complex mechanical engineering matters. Such reports are further used to determine current and long-range program needs of the Bureau.

Provides engineering support to facilities systems; driving upgrade projects from concept to completion, as required for continuous improvement of the facilities systems to ensure that support and services of the department meet the highest quality standards and performance.

GS-14 (in addition to the above): Serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical engineering aspects of the planning, design, construction and alteration of FBI facilities. Provides guidance and oversight for the planning, budgetary and operational aspects of same.

These responsibilities range from establishing preventive maintenance requirements for a small piece of mechanical equipment to design and management of major construction projects.

Prepares designs for aspects of unique or highly complex facilities and provides oversight to mechanical design efforts of outside companies and/or FBI personnel concerning FBI facilities.

Oversees and reviews complex mechanical design work for FBI facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, coordination with other engineering disciplines, and proper integration into overall projects, while serving as the final technical authority on mechanical design changes.

Provides authoritative technical engineering expertise and guidance to consultants, shops personnel and other engineering personnel for activities concerning full range of mechanical systems. Serves as consultant and member of the FBI Architect and Engineering (A&E) review board on difficult and controversial matters.

Provides professional expertise and advice on matters involving design and construction for FBI projects and its architectural, engineering and construction contractors, other government agencies and private lessors.

Provides guidance on areas not covered in project specifications or requiring specialized knowledge of FBI facilities and security systems. Prepares or oversees preparation of contract packages including specifications and technical requirements. Conducts negotiation of contracts in conjunction with contracting officer.

As necessary, certifies technical adequacy/accuracy of services provided by contractors and their compliance with contract terms.

GS-13: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS- 12 grade level.

SE is defined as follows: Experience in designing and overseeing design and construction of commercial buildings, government buildings, critical facilities, and data centers and have a strong knowledge of mechanical systems design for plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel storage and distribution.

Performing and reviewing cooling load calculations, heat transfer, pressure calculations, ductwork, pipe sizing, and any other calculations required to support the mechanical design and equipment sizing/selection as related to building engineered systems and various other tasks related to the design of HVAC systems.

Knowledge of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), standards and Federal, State, and local regulations in governing mechanical systems as well as skill in inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with these codes and regulations.

GS-14: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.

SE (in addition to the above) is defined as follows: Knowledge of other engineering disciplines such as structural, architectural and electrical sufficient to permit initial judgments or critical evaluations of findings and recommendations of other expert sources consulted.

Ability to modify and adapt standards, equipment and techniques to resolve a variety of engineering problems as well as ensure continuation of services without interruption or to prevent excessive downtime.

Ability to apply new developments or experimental theories to problems not readily treatable by standard methods to solve a variety of highly complex technical problems.