Lead Mechanical Engineer, GS

Lead Mechanical Engineer, GS-0830-13 (76773)

Announcement Type: TARP - Direct‑Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type: Permanent

USACE Organization: South Pacific Division (SPD) – Albuquerque District

Location: Albuquerque, NM

The Lead Mechanical Engineer serves as a senior specialist and team leader for mechanical design within the Albuquerque District. This position involves overseeing complex mechanical engineering designs for military and civil works projects, focusing on mechanical, fire protection ponte, and specialized systems such as plumbing, fuel systems, mechanical renewable energy systems, pumping stations, and hydro‑mechanical equipment.

Responsibilities include reviewing, analyzing, and approving mechanical design elements, ensuring they meet operational and technical requirements, and providing expert guidance on all mechanical features of design documents.

The role also encompasses leadership responsibilities: managing and mentoring the engineering team, delegating tasks, balancing workloads, and ensuring projects are completed on time while meeting all technical and regulatory standards.

• Mechanical Design Expertise:
  Serves as the district’s mechanical engineering design and construction expert, providing authoritative advice on complex design challenges, including mechanical, fire protection, and specialized systems.
• Review and Approval of Designs:
  Reviews and approves all mechanical engineering features of A‑E designs, serving as the first‑level reviewer of in‑house designs prepared by senior mechanical engineers within the district.
• Project Analysis:
  Analyzes mechanical design features of proposed military, civil works, and Work‑for‑Others (WFO) projects, ensuring feasibility and compliance with authority and technical soundness.
• Independent Technical Review:
  Conducts second‑level reviews of in‑house designs prepared by other Corps districts and provides authoritative approval on mechanical features of projects.
• Troubleshooting and Technical Assistance:
  Acts as a technical specialist and troubleshooter, providing expert advice during the design and construction phases and resolving conflicts and delays.
• Correspondence and Research:
  Receives inquiries related to mechanical design elements, conducts research, and prepares responses.
• Innovative Design Solutions:
  Stays updated on current advances in mechanical design and recommends improvements in procedures, materials, and systems.

• Team Leadership and Coordination:
  Leads the mechanical engineering team, guiding members through task assignments, technical challenges, and project milestones.
• Training and Development:
  Identifies strengths and weaknesses, facilitates training, and fosters professional development.
• Performance and Personnel Management:
  Monitors and reports on progress, prepares reports, recommends personnel actions, and addresses informal complaints.
• Team Communication:
  Ensures findings and recommendations are communicated effectively to supervisors and stakeholders.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905, to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in competitive service.

Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution. Registration as a Professional Mechanical Engineer is required.

• At least one year of specialized experience at the GS‑12 level or equivalent.
• Expertise in mechanical design, including plumbing, fuel systems, fire protection, pumping stations, and mechanical renewable energy systems (e.g., steam, gas, water, wind turbines, and hydropower).
• Experience in reviewing and approving mechanical design features to ensure compliance with standards and technical requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical engineering issues during design and construction phases.
• Leadership experience with managing or mentoring an engineering team.
• Experience conducting technical reviews and providing  to contractors,…