Job Listing
Mechanical Engineer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · Posted 56 days ago
Hybrid Seattle, WA $84K – $131K Apply by Jul 27, 2026 Mechanical Engineering INTJISTJISTP Engineering
Apply for this job → About the Role
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), with one vacancy in Seattle, WA. This position is also announced under vacancy number OAR PMEL-26-13013960-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.
What You'll Do
- →As a Mechanical Engineer, you will perform the following duties: Synthesize mechanical engineering principles to develop and improve equipment used for marine research and environmental observations for the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL).
- →Streamline the design of prototypes and manufacturable packages used in environmental observing systems.
- →Study design approaches, including load criteria and pressure ratings, to identify practical engineering solutions.
- →Standardize mechanical engineering work for oceanographic observing systems, marine instrumentation, moorings, and buoy systems within the office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
- →Supervise design, structural analysis, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate equipment for harsh marine environments.
- →Troubleshoot field equipment to produce reliable and maintainable mechanical assemblies.
- →Sustain field operations and oceanographic research cruises to support the assembly and recovery of marine systems.
- →Oversee the inspection and evaluation of engineering systems during remote operations.
- →Specify design alternatives while coordinating with vessel operators and field teams.
- →POSITION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle.
- →Secures and maintains a valid state driver's license to operate government and commercial vehicles for instrument deployment.
Requirements
- ✓This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS).
- ✓Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.
- ✓The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12.
- ✓Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S.
- ✓Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
- ✓More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
- ✓Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Qualification requirements must be met by closing date of the announcement.
- ✓Additional Considerations: Three year probationary period may be required.* This position requires a Low Risk Security Clearance.
- ✓Background investigation will be required.
- ✓Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication.
- ✓Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. *Note: A three year probationary period will be required unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee and are in the same line of work and with no more than a 30 day break in service.
- ✓As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
- ✓In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; Needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service.
- ✓Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Personality Fit
Job ID: aa3f4330-23cd-4098-93d2-8660c5fe52d1
Posted via USAJobs