As a Mechanical Engineering Technician, you serve in a vital role protecting the health, welfare and agricultural economy of the United States of America and to facilitate aerial field operation objectives. You will develop and design specialized equipment for aerial surveying, aerial dispersing of sterile insects, insect rearing, soil sampling, and pest trapping & surveying.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs design and layout of plans and specifications for mechanical systems and equipment for projects by using manual drafting or Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD). Prepares CADD generated information for integration into Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) logic for programming power machine tools. Uses CAD-CAM software to produce file programs for CNC controlled cutting machinery. Design and construct devices for rearing cages and diet preparation units for fruit fly rearing facilities, using 3D printing equipment and software for providing analytical data and concept testing. Applies knowledge of accepted construction details, shop production, materials usage, and design practice. Prepares plans, specifications, and estimates for buildings (e.g. research labs, greenhouses, small buildings) subject to extreme conditions of climate or loading. Considers suitability and availability of materials, sub-grade and embankments, sub-base, base courses, drainage and pavement. Calculates loads, structural strength, sizes, weights, moments, clearances, dimensional fits, and other aspects in accordance with standard formulas, criteria, and handbook tables.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Work may be performed in a stressful environment including production areas, utility plants, maintenance, work and office areas.
• Exposure to loud noise, dirt, grease, and heavy machinery which requires extreme care for safe operation.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be required.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-08 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Coordinates the operation of CNC power machine tool programming using CADD and CAM software. Uses 3D printing equipment, software, components and techniques to produce prototypical equipment. Analyzes data from a variety of sources (e.g., manufacturer's drawings, specifications, and maintenance records); determines information needed concerning characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of the test items. Develop and/or review plans, specifications, and estimates for mechanical systems and equipment or new construction of small buildings. Provides reports containing analytical data gathered for proof of concept, capability, limitations, characteristics and design flaws of mechanical systems or equipment. Prepares presentations of findings and recommendations that will affect a change in design or specifications of specialized equipment. OR Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in the field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: APHIS Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]