Engineering Technician

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology in VA's Infrastructure Operations seeks an Engineering Technician to help deliver secure, high-availability IT and cloud solutions. This GS-12 role requires one year of specialized experience in electrical power and mechanical cooling installations and testing, with NICET certification as a possible qualification.

Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Closing date: 2026-08-28.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level in electrical power and mechanical cooling installations, tests, and coordination.
• Certification: Engineering technicians may be certified by NICET.
• Selective Placement Factor: ability to apply qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to resolve problems and assess unusual circumstances.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Technical knowledge

Education

NICET certification

Job description

Join VA's Infrastructure Operations (IO) to deliver and maintain secure, high-availability IT and cloud solutions. Help protect and modernize mission-critical systems and support quality services for Veterans. Work in a dynamic, innovative environment as an Engineering Technician located in Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology (VA). To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2026.

Individual Occupational Requirements

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.

Specialized Experience for GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 level in supporting electrical power and mechanical cooling installations, removals, and coordinated testing projects by providing technical expertise in multiple specialties or multiple complex areas to sustain operational readiness related to the critical facility infrastructures.

-OR-

Certification:

Engineering technicians may be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

-AND- Selective Placement Factor:

In addition to the basic qualifications described above, you must also meet the following requirement(s) to be considered qualified for the position: Experience applying qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to resolve a broad range of problems and the ability to analyze, select, and adapt appropriate methods from a wide range of alternatives to assess unusual circumstances.

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.

Note

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment along with the beginning and end dates.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.