Engineering Excellence: Pursuing a Mechanical Engineering Career with the U.S. Navy

Are you a skilled mechanical engineer looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Department of the Navy is offering a premier opportunity to serve as a Mechanical Engineer specializing in Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants (POL) infrastructure. Based in Manchester, Washington, this role is essential for maintaining the operational capacity of Navy fuel facilities. This position is ideal for candidates who thrive in technical, fast-paced, and high-stakes environments.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, your primary responsibility is to serve as the engineering focal point for all POL-related sustainment, modernization, and restoration projects. Your duties will include:

Infrastructure Research & Development: Layout and coordinate projects that improve fuel storage and handling infrastructure across the Navy Region Northwest.
Engineering Oversight: Conduct rigorous engineering studies, surveys, and inspections of fuel systems.
Project Management: Oversee the maintenance and overhaul of four navy fuel barges, including the development of comprehensive plans and cost estimates.
Program Management: Act as the Weight Handling Program Manager for the Manchester 15-ton mobile crane.
Compliance: Ensure all projects strictly adhere to Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), OSHA, and NFPA standards.

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:

Requirement	Criteria
Education	ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Engineering
Experience	At least 1 year at the GS-11 equivalent level
Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain Secret level
Physicality	Able to perform site inspections in hazardous conditions

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,602 to $130,786 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications. Federal compensation packages are highly regarded due to their stability and comprehensive nature.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Navy receive a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
FERS retirement plan, including the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
Generous paid annual leave and federal holidays.
Professional training and tuition assistance opportunities.

Application Tips

Format: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Excess pages lead to automatic disqualification.
Detail: Provide concrete examples of how you have applied engineering principles in industrial settings.
Documentation: Ensure your transcripts clearly demonstrate that you meet the core education requirements.

The position of Mechanical Engineer (POL) in Manchester, WA, is more than just a job; it is a critical support function for the U.S. Navy. If you possess the required technical expertise and are ready for a challenging role in the public sector, we encourage you to prepare your application package today.

Why This Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants) Job Matters

Advance your engineering career by securing critical fuel infrastructure for the U.S. Navy in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants) Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to join the Commander, Navy Installations Command. Based in Manchester, Washington, this position focuses on the sustainment, modernization, and restoration of petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) facilities. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the operational readiness of fuel infrastructure through expert project management, design coordination, and regulatory oversight.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants)

U.S. Citizenship.
Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering field from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Professional registration as an Engineer Intern (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) is highly regarded.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be able to navigate construction sites, climb ladders/scaffolding, and enter confined spaces.
Resume limited to two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants)

Experience managing complex facility sustainment, modernization, and restoration (SRM) projects.
In-depth knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), OSHA, and NFPA standards.
Expertise in petroleum and fuel handling systems.
Project management skills for heavy civil or mechanical infrastructure.
Strong communication skills for overseeing contractor teams and technical reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous retirement programs (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Potential relocation incentives for eligible candidates.

💡 How to Apply Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer (Petroleum/Oils/Lubricants) Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
Compile supporting documents: official/unofficial transcripts, certifications, and licenses.
Submit your complete application package via email to the address provided in the job notice.
Ensure your resume includes employer names, dates of service, hours per week, and federal grade levels.
Await notification regarding your application status from the Human Resources office.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory federal information is included.
Be precise in your descriptions of past projects; clearly link your experience to the duties listed.
Ensure all uploaded documents are legible; unreadable files will lead to automatic disqualification.
Do not exceed the two-page resume limit, as it will be rejected.
Clearly label your transcripts and certification documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position requires on-site work in Manchester, Washington, and may involve frequent travel within the region.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance.

Can I use education to qualify?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field is a basic requirement, though a combination of education and experience may be considered under specific circumstances.

What is the security clearance requirement?

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance due to the sensitivity of the infrastructure you will manage.

Will I need to travel?

Yes, the role involves frequent travel within the region, involving site visits and inspections of industrial facilities.

Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) manages the shore-based infrastructure for the Navy. Their mission is to provide the best possible service to the fleet, fighter, and family. By joining this organization, you become part of a professional team committed to excellence, integrity, and safety. Civilian careers with the Navy provide the unique opportunity to combine professional engineering skill sets with a sense of purpose and national pride.