Become a Civilian Mechanical Engineer with the Department of the Navy at NAS Jacksonville

Are you a licensed Professional Engineer seeking a career where your technical expertise directly supports national defense? The Department of the Navy, through the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), has announced an opening for a highly qualified civilian Mechanical Engineer at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

Offering a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year, this GS-13 equivalent role is a premier opportunity to lead critical shore infrastructure design projects. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this career path, the unique agency culture, job requirements, and how to successfully navigate the federal application process.

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About the Agency: Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)

The Department of the Navy's civilian team is composed of brilliant scientists, specialized technicians, and dedicated professionals who work alongside active-duty military personnel. At NAVFAC, the focus is on constructing, maintaining, and modernizing the Navy's physical infrastructure. From advanced hangars and naval docks to complex utility distribution networks, NAVFAC engineers ensure the fleet is always ready to respond to global missions.

Working as a civilian engineer for NAVFAC offers the rare combination of professional autonomy, cutting-edge technology, and public service. By maintaining the operational readiness of Naval Air Station Jacksonville—a hub of naval aviation activity—your everyday design work directly influences the safety and efficiency of military personnel.

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Job Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineer for Navy shore installations, your duties go far beyond drafting. You will serve as an authoritative technical resource throughout the lifecycle of major construction and renovation initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engineering Design Excellence: Executing comprehensive mechanical designs for a broad range of shoreline facility structures.
• Modernization & Alterations: Evaluating, analyzing, and structuring major engineering changes to older structures, adjusting systems to meet current energy standards and technical demands.
• Technical Consulting: Developing initial planning parameters, draft requests for proposals (RFPs), structural plans, specifications, and feasibility reports.
• Quality Control Oversight: Directing in-house design review sessions to preserve structural safety, operational performance, and compliance with building codes.
• Risk Management: Uncovering and resolving operational hazards associated with project timelines, construction methods, and material availability.
• Contract Engineering Support: Drafting detailed statements of work (SOWs), producing government cost estimates, leading pre-negotiation strategies, and reviewing bid packages.
• Post-Construction Award Services (PCAS): Serving as a liaison during building phases, reviewing contractor submittals, and inspecting finished work to ensure strict adherence to contract documents.

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Requirements & Qualifications

Securing a GS-13 equivalent mechanical engineering position with the Navy demands a high level of academic and professional achievement. Because of the critical safety requirements of these installations, the qualifications are strictly enforced.

1. Selective Placement Factor: Professional Engineer (PE) License

You must hold an active registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. Territory. If you cannot provide concrete proof of this active registration with your application packet, you will be disqualified immediately.

2. Specialized Experience

You must demonstrate at least one year of specialized mechanical engineering work at or equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service. This experience must clearly illustrate your competence in:

• Performing engineering reviews of construction specifications and plans to confirm compliance with national codes and safety standards.
• Designing and creating layout plans for critical mechanical infrastructure such as HVAC, plumbing, complex utility connections, fuel distribution grids, and industrial ventilation systems.
• Leading architectural and engineering contract administration steps, including scope writing, budget estimations, and evaluation of contractor submittals.

3. Basic Education Requirements

Applicants must hold a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution or fulfill alternative educational equivalents (such as passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam or possessing 60 credit hours in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences along with professional engineering mentorship).

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Salary Overview & Benefits

This position is rated at the GS-13 equivalent pay band, yielding an excellent starting salary structure with regular opportunities for step increases. Beyond base compensation, federal employment provides an unmatched array of lifestyle benefits.

Benefit Area	Federal Sector Package	Private Sector Average
Salary Range	$106,437 - $138,370 / year	Varies by firm and project size
Retirement plan	FERS Pension + up to 5% TSP Match	401(k) match only (rarely pension)
Job Security	Extremely high stability	Market-driven, subject to layoffs
Telework Options	Supported split-week schedules	Varies heavily; remote work declining
Holidays	11 Paid Federal Holidays	Generally 6-8 Paid Holidays

Standard Federal Benefit Highlights:

• Retirement Security: Enjoy the safety net of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) three-tiered retirement plan, incorporating a lifetime pension, Social Security, and a generous 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
• Paid Time Off: Earn sick leave and vacation hours every pay period, in addition to standard paid holidays.
• Flexible Work arrangements: Balance your professional and personal goals with telework agreements and flexible arrival schedules, subject to team requirements.

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Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Because this position is published as a public notice flyer, applications are not accepted through the standard USAJobs portal. Instead, you must apply directly via email to the Human Resources representative.

Follow these exact steps to ensure your application package is considered:

1. Format Your Resume: Limit your resume to exactly two pages. Ensure that you specify dates of employment (Month/Year) and the number of hours worked per week for every position.
2. Include Key Designations: If you have federal experience, document your exact pay band, series, and grade levels.
3. Assemble Supporting Materials: Compile clear copies of your college transcripts, your active PE license verification, and veteran status forms (DD-214, SF-15) if applicable.
4. Draft the Submission Email: Address your email to the designated HR point of contact: [email protected].
5. Write the Exact Subject Line: Your email's subject line must read precisely: MECHANICAL ENGINEER, DE-13025804-26-LMV.
6. Send Prior to Closing: Ensure your package arrives before the announcement closing date of January 29, 2027.

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Critical Tips for Federal Resume Success

Federal applications require a level of detail that is significantly different from private sector resumes. Use these tips to help your package pass the initial screening stage:

• Observe the 2-Page Limit: While many federal announcements allow multi-page resumes, this naval announcement specifically caps submissions at two pages. Prioritize high-impact details, and ensure your text is easily readable.
• Align with Specialized Keywords: Make sure your resume actively highlights the phrases "HVAC design," "A&E contracts," "post-construction services," and "utility layout." These are the core markers the HR system and hiring managers look for.
• Proof of PE Status is Critical: Do not just state that you have a license. Include the license number, state of issuance, and expiration date directly on your resume, and attach a scanned PDF of your certification card.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply if I have passed the FE exam but do not have my PE license yet?

No. This position features a mandatory selective placement factor requiring current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE). While an EIT or FE status is an impressive educational milestone, it does not fulfill the selective placement criteria for this GS-13 level position.

Q2: What should I expect after submitting my resume?

Since this is an active public notice flyer, qualified resumes are retained and referred to engineering supervisors as vacancies occur. If a vacancy matches your profile, the hiring official will reach out to arrange an interview and run appropriate suitability, performance, and security checks.

Q3: Is a background check or security clearance required?

Yes. Due to the sensitive nature of operations at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the selected candidate must successfully complete an investigation to obtain a Secret security clearance. Additionally, you must complete an ethics training orientation within 3 months and submit a confidential financial disclosure form (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment.

Q4: Are relocation costs covered for this position?

According to the current announcement parameters, relocation expenses are not authorized. Candidates must be prepared to cover their own transition costs to the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area.

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This civilian Mechanical Engineer position at NAS Jacksonville represents an outstanding integration of professional stability, high-level engineering challenges, and federal benefits. If you possess a valid PE license, a solid grasp of HVAC and utility designs, and are ready to contribute to the nation's naval infrastructure, draft your two-page federal resume and apply today. Make sure to package your documents carefully, format your email subject correctly, and send your credentials to the Navy's recruitment team before the closing deadline.