Advance Your Career in Mining Safety: General Engineer Position at NIOSH

Are you a visionary engineer looking to apply your technical skills to real-world challenges? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is seeking a motivated General Engineer to join its team in Spokane, Washington. This role is a unique intersection of scientific research, field engineering, and public safety advocacy. By joining the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), you will contribute to one of the most critical missions in the nation: protecting the lives of workers.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Engineer, your day-to-day work involves identifying the factors that contribute to mining injuries and fatalities. You will:

Design and execute applied research projects to enhance mine safety.
Collect and interpret complex engineering data from field sites and laboratories.
Collaborate with industry leaders, cross-functional teams, and researchers to develop sustainable solutions.
Provide technical expertise on safety protocols and equipment standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a strong educational and professional background in engineering. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program or possess equivalent training and experience. Applicants for the GS-11 or GS-12 levels must also provide evidence of specialized experience at the previous grade level.

Level	Specialized Experience Requirement
GS-11	One year equivalent to GS-09 performing technical project support
GS-12	One year equivalent to GS-11 conducting professional research

Salary Overview

This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The salary range for this role is $75,068 to $116,969 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and the specific grade level determined during the selection process.

Benefits

Employees of the HHS receive a robust benefits package, including:

Federal retirement plans (FERS).
High-quality health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Access to specialized training and leadership development programs.

Application Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you include start/end dates for every position.
Be prepared to complete the USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of notification.

This role is an excellent opportunity for an engineer dedicated to public service. By focusing on mining safety, you will contribute directly to saving lives. Prepare your application carefully, ensure your qualifications are clearly documented, and apply today to join the NIOSH team.

Why This General Engineer Job Matters

Make a tangible impact on worker safety and health. Join the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and help design the future of mining safety engineering.

General Engineer Job Overview

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seeking a dedicated General Engineer to join our mission in Spokane, Washington. This role focuses on applied research to minimize injuries and fatalities in the mining industry. You will be responsible for conducting field and laboratory investigations, analyzing data, and developing engineering-driven solutions to critical health and safety challenges. If you are passionate about protecting lives through rigorous scientific inquiry and technical expertise, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a safer, healthier workplace for all Americans.

Requirements for General Engineer

U.S. Citizenship.
Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program OR a combination of education and experience.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (for GS-11) or GS-11 level (for GS-12) performing duties equivalent to the position.
Submission of a professional resume not exceeding two pages, detailing relevant start/end dates and duties.
Completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Successful passing of a background check and suitability determination.

Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer

Professional Engineering (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Advanced graduate education, including a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Strong technical background in mining safety research or related industrial engineering fields.
Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary research projects and coordinating with stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work options including potential telework eligibility.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply General Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Engineer Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the specific educational requirements and specialized experience criteria.
Draft a concise, two-page resume that highlights your specific accomplishments and technical skills.
Access the online questionnaire provided in the job announcement.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date or the 50-application cap.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments once prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory information is captured correctly.
Be precise with your work history, including the exact start/end dates (MM/YY) and average hours worked per week.
Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the job announcement; instead, tailor your resume to describe your unique experience.
Ensure you have your transcript or professional license documentation ready to upload.
Monitor your email inbox regularly after submitting to track the status of your USA Hire Assessment invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum length for my resume?

For this specific position, your resume must not exceed two pages in length.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is based in Spokane, Washington, though it may be eligible for some telework depending on agency policy.

How is the 50-application limit enforced?

The announcement will close automatically once 50 applications have been received, or on the closing date, whichever comes first.

What is the duty location?

This position is located in Spokane, Washington.

Is a security clearance required?

This position is non-sensitive/low risk, but it does require a standard suitability determination.

Job from Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety, and security threats. Within the CDC, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) focuses specifically on research and prevention regarding workplace-related injuries and illnesses. The Spokane facility is a hub of expertise for mining health and safety, utilizing advanced laboratory and field research to drive industrial improvements.