Become a Guardian of National Security: General Engineer Role at the Bureau of Industry and Security

The landscape of global technology and trade is constantly evolving, presenting complex challenges and opportunities for national security. The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), stands at the forefront of managing these dynamics. If you are a seasoned engineer with a passion for safeguarding national interests and possess a deep understanding of complex technical systems, a pivotal career opportunity awaits you in Washington, D.C. BIS is actively seeking a highly qualified General Engineer (GS-15) to play a critical role in shaping U.S. export control policies and ensuring the responsible transfer of sensitive technologies. This position offers a chance to leverage your expertise in a mission-critical capacity, contributing directly to the nation's economic and security objectives.

About the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Commerce, tasked with advancing America's national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. BIS is the primary steward of the U.S. export control system, ensuring that sensitive technologies do not fall into the wrong hands. The bureau plays a crucial role in maintaining U.S. leadership in strategic technologies while working collaboratively with international partners to strengthen global export control regimes. BIS accomplishes its mission through a multifaceted approach, including maintaining adaptable and effective export control and treaty compliance systems, leading international dialogues, and enforcing regulations. Their work is essential for preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ensuring that U.S. technological advancements support peaceful and secure global development.

The Role of a General Engineer at BIS

As a General Engineer at the GS-15 level within BIS, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing regulatory policies that govern the export of critical technologies. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of technical and policy-related activities, directly impacting national security and U.S. foreign policy. You will be tasked with evaluating proposed exports, analyzing the technical characteristics and applications of commodities, and resolving technical and policy disputes between various stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Policy Development and Formulation: Using your engineering skills and technical knowledge, you will develop and formulate regulatory policies to address evolving technological landscapes and potential national security risks.
• Expert Technical and Policy Advice: You will provide leadership and expert advice to inter-agency and intra-agency groups, such as the Advisory Committee on Export Policy (ACEP) and the Wassenaar Arrangement Expert Group (WAEG), on matters within your area of expertise.
• Export License Application and Commodity Classification: You will analyze and process U.S. export control license applications and commodity classification requests for items controlled for national security reasons, adhering strictly to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and utilizing electronic databases.
• Issue Resolution and Collaboration: Coordinating meetings with government and industry experts to address complex issues and develop proposals for the control and decontrol of dual-use items.
• Complex Communication: Addressing and explaining intricate technical information and policy considerations to diverse audiences, including peers, federal agency representatives, industry professionals, and the public.
• Leading Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Serving as a lead engineer, coordinating and collaborating with engineering and program management personnel on complex projects that integrate technologies across multiple domains. This ensures technical alignment, resolves issues, and informs policy and program decisions.

This position offers a dynamic work environment where your engineering acumen will be applied to high-stakes national security challenges. The vacancy may also be used to fill other General Engineer positions at the GS-15 level within the same geographical location or local commuting area.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet specific qualifications related to education and specialized experience. These requirements are designed to ensure that successful applicants possess the rigorous technical expertise and analytical capabilities needed to excel within BIS.

Basic Education Requirement:

• Option A: Accredited Engineering Degree: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution, with at least one program accredited by ABET. The program must include differential and integral calculus, and advanced courses in five of the following engineering science or physics areas: statics/dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics/hydraulics, thermodynamics, electrical fields and circuits, nature and properties of materials, or a comparable area like optics or heat transfer.
• Option B: Combination of Education and Experience: A thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, coupled with a solid understanding of engineering sciences and techniques. This can be demonstrated through:
  • Professional Registration/Licensure: Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any U.S. state or territory.
  • Written Test: Evidence of successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or a similar professional registration test.
  • Specified Academic Courses: At least 60 semester hours of coursework in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, including the specific courses required under Option A.
  • Related Curriculum: A bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science) plus at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under supervision.

Specialized Experience Requirement (GS-15):

To qualify at the GS-15 level, applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. This experience must demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply engineering principles to assess technical characteristics and applications of commodities, technologies, or systems to support export control, licensing, or regulatory decisions.
• Apply export license applications, commodity classifications, and technical information to evaluate national security risks and technology transfer implications.
• Serve as a leading engineer, coordinating and collaborating with engineering and program management personnel on complex, cross-disciplinary projects, ensuring technical alignment and resolving issues.
• Prepare technical analyses, summaries, or reports, and effectively communicate complex engineering concepts and assessment results to various audiences, including leadership and stakeholders.

Other Essential Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: This is a mandatory requirement.
• Security Clearance: A TOP SECRET/SCI CLEARANCE is required. All related investigations and clearances must be completed prior to placement.
• Background Investigation: Successful completion of a background investigation is necessary.
• Selective Service Registration: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Drug Testing: The position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel is required.

Salary Overview

This General Engineer position is classified at the GS-15 grade level. The annual salary range is between $169,279 and $197,200. This compensation reflects the senior level of expertise and responsibility associated with the role within the federal government's General Schedule pay system.

Benefits Package

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive and rewarding benefits package. While specific details can vary, federal benefits typically include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plans.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a retirement pension, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Other Benefits: May include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and employee assistance programs.

More detailed information regarding federal benefits can be found on the OPM website: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/Federal-Employees/

Application Process and Tips

Applying for a federal position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and competitive:

1. Review Announcement: Read the entire job opportunity announcement thoroughly.
2. Online Application: Click the 'Apply Online' button on USAJOBS and complete the initial application form.
3. Complete Assessments: Respond to the assessment questionnaire and any required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. These assessments are critical for evaluation.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload your resume, transcripts (if applicable), and any other requested documentation.
5. Meet Deadline: Ensure your entire application package is submitted by September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Key Tips for a Strong Application:

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly details experience relevant to the 'Specialized Experience' section of the announcement. Use keywords from the announcement.
• Accuracy is Crucial: Provide truthful and accurate information. Overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
• Don't Include Prohibited Information: Avoid personal details like photos, age, gender, religious affiliation, or your Social Security Number in your resume.
• Complete Assessments Promptly: You will receive instructions for USA Hire assessments; complete them by the deadline provided.
• Utilize Resources: Practice assessments are available via the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
• Track Your Application: Use the 'Track this application' feature on USAJOBS to monitor your status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the main purpose of this role?	The General Engineer assesses technologies for export control, develops regulatory policy, and advises on national security matters related to technology transfer for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
What is the salary range?	The annual salary for this GS-15 position ranges from $169,279 to $197,200.
What are the educational requirements?	An accredited engineering degree is required, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a strong engineering foundation. This may include professional licensure or specific coursework.
What qualifies as 'specialized experience'?	Specialized experience involves applying engineering principles to assess technologies for export control, evaluating national security implications of exports, and leading complex engineering projects.
Is a security clearance mandatory?	Yes, a TOP SECRET/SCI CLEARANCE is a mandatory requirement for this position.
What is Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)?	DHA allows agencies to hire eligible individuals directly. For this position, it means competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply in the traditional sense, though preference eligibles are encouraged to apply and submit documentation.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?	No, U.S. citizenship is a strict requirement for this position.
Does BIS provide relocation assistance?	No, relocation expenses will not be paid for this position.
When is the application deadline?	The application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
What competencies are assessed?	Competencies assessed include Technical Competence, Strategic Thinking, Influencing and Negotiating, Communication, Reasoning, Decision Making, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, and Technical Credibility.

The General Engineer position at the Bureau of Industry and Security represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced engineers to contribute to vital national security initiatives. By applying rigorous technical analysis and policy expertise, you will play a direct role in managing the flow of sensitive technologies and upholding U.S. economic interests. If you are ready to apply your skills in a challenging and impactful federal role, we encourage you to submit your application by the September 15, 2026 deadline. Join BIS and be part of a team dedicated to protecting America's technological edge and global security.