Engineering Technician - CADD/GIS Opportunity with the Department of Defense

The Department of Defense, through the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Engineering Technician with expertise in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This critical role is based at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC) in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. If you possess a strong foundation in engineering principles and advanced proficiency in CADD/GIS software, this mission-essential position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security and support vital infrastructure operations. This announcement is open to the public, inviting a broad pool of qualified candidates to explore this federal career path.

About the Agency: Washington Headquarters Services (WHS)

The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is a premier service organization within the Department of Defense, dedicated to providing exceptional support to the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), Department of War (DOW) agencies, and various offices across the National Capital Region. WHS prides itself on its dynamic workforce and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. By employing highly skilled professionals, WHS ensures the seamless operation and security of critical government functions. This role at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex exemplifies WHS's commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure essential for national defense.

Job Responsibilities: Shaping Critical Infrastructure

As an Engineering Technician-CADD/GIS at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex, you will play an integral part in the planning, design, and maintenance of essential facilities and systems. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of technical tasks, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of engineering documentation:

• Prepare Engineering Drawings: Develop preliminary and final CADD drawings to support maintenance, repair, and construction projects. These drawings are vital for creating solicitation notices and defining technical contract requirements.
• Provide Technical Support: Offer essential technical assistance to engineers and other technical staff by developing and coordinating CADD designs, layouts, details, and notes for complex projects involving electrical power, lighting, telecommunications, and related infrastructure.
• Independent Project Execution: Plan and execute CADD assignments independently for conventional projects or specific components of larger, multi-discipline initiatives. This involves analyzing various design options and adhering to stringent drafting standards, database files, and engineering drawing conventions.
• System Administration: Maintain and administer CADD and GIS drawing files, standards, and associated software and equipment. This includes updating system files, managing plotter operations, and assisting staff with the effective use of available design data.
• Field Verification and Documentation: Conduct thorough field investigations and document reviews to verify as-built conditions, track infrastructure modifications, and record modernization changes. Update engineering databases and drawings to accurately reflect the current state of the site.
• Record Management: Maintain historical and current engineering drawings and associated records using automated document control systems. Prepare as-built drawings, update base maps, and create graphical presentations for engineering, operations, and maintenance personnel.

Requirements: Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this Engineering Technician position, applicants must meet both the basic and specialized experience requirements. The position is classified at the GS-11 grade level.

Basic Requirement:

Applicants must possess demonstrable experience that showcases a practical understanding of engineering methods, techniques, and procedures. Qualifying experience may include technical work in areas such as:

• Drafting
• Surveying
• Construction estimating
• Physical science
• Mathematics
• Architecture
• Chemical, electrical, or mechanical systems
• Other comparable engineering-related fields.

Experience gained in a trade or craft may also be considered qualifying if it provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and techniques. Examples include work involving developmental, test, design, planning, or estimating responsibilities.

Specialized Experience (GS-11 Level):

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. This experience, which may have been gained in the private sector, must demonstrate the ability to:

• Utilize Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to create, update, and manage detailed engineering drawings, floor plans, and system layouts for complex facility, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews on drawing sets and collaborate effectively with engineers or project managers to execute corrective design modifications.

Important Note: Education cannot be substituted for the required experience for this position. All qualifications must be clearly documented in your resume by the closing date of the announcement.

Salary Overview

This Engineering Technician position is graded at the GS-11 level. The annual salary range for this position is $85,447 - $111,087, per year. The exact salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and federal pay scales.

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Defense, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. While specific details may vary, typical federal benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plans.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit plan, along with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for additional retirement savings.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual, plus paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Other Insurance: Options for dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career advancement within the federal government.

Note: This position is not eligible for telework, and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Application Process and Tips

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

1. Create or Log In to USAJOBS: Ensure you have an active USAJOBS account. If not, create one before starting the application.
2. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online application thoroughly, including the occupational questionnaire. Your responses are crucial for the evaluation process.
3. Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including a resume that strictly adheres to the two-page limit and formatting guidelines. Failure to provide required documents will result in an incomplete application.
4. Document Your Experience: Your resume must clearly detail your work experience, specifying the hours worked per week and the dates of employment (month/year to month/year). This is essential for qualification determination.
5. Complete Assessments: If required, complete any assigned USA Hire assessments within the given deadline. Failure to complete these assessments will disqualify you.
6. Proofread Carefully: Review all submitted information for accuracy and legibility. Errors or omissions are your responsibility and can impact your eligibility.
7. Meet the Deadline: The application closing date is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Submit your application well before this deadline.

Key Application Tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights the specific skills and experience mentioned in the job description, particularly your CADD and GIS proficiency.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the impact of your work.
• Understand Category Rating: Qualified candidates are placed into categories (Qualified, Well Qualified, Best Qualified). Veterans' preference eligible individuals receive preferential consideration within these categories.
• Special Hiring Paths: If you are eligible for programs like ICTAP or Veterans' Preference, ensure you submit all required documentation as outlined in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $85,447 to $111,087.
What is the grade level for this position?	This position is at the GS-11 grade level.
What are the primary duties of this role?	Key duties include preparing CADD drawings, providing technical support for designs, managing CADD/GIS files, verifying as-built conditions, and maintaining engineering records.
Is this a mission-essential position?	Yes, this position is mission-essential, meaning employees may be required to work during emergencies or facility closures.
What documentation is required for application?	A resume (max 2 pages, specific formatting), and potentially other documents like a cover letter, SF-50, or transcripts, depending on your qualifications and eligibility. Check the 'Required Documents' section for details.
Does this position offer telework or relocation assistance?	No, this position is not eligible for telework, and relocation expenses are not authorized.
How is the candidate evaluation conducted?	Candidates are evaluated based on their application materials, questionnaire responses, and potentially assessments. They are then categorized as Qualified, Well Qualified, or Best Qualified. Veterans' preference is applied within these categories.
What is the application deadline?	The application must be submitted by November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Do I need to submit transcripts?	Transcripts are only required if you are qualifying based on education or if the position has a basic educational requirement. Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Can my experience in a trade qualify me for this position?	Yes, experience in a trade or craft can be qualifying if it provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and techniques, and aligns with the basic requirement.
What security clearance is required?	The position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance, indicating a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk designation.

This Engineering Technician-CADD/GIS position at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex represents an excellent career opportunity within the Department of Defense. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute your technical expertise to a mission of national importance, we encourage you to apply. Ensure your application package is complete and submitted by the closing date to be considered for this vital role.