Become a Mechanical Engineer with the U.S. Coast Guard

Are you a detail-oriented engineer looking to make a meaningful impact on national infrastructure? The U.S. Coast Guard, a vital component of the Department of Homeland Security, is currently seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer (GS-12) to join our team at the Training Center Birmingham-Southern (TCBS) in Birmingham, Alabama. This role offers the opportunity to blend high-level project management with hands-on engineering design in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineer at the Birmingham-Southern facility, you will function as both a technical specialist and a project manager. Key responsibilities include:

• Project Management: Planning milestones, technical scope, and budgets for new construction, repairs, and facility renovations.
• Design & Analysis: Creating detailed designs for complex engineering projects and identifying the most efficient procedures.
• Contractor Oversight: Guiding architectural and engineering (AE) contractors, conducting plan reviews, and ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Logistics & Compliance: Managing permits, NEPA determinations, and historical preservation consultations.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Engineering Roles

Feature	General Engineering	Coast Guard Project Management
Focus	Single-discipline design	Multi-disciplinary oversight
Scope	Component-level	Facility/Infrastructure-level
Compliance	Industry standards	Federal/Life-safety/ADA/Historical
Responsibility	Task completion	Project life-cycle management

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited school or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates core engineering competency.
• Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
• Compliance: Must be able to pass a background investigation and possess a valid driver’s license.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-12 position is highly competitive, ranging from $90,410 to $117,535 annually. This compensation reflects the high degree of responsibility and the critical nature of the engineering work performed for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Homeland Security enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support career longevity and personal well-being:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
• Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
• Tuition assistance and employee training programs.

Application Tips

1. Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
2. Clarity is Key: Avoid overly technical jargon, but ensure your resume clearly links your work history to the required specialized experience listed in the announcement.
3. Assessments Matter: You may be asked to take the USA Hire assessment. Prepare by visiting the online applicant resource center before you start.

This Mechanical Engineer role with the U.S. Coast Guard is an ideal path for those seeking to leverage their professional engineering skills in a stable, honorable, and challenging federal environment. If you have the drive, the experience, and the dedication to serve, we encourage you to apply through the official USAJOBS portal before the deadline.