Become a General Engineer with the Iowa Air National Guard

Are you a skilled engineer looking to make a lasting impact on critical infrastructure? The 132d Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard is currently seeking a highly motivated General Engineer to join our team in Des Moines, Iowa. This is a unique opportunity to serve your community while managing high-level projects within a professional, mission-critical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-12 General Engineer, you will serve as a lead technical authority for the 132d Wing. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Project Leadership: Overseeing the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of real property facilities.
Strategic Planning: Scheduling facility repairs, budgeting for maintenance cycles, and ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
Team Management: Supervising civilian and military staff, including architects, engineering technicians, and contractors.
Collaboration: Acting as the primary liaison between the Base Engineer and various federal, state, and local agencies, including the EPA and FAA.
Technical Oversight: Reviewing architectural designs, blueprints, and engineering computations to ensure full compliance with professional standards.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate a high level of technical competency. You will need:

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (ABET-accredited or possessing equivalent engineering science credits).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
A valid and current Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hiring).
Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and engineering specifications.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$90,234 - $117,307 Per Year
Grade Level	GS-12
Position Type	Title 5 Excepted Service
Location	Des Moines, Iowa

Working for the federal government provides a robust array of benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, and a work-life balance that is difficult to find in the private sector.

Application Tips

To ensure your application is competitive, keep these points in mind:

Customize Your Resume: Clearly state your years of experience in month-and-year format. Do not copy-paste job descriptions; instead, describe your specific contributions.
Highlight Specialized Skills: Emphasize your background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, as well as your experience in contract negotiations.
Use Official Documents: Ensure all required supporting documents, such as military discharge forms (DD214) or disability documentation, are attached to avoid disqualification.

This position offers more than just a paycheck; it offers the chance to lead complex engineering projects that directly support the mission of the Iowa Air National Guard. If you are ready to take the next step in your engineering career, apply via the USAJOBS portal today.

Why This General Engineer (Title 5) Job Matters

Shape the infrastructure of the Iowa Air National Guard as a General Engineer with the 132d Wing in Des Moines.

General Engineer (Title 5) Job Overview

The 132d Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard is seeking a dedicated General Engineer (Title 5) to join our team in Des Moines, IA. This role is pivotal in overseeing the full lifecycle of real property facilities, including planning, construction, maintenance, and repair operations. You will play a lead role in ensuring our base infrastructure supports mission readiness, working closely with various internal and external stakeholders to provide cutting-edge architectural and engineering solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional engineer to lead technical teams, manage complex projects, and contribute to national defense through civil and facility engineering excellence.

Requirements for General Engineer (Title 5)

Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic credit in fundamental engineering science/physics.
At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent) involving engineering drawings, facility management, and project negotiation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
If male and born after 12/31/1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Must be able to successfully complete a 1-2 year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer (Title 5)

Expertise in multi-disciplinary engineering fields including civil, mechanical, and electrical.
Proven track record in managing facility budgets and long-term infrastructure planning.
Strong leadership experience in supervising diverse technical teams and contractors.
Experience coordinating with governmental agencies such as the EPA, FAA, or Corps of Engineers.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Stable federal work environment

💡 How to Apply General Engineer (Title 5) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Engineer (Title 5) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement for specific documentation requirements.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your engineering experience, including dates (Month/Year) and hours worked per week.
Complete the mandatory Occupational Questionnaire via the link provided in the announcement.
Upload required supporting documents, such as transcripts, SF-50s, or military documentation (DD214/PPP checklists).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly describes how your work experience meets the specialized requirements listed; do not simply copy-paste the position description.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly demonstrate the required engineering coursework if your degree isn't from an ABET-accredited school.
Submit your documents early, as the virus scan process can take several hours.
If you are eligible for Veteran’s Preference or other priority programs, include all necessary proof (e.g., DD214) at the time of application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military membership required for this position?

No, this is a Title 5 Excepted Service position, so military membership is not required.

What is the security clearance level for this job?

The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Can I receive reasonable accommodations during the application process?

Yes, please contact CPT Ariane Hakizimana at (515) 252-4447 or [email protected] if you require assistance.

Do I need to be a military member?

No, this position is open to the public as a Title 5 role.

What if I don't have my Secret clearance yet?

Candidates without a clearance must be able to apply for one within 30 days of their start date. Failure to do so may result in termination.

Job from Air National Guard Units

The National Guard serves as a foundational component of the United States Armed Forces. With a history stretching back to the early days of the American colonies, the National Guard remains dedicated to collective defense and community support. By joining our team at the 132d Wing, you become part of a tradition that prioritizes excellence, reliability, and service to both the state of Iowa and the nation.