Engineering Technician Career at the Veterans Health Administration in Charleston
Are you an experienced engineering professional looking to leverage your skills to support America's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Engineering Technician to join the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in the historic and growing city of Charleston, South Carolina. This role is essential for maintaining the infrastructure that allows our medical teams to provide world-class healthcare.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engineering Technician, you will provide comprehensive technical support for construction management and facility record-keeping. Your core duties include:
- Acting as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to oversee construction and maintenance projects.
- Using CAD software to maintain accurate architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings.
- Collaborating with contractors, architects, and internal stakeholders to ensure project compliance.
- Managing facility documentation, including cost estimates, shop drawings, and safety reports.
- Performing field investigations to ensure as-built documentation matches actual site conditions.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Candidates must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level.
- Must provide an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.
- Must successfully navigate background investigations and pre-employment requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $74,678 - $97,087 |
| Location | Charleston, SC |
| Schedule | Full-time, M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Clearance | Low Risk/Non-sensitive |
Benefits
Employees of the VHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package. This includes:
- Access to multiple health insurance programs.
- Pension benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, similar to a 401(k).
- Significant paid annual leave and federal holidays.
Application Tips
- Focus on Results: Use your resume to showcase how your specific work saved costs or improved facility efficiency.
- Check the Format: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Detail Your Hours: Clearly state the hours per week you worked in previous roles.
- Update Documentation: Have your current SF-50 and professional certifications ready for upload.
This Engineering Technician role in Charleston offers a unique opportunity to blend technical engineering expertise with meaningful public service. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application package before the November 18, 2026, closing date.
Why This Engineering Technician Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Charleston, SC, and play a pivotal role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports those who served our nation.
Engineering Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Engineering Technician to join our team in Charleston, South Carolina. This role provides critical support to construction management and facility record documentation activities. As an Engineering Technician, you will serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), overseeing construction projects, managing architectural and engineering drawings, and ensuring that our medical facilities meet the highest standards of safety and functionality for our Veterans.
Requirements for Engineering Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- Completion of online assessment and application questionnaire
- Must meet one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently or previously a federal employee
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Technician
- Certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and drafting software for building/facility projects
- Demonstrated experience in Contracting Officer Representative (COR) duties
- Proven experience in facility record management and construction project scoping
- Knowledge of federal procurement regulations and safety standards (OSHA)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including a pension plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Public service career stability
💡 How to Apply Engineering Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Engineering Technician Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your CAD, engineering, and COR experience in a two-page format.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire by the closing date.
- Upload all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 if you are a federal employee.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessments as notified via email.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists hours worked per week, as 35-40 hours is considered full-time.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the strict two-page limit.
- Be specific; do not assume the hiring manager understands your past responsibilities.
- Submit your application well before the November 18, 2026, deadline to account for technical issues.
- Thoroughly review your SF-50 to ensure it clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a COR in this position?
A Contracting Officer Representative acts as the technical liaison for the agency, ensuring contractors follow terms, safety standards, and project schedules while validating invoices for construction work.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position may be authorized for Ad-Hoc telework, though eligibility will be discussed and determined during the interview process.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, at this specific grade level (GS-11), there is no educational substitution; one year of specialized, equivalent experience is required.
Is a driver's license required?
Yes, the role requires the ability to operate government vehicles to support business operations.
How long is the probationary period?
New appointees generally serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill the promise made by President Lincoln: to care for those who have served in our nation's military. Working for the VHA means being part of a compassionate, mission-driven organization where your professional expertise directly contributes to the quality of life for our Veterans.