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Posted: February 26, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Electrical Engineer/Mechanical Engineer

Bonneville Power Administration

Department of Energy

Fresh

Salary

$87,887 - $140,188

per year

Closes

March 7, 2026More DOE jobs →

GS-9 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $51,332 - $66,732

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-8. Master's degree or 2 years graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading engineering studies, managing projects, and providing expert analysis to promote energy conservation and sustainable power solutions in the Pacific Northwest.

A good fit would be a motivated mechanical or electrical engineer with a solid educational background and some hands-on experience in applying engineering principles to real-world energy challenges.

The role offers a chance to influence regional energy policies and technological innovations.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience meeting OPM standards
  • At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 level in engineering studies, project management, or energy analysis
  • Knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, including areas like statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits
  • Professional registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), Engineer in Training (EIT), or successful passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
  • Experience in energy conservation, efficiency programs, or related engineering applications
  • Ability to lead projects and provide expert analysis in sustainable energy solutions

Full Job Description

This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), under Power Services (P), Program Implementation, Energy Efficiency (PE), Engineering Services (PEJ).

We are seeking a driven Mechanical or Electrical Engineer to lead studies, manage projects, and provide expert analysis in energy conservation.

Shape regional energy solutions and drive technological advancements. Apply your expertise to make a significant impact on sustainable energy futures. Qualifications: A. Degree: Engineering.

To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR B.

Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1.

Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration.

For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

2.

Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

3.

Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A.

The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. 4.

Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.

(The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive.) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-9: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: 1) applying engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods to provide engineering support to project engineers and project leads; AND 2) identifying and recommending the advisability of proposed building, facility, or system projects.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 1.

Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or master's, or equivalent graduate degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

-OR- 2. Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited.

GS-11: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: 1) applying engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods to provide engineering support services to internal and external clients; AND 2) analyzing and evaluating the advisability of proposed building, facility, or system projects.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 1. Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.

degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- 2.

Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of fulltime study may be credited).

GS-12: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: 1) applying a wide range of engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods applicable to building and system auditing or analysis to provide energy efficiency/conservation engineering support services to internal and external clients; AND 2) analyzing and evaluating the advisability of proposed building, facility, or system projects.

There is no substitution of education at the GS-12 level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience.

Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations.

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

CTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

In this pivotal role, you will: Lead cutting-edge energy research: Conduct in-depth studies and develop innovative programs supporting BPA's energy efficiency goals.

Drive impactful projects: Manage diverse projects, from initial concept to successful implementation, focused on acquiring energy conservation and improving electrical end-use loads.

Provide expert technical guidance: Offer specialized knowledge in integrated demand-side management and energy-efficient technologies to internal and external stakeholders.

Analyze and optimize energy programs: Critically evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives, ensuring they deliver maximum impact and return on investment.

Collaborate with industry leaders: Engage with national and regional experts, including those from the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Labs, to advance technological trends and best practices.

Develop next-generation solutions: Design and implement advanced energy efficiency technologies, equipment, and systems to meet critical mission objectives.

Serve as a trusted advisor: Provide essential technical support and customer service, addressing complex engineering challenges and fostering strong relationships with utilities and partners.

Oversee strategic contracts: Manage and evaluate contractor efforts, ensuring projects meet technical standards, budget, and schedule, with a focus on verifiable energy savings.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/27/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-BPA-50137-12895389-DE