Merchant Mariner Examination Development Specialist (Engine)
U.S. Coast Guard
Posted: January 16, 2026 (1 day ago)
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U.S. Coast Guard
Department of Homeland Security
Location
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Salary
$102,415 - $133,142
per year
Type
Full Time
More Planning & Development jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves creating and updating exams for merchant mariners who work on ship engines, ensuring they have the right skills and knowledge for safe operations.
You'll act as an expert on engine-related maritime tasks, reviewing training programs and improving licensing processes.
It's a great fit for someone with hands-on experience as an engineer on ships and a passion for developing educational materials in the maritime field.
This vacancy is for a GS - 2101 - 12, Merchant Mariner Examination Development Specialist (Engine) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S.
Coast Guard, NMC MARINER EXAMINATIONS BRANCH in MARTINSBURG, West Virginia. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS. WE WILL REVIEW APPLICANTS EVERY 30 DAYS.
CUT-OFF DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Feb 15, Mar 15, April 15, 2026.
Applications received by 11:59EST on the above dates will be reviewed for consideration and those deemed qualified in accordance with merit promotion procedures will be referred to management for consideration.
Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered as needed every 30 days.
NOTE: Applicants must complete all required assessments by the stated cut-off date to be considered for referral during that specific review period.
Failure to complete all required assessments by the deadline will result in your application not being considered for that period.
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector.
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.
Experience sailing under the authority of the credential endorsement reflected in the Selective Placement Factor Experience in mariner training development and delivery, assessment, and qualification Experience in reviewing and/or recommending improvements to mariner credentialing processes Experience in preparing a variety of correspondence, reports, and/or other documentation related to the mariner credentialing process Experience in serving as a subject matter expert in engine shipboard operations and maintenance NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. Selective Placement Factor(s) must be met in order to receive further consideration.
You will be given the opportunity to address these when you apply on-line.
Applicant must hold or have held a Merchant Mariner Credential in the grade of 3rd Assistant Engineer, Unlimited; or Assistant Engineer, Limited, Designated Duty Engineer Unlimited; or higher; or a secondary degree in Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with Maritime Experience National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).
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. Major Duties:
You will serve as a Merchant Mariner Examination Development Specialist (Engine) and be responsible for serving as the subject matter expert for all "Engine" related maritime operations, training and qualifications.
You will serve as an expert in the competence, proficiency, assessment, licensing and documentation of merchant marine engine personnel, both officer and rating.
Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.
Typical work assignments include: Develops assessment questions and modules for all engineering credentials in the US maritime industry Ensures assessment quality by regularly reviewing and updating merchant mariner test questions and module content to confirm relevance of the intended endorsements being sought Advises training industry contacts and program staff about merchant mariner regulatory requirements and policy Provides input on training and assessment requirements for National and STCW endorsements Serves as the NMC contact for the maritime industry and Coast Guard units regarding US mariner assessments Provides customer service to mariners, marine industry, and program personnel to address challenges and feedback during the exam process Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.
Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.
If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.
You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.
To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information
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