Structural Engineer

About the role

As a Structural Engineer, you will provide direction in structural, seismic, and blast engineering for design and construction of new facilities and major renovations.

The Public Buildings Service (PBS) Office of Engineering oversees architecture, engineering, urban development, historic preservation, courthouse and border station programs, construction services, and project management. We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

What you will do

• Serve as a national leader representing state-of-the-art structural engineering practices, requiring exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Conduct briefings, discussions, and negotiations with high-level agency representatives, GSA management, contract architects, construction firms, and external stakeholders to resolve controversies, promote innovative approaches, and develop consensus.
• Negotiations frequently involve major structures having unique problems or requiring unusual treatment.
• Serve as a recognized technical authority and code official in structural, seismic, and blast engineering, as assigned, to all GSA architects, engineers, and project managers as well as partner agencies, contract architects and engineers, construction managers, and construction contract teams.
• Provide guidance regarding design and construction of new Federal properties plus the repair, alteration, and maintenance of existing Federal properties.
• Review and comment on reports and other specialized studies performed related to all aspects of structural engineering.
• Consult and provide expert direction to other specialists on GSA structural design and construction policy regarding new, existing, and leased buildings.
• Provide leadership and expert advice to GSA Business lines, project teams, personnel, partner agencies, and contract architect-engineers regarding highly specialized structural, seismic, and blast engineering programs.
• Develop and guide the implementation of new approaches for buildings of major size and complexity based upon legislation and executive directives.
• Define building standards aimed at mitigating risks from terrorist attacks and natural disasters, serving as a member of the Interagency Security Committee (ISC).
• These standards frequently surpass those found in model building codes.
• Their development involves actual blast testing, advanced computer modeling, and collaboration across various agencies.
• Sustain expertise in the latest developments in the professional engineering field by reviewing technical literature and attending conferences or professional society meetings.
• Apply new developments in the field of expertise by adapting existing knowledge or applications to fit unique design or construction issues or situations.

Requirements

• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.
• If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non­Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
• Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 5 investigation level).
• You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee.
• We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this.
• Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative drug test result.
• Frequently visit construction sites which will involve moderate risks, discomfort, and unpleasantness such as high level of noise and vibrations, dust and great machinery, irritant chemicals, weather extremes, etc. Specific safety precautions are required in such instances, as well as the wearing of protective head, hand and footgear.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and responses you provide on the application questionnaire. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, Self-Management.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date.
• Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
• Resume: Must not exceed two pages.
• Refer to the Qualifications section for resume requirements.
• If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
• Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
• College transcripts: You must submit a copy of your college transcript(s).
• Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates.
• If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
• For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.

Benefits

You will have access to many benefits including: Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans) Life insurance coverage with several options Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan) Transit and child care subsidies Flexible spending accounts Long-term care insurance Training and development

What to expect next

After the closing date/deadline: ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.

SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.

FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status.

You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard. Thank you for your interest in working for the U.S. General Services Administration!

Additional information

The closing date of this announcement has been extended until Thursday, November 05, 2026. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants are encouraged to make their resume searchable in their USAJOBS.gov profile.

This will allow Federal hiring specialists and hiring managers across agencies to find their resume as part of agency recruitment campaigns or staffing searches. If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer.

If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage. Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved: · Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government · Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee · Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.