Summary
As an Electrical Engineer (Protection), you will perform work related to the application of knowledge in (a) the physical and engineering sciences and mathematics, (b) electrical phenomena, and (c) the principles, techniques, and practices of electrical engineering. The employee is a trainee and will participate in increasingly responsible work and sustained progress toward a fully functioning and independent Electrical Engineer.
Duties
As an Electrical Engineer (Protection) at the full performance level, you will: Develop tests and trouble-shooting procedures for protection equipment for use by craftsmen. For complex tests or trouble-shooting provides technical support to craftsmen at site. Evaluate and document test results. Develop fixes and/enhancements resulting from the above work. Create logic and control settings. Engineer additions, modifications and replacements to protection and control systems and for revenue metering. This includes planning, preparing cost estimates, engineering coordination, scheduling, testing and documenting the job. Design (or review designs of others), implement and commission major portions of, or a completely new protection and control system for a substation. Perform technical analysis of equipment operations and system disturbances to verify proper protection equipment operation using computerized models and tools, and documents findings. Provide technical support to craft employees and others during the installation and commission of the power system and updates the as-built drawings. Keep drawings at office and substation current. Oversee testing/inspection/repair of malfunctions equipment. Recommend changes to equipment or system to prevent future failures or to improve the system.
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Security clearance and associated requirements- tier 2/moderate risk. The incumbent is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This position requires the ability to operate a Government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers Certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment. Applicants completing degree requirements within 120 days of 08/28/2026 may apply. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at time of application and official transcripts are required prior to entrance on duty.
Education
***Applicants completing degree requirements within 120 days of 08/28/2026 may apply. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at time of application and official transcripts are required prior to entrance on duty.*** Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How you will be evaluated
Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications. USAHire: To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. 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. Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the USA Hire Assessment rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who score above a predefined cut score will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred. Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent). Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified". You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (08/28/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13025099.