Electrical, or Mechanical Engineer,

Company Description

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is a federal nonprofit organization delivering electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to millions of residents and businesses across eight states. BPA manages three-quarters of the high-voltage transmission grid in the Northwest and invests heavily in fish and wildlife programs, while promoting energy efficiency and reliability. With locations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, BPA offers employees the chance to contribute to their communities while enjoying a balance of work and lifestyle in diverse settings. BPA values the contributions of veterans and provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to explore careers in energy through innovative programs.

This position is in the Power Services (P), at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

HOW TO APPLY:  External Application Link(s): 

        26-BPA- 50137-12895389-DE: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859058600

        26-BPA- 50152-12895389-MP: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859055800

Open & Close date:    Open: 02/26/2026   Close: 03/07/2026

LOCATION(s)            Many vacancies in the following locations:

                Portland, OR- Pasco, WA- Spokane, WA- Idaho Falls, ID

SALARY:                    $ 87,887 - $140,188 per year

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Electrical or Mechanical Engineer, as an engineer with Bonneville Power Administration, you will be responsible for designing, testing, and implementing electrical or mechanical systems, utilizing computer-aided design tools, and applying engineering principles to enhance infrastructure. Additionally, you'll support research and development projects and contribute to managing technical projects from planning to completion. Responsibilities include ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards while delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions to support energy operations.

As an Electrical Engineer/Mechanical Engineer, 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.

REQUIREMENTS: Conditions of Employment

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

Key Requirements:

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• This position requires a preemployment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

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:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

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.

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 for the  GS-9, & GS-11 levels – See Specialized Experience section for full details.

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 for specialized experience 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.

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

 EDUCATION

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.

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 copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:  

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package.

 (See Required Documents section on application).

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

• 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. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.