Chief Engineer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. OCE-2025-032 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $147,649.00 to $221,900.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/5/2024 Close Date 12/2/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

Joins us and be part of a unique mission and organization that oversees long-range facility planning, architectural and engineering design, historic preservation and project, program and construction management on the Capitol complex. The Chief Engineer leads a workforce of over 300 government employees and oversees the safe and efficient delivery of planning, design and construction services across the agency. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position serves at the pleasure of the Architect. Appointments to the Excepted Service are civil service appointments that do not confer competitive status. This position is eligible for direct hire. Applications are accepted from all U.S. citizens. Please see detailed guidance regarding employment eligibility under "Requirements."

Duties

The Chief Engineer supports the Deputy Architect and the Architect of the Capitol by managing the operational effectiveness and historic preservation of the buildings comprising the Capitol Complex and other significant off-site facilities, including more than 18.4 million square feet of facilities, 570 acres of grounds and thousands of works of art. 

The position is located in the Office of the Chief Engineer, Architect of the Capitol. The office has primary responsibility for the master planning, building performance audits, retro-commissioning and facility condition assessments. The office also manages the energy and sustainability program, provides project-funded, in-house construction services, supports critical Capitol campus systems and oversees the enterprise asset management and building automation systems.

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative leader with executive leadership experience to oversee the preservation of architectural and artistic elements as well as provide recommendations on design, construction and maintenance of facilities and grounds. In such capacity, the Chief Engineer performs duties such as following:

  • Executes delegated agency-wide responsibilities and authorities over the management, execution of project planning, project management and project controls; design services and energy management; enterprise asset management; architectural services functions including historic preservation; Master Planning; Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office coordination concerning projects and construction operations; and real estate management.
  • Formulates and manages strategic planning requirements for OCE to guide the stewardship of the Capitol complex.
  • Manages OCE's human capital, financial and information resources strategically and builds coalitions internally and externally to achieve common goals.
  • Provides an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others; facilitates cooperation, teamwork and a safe and secure work environment; supports constructive resolution of conflicts; and attains organizational goals and customer expectations by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems and calculating risks.
  • Manages the operational effectiveness and historic preservation of buildings comprising the Capitol complex and off-site facilities.
  • Participates in the AOC planning and budgeting process and assists with assessing performance improvement initiatives. 
  • Develops and implements procedures and controls to promote effective communication and information flow within the OCE organization. 
  • Develops, influences, reviews and interprets various policies and directives pertaining to management of the Office of the Chief Engineer and the Architect.
  • Reviews in-house and out-sourced construction, maintenance and repairs affecting jurisdictions.
  • Provides oversight and guidance on Congressional priorities and operational concerns; and encourages the development of environmentally sustainable and safe workplace practices.
  • Regularly briefs senior leaders, delegations and Oversight committees on all aspects under OCE functional responsibility or as directed or assigned.
  • Provides oversight and guidance regarding Congressional priorities and operational concerns.
  • Represents the OCE and AOC in managing the relationships and customer service delivery agreements between AOC and stakeholders.

The Chief Engineer is designated as Exempt Personnel and serves at the pleasure of the Architect. The incumbent in this position must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. This position is designated as emergency essential.

Candidates must have proven executive leadership experience in delivering relevant comprehensive operational functions. A demonstrated aspirational leader who can build coalitions internally and externally to achieve strategic goals in a dynamic, operational environment of concurrent and competing priorities is essential. Must also possess the ability to motivate and manage a diverse, multidisciplinary staff.

Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in architecture or engineering from an accredited college or university.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be able to pass a drug test.
  • You must provide narratives to the ECQs and PTQs.
  • This position serves at the pleasure of the Architect of the Capitol.

  • Filing of a Financial Disclosure Report
  • Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position
  • Successful completion of pre-employment and applicable random drug testing required
  • Meets qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement
  • You must provide narratives to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs)

To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below:

  • A citizen of the United States;
  • A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
  • A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
  • A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or 
  • A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. For the ECQs and PTQs, you are required to submit a narrative response addressing your specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrate your possession of the qualifications. For more information about the Executive Core Qualifications, please visit this site: https://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf

Applicants must clearly show possession and demonstrated leadership experience, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent for each ECQ and PTQs. Failure to address and meet any of the ECQs and PTQ via the vacancy questionnaire, will eliminate you from further consideration. Review the ECQ competencies guidance and sample resumes in OPM’s Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualification.

Applicants currently serving in a Senior-Rated (SR) appointment (other than a temporary promotion), career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and have been certified by the Office of Personnel Management do not need to address the ECQs, but must address each PTQ.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):

ECQ 1 – Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

ECQ 2 – Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

ECQ 3 – Results Driven: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems and calculating risks.

ECQ 4 – Business Acumen: The ability to manage human, financial and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 – Building Coalitions: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Professional Technical Qualification (PTQ):

PTQ 1 - Demonstrated experience providing centralized program management and contractor oversight of major projects. Experience includes planning, directing, executing and controlling all professional engineering and/or architectural tasks and associated resources. The scope of the projects involves multi-year and multi-million dollar capital budgets for construction, preservation or renovation of historical buildings and assets.

PTQ 2 - Demonstrated ability managing and providing leadership to a large and diverse architectural and engineering organization. Experience includes serving as a robust champion advocating and defending decisions and program recommendations in potentially adversarial and politically sensitive environments.

PTQ 3 - Demonstrated experience with organizational planning in engineering and/or architecture designed to deliver results by identifying the organization's immediate, long-term objectives, and formulating and monitoring specific measures and strategies to achieve them.

Education

Applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual for General Engineering:

General Engineering, 0801

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Or applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual for Architecture:

 Architecture, 0808:

1. Degree: architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following:

  • 1. Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph 1. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations.
  • 2. Experience: An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had 1 year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.

Additional information

Veteran's preference does not apply to AOC's senior executive positions.

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

The AOC is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. The AOC will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to become eligible for employment.

The AOC is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records, to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If selected, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 is verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

The AOC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The AOC makes decisions on granting reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The AOC does not authorize moving or relocation expenses. 

All application materials become the property of the AOC.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

The AOC offers:

  • Competitive salary, comprehensive retirement plan, monetary and non-monetary awards, and other employee recognition.
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance options as well as flexible spending accounts; the government shares the cost of health and life insurance premiums.
  • Training and developmental opportunities.
  • Flexible work hours, subsidized transportation options and paid annual and sick leave and holidays.
  • Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and work schedule. Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.

The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

This position is authorized to earn 8 hours of annual leave per bi-weekly pay period.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your narrative responses.  

Your resume will be evaluated to determine if you possess the ECQs and PTQs required for this position and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.  All applicants must submit online written statements describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs and PTQs. You must address each ECQ separately and are required to respond to all ECQs, unless serving in a Senior-Rated (SR) appointment (other than a temporary promotion), career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and have been certified by the Office of Personnel Management. All applicants must address the PTQs. 

Your resume and narratives must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration. 

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.

To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.

Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.

Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.

For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.

If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).

Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

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 to Apply

You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance with using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.

NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.

Agency contact information

Marvin Cortez
Address
Architect of the Capitol
2nd and D Street, S.W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBSs System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.  
 
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2024, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements