Electronics Engineer

Bureau of Reclamation • Sacramento, CA

6d

About The Position

The Electronics Engineer serves as a senior engineering subject-matter expert for the Bureau of Reclamation, providing expertise in developing and coordinating a comprehensive program to upgrade and operate communications systems, operations support systems, and data distribution systems. The position supports water and power facilities within the Region and may be filled below the full performance level, in which case duties will be developmental in nature.

The engineer works with industrial control systems (ICS), remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, automation equipment, and data communications systems. The role includes systems design and integration, analysis and optimization of ICS and SCADA systems, testing and implementation planning, technical troubleshooting, system documentation, and operational support for hydroelectric power operations. The employee coordinates frequently with engineers, IT specialists, operators, and contractors and serves on continuity of operations response and recovery teams.

The position may require on-call duty, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work. Mandatory on-call duty may require remaining fit for duty, providing a contact number or carrying an electronic device, and/or remaining within a 1.5-hour call-back radius. Telework may be allowed with supervisor approval.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must meet the basic engineering education requirement through an eligible engineering degree or an accepted combination of education, training, and experience.
• For GS-11 qualification, must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• For GS-12 qualification, must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11.
• Must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Must pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period or a two-year trial period.
• May be required to participate in mandatory on-call status and remain within a 1.5-hour call-back radius.
• Applicants using education to qualify must submit transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education.
• For GS-11, specialized experience includes systems-integration investigations and analyses, design criteria for less complex electronic equipment, technical data for specifications, electronic systems and component design or construction, and troubleshooting and operational support for industrial control systems.
• For GS-12, specialized experience includes designing and developing original electronics systems, reviewing specifications and drawings, studies for extensive modifications to major electronic equipment components, developing test and evaluation procedures, and troubleshooting and operational support for industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject-matter expert on ICS, RTU, and PLC interfaces to sensors, automation equipment, and data communications systems at regional water and power facilities.
• Apply electronics engineering to communications, switching, and control systems for total system design and integration.
• Analyze ICS and SCADA systems to identify improvements in optimization, performance, and operational reliability.
• Prepare testing and implementation plans for electronics engineering projects involving industrial control systems.
• Analyze electronics equipment operations to verify communications system performance, determine maintenance needs, assess existing equipment, and identify the need for additional facilities.
• Prepare system documentation in accordance with office and agency standards.
• Use knowledge of digital electronics, systems software, software engineering practices, communications, and power system control equipment to provide technical guidance and troubleshoot systems supporting hydroelectric power operations.
• Participate in system acceptability testing and implementation.
• Coordinate work with engineers, IT specialists, operators, and contractor personnel.
• Serve as a member of continuity of operations response and recovery teams.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to eligible and qualified candidates, at the agency's discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior