Engineering Technician (Materials)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Champaign, IL

20h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Construction and Engineering Research Laboratory. This position is being filled as an Engineering Technician (Materials) DE-03 (GS-08/10). The salary ranges are: GS 08: $55,882 - $72,644, GS 09: $61,722 - $80,243, GS 10: $67,970 - $88,356. The duties include executing advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), pull-off adhesion testing, holiday detection, and detailed microscope imaging to analyze material degradation and validate corrosion resistance. The role involves evaluating complex coating systems and reviewing contractor submittals to enforce strict compliance with industry specifications (e.g., AMPP, NACE, SSPC). Additionally, the position requires evaluating the real-world performance of applied materials and mold-mitigation technologies in diverse environmental conditions. The role also includes coordinating workflows as a team lead for multidisciplinary research teams, managing the concurrent completion of complex research tasks, and mentoring, training, and scheduling junior technicians and collegiate interns in advanced laboratory safety, testing protocols, and data management. A key responsibility is maintaining the organization, maintenance, and daily operations of the research laboratory, ensuring a safe and productive working environment.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Business Travel is 25% or less.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R, or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• One year probationary period may be required.
• One year of specialized experience which includes Overseeing high-visibility laboratory operations in support of a Paint Technology Center; Verifying compliance for industrial standards; and Leading forensic failure analysis in order to identify causes of various defects and/or structural corrosion.
• Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent DE-02 (GS-07).
• All qualification requirements, including time after competitive appointment, must be met within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Eligible for situation telework only, including emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
• Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• If you are a Lab Demo employee submitting your resume for the first time, or if you have previously submitted your resume without your most recent score, you must submit your resume now with the following statement to be included in the section on your training: Current Performance Rating.

Responsibilities

• Execute advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), pull-off adhesion testing, holiday detection, and detailed microscope imaging to analyze material degradation and validate corrosion resistance.
• Evaluate complex coating systems and review contractor submittals to enforce strict compliance with industry specifications (e.g., AMPP, NACE, SSPC).
• Evaluate real-world performance of applied materials and mold-mitigation technologies in diverse environmental conditions.
• Coordinate workflows as a team lead for multidisciplinary research teams, managing the concurrent completion of complex research tasks.
• Mentor, train, and schedule junior technicians and collegiate interns in advanced laboratory safety, testing protocols, and data management.
• Maintain responsibility for the organization, maintenance, and daily operations of the research laboratory, ensuring a safe and productive working environment.

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.
• Review our benefits
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed