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Federal Transit Administration · Chicago, IL · posted Nov 5, 2026

General Engineer - Direct Hire - SME - BIL

$83K to $158K a year

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The role

This public notice announces an authorized General Engineer (0801) position open to U.S. citizens. The position may be advertised at the GS-11 through GS-13 grade levels to support the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Region 5 Office of Program Management and Project Oversight.

As a General Engineer, you will: Perform work assignments of progressively increasing difficulty and complexity which are designed to provide the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and actual work experience in the field. Work assignments require application of appropriate college level scholastic skills and knowledge. Provide the opportunity to independently apply the principles, concepts, work processes, regulations, reference materials, and procedures fundamental to the technical aspects of the engineering field and its application to the regional or headquarters office.

Attend and contribute to meetings with regional staff, grantees, Project Management Oversight Consultants (PMOCs) and other FTA program contractors whether all parties have a clear understanding of applicable requirements and procedures. Assist senior staff with routine meetings with grantees, project engineering representatives and contractors. Contribute to the preparation of correspondence, briefing papers, statistical reports and policy papers of a factual and analytical nature in support of policy and procedural decisions for use by the Regional Administrator and/or Headquarters.

The ideal candidate an engineer who is looking for an excellent opportunity to join the Federal Transit Administration, work with transportation officials and meet the challenges of advancing transit systems. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and the ability to provide specialized engineering assistance to the grantees, program managers, and senior staff to resolve problems and ensure successful delivery of Federal funded projects.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience applying engineering design and construction principles and procedures related to public works construction projects including costs of alternate construction techniques.

Experience communicating technical ideas in writing, preparing technical reports and presenting the contents to management To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience addressing multi-million-dollar public works construction projects. Experience extending or modifying traditional engineering options. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience providing oversight to others on engineering concepts, principles and methods.

Experience preparing comprehensive reports, evaluations, and summaries of project results/outcomes and presenting those findings. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Project Management Oversight - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.

Written and Oral Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How to find jobs that match your skills

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