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Electrical Engineer

Department of Energy
Southwestern Power Administration
Division of System Protection and Communications (7742300000)

Summary

As an Electrical Engineer, you will serve in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), Division of System Protection and Communications. The purpose of the position is to perform work related primarily to the application of knowledge in the principles, techniques, and practices of electrical engineering and to serve as a senior electrical engineer.

**This is not a remote position. You will have to physically report to the Springfield, MO location.***

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/06/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 6, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—This is an onsite position. Telework eligible ONLY for situational telework at the discretion of management.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$71,846 - $145,483 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 13
Promotion potential
13
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
50% or less - Travel of up to 35 % annually is required; with overnight travel of 7 days per month on average.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
26-SW-00804-12992516-DE
Control number
874516700

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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Duties shown are at Full Performance Level (GS13) …

As an Electrical Engineer, you will:

  • Perform engineering design and is responsible for the preparation of plans, specifications, and drawings for original, additional modifications, or temporary construction of substation equipment, protective relay schemes/systems, communication systems, and control systems.
  • Perform professional engineering work in system protection, control, and communications planning, design, investigation of power system protective relay operations, protective relaying setting coordination, development and implementation of testing and maintenance of electrical substation protective relay and metering systems, electrical circuits, circuit elements, electrical equipment, power systems, communication systems, and associated phenomena concerned with electrical energy used in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the high-voltage electrical transmission system.
  • Provide system level planning, development, implementation, and operational oversight for components within assigned programs/projects.
  • Oversee, direct, coordinate, and review the preparation of feasibility studies, cost estimates, conceptual designs, drawings and technical specifications and solicitations involving transmission line and substation outdoor electrical equipment.
  • Coordinate and resolve issues affecting assigned projects with support from other technical experts within or outside of assigned organization.
  • Provides significant and creative solutions for encountered problems in the assigned purview.
  • Develop task order design scopes of work and coordinate the activities of the architectural/engineering (A/E) contractor for projects covering substation equipment, protective relay schemes/systems, communication systems, and control systems.
  • Prepare cost estimates of projects for use in budget preparation or for study or contract purposes.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
  • Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
  • You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
  • Security clearance and associated requirements - Moderate Risk.
  • The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain the required DOE/SWPA certification to serve as a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR).
  • The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.

Qualifications

To be found qualified, you must meet the basic requirement AND minimum qualification requirements for the grade level(s) in which you apply.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must meet one of the following:

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:

  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. (You must submit licensure or registration.)
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) 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. (You must submit documentation)
  3. 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.
  4. 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. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level(s) in which you are applying.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience for this position is defined as:


For the GS-07: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Applying practical knowledge in the principles, techniques, and practices of electrical engineering.
You may also qualify for the GS-07:
  • If you have successfully completed of one full year of graduate level education; -OR-
  • If you have obtained a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement; -OR-
  • If you have a combination of experience and education as described above.

For the GS-09: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Applying practical knowledge in the principles, techniques, and practices of electrical engineering;
  • Analyzing data to determine selection and arrangement of equipment to be used.
You may also qualify for the GS-09:
  • If you have two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related; -OR-
  • If you have a combination of superior academic achievement and one (1) year of appropriate professional experience; -OR-
  • If you have a combination of experience and education as described above.

For the GS-11: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Preparing operational planning studies and reporting on transmission lines and substations;
  • Resolving technical issues related to substation equipment, protective relay schemes/systems, communication systems, and control systems.
You may also qualify for the GS-11:
  • If you have three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; -OR-
  • If you have a combination of education and experience as described above to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For the GS-12: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Commissioning, troubleshooting, investigating, and repairing protective relay and control systems;
  • Applying North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance standards by monitoring technical compliance and resolving technical differences;
  • Managing projects covering substation equipment, protective relay schemes/systems, communication systems, and control systems.

For the GS-13: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Commissioning, troubleshooting, investigating, and repairing protective relay and control systems;
  • Reviewing bid proposals for compliance with technical specifications and making recommendations regarding the technical aspects of a contract award;
  • Acting as a subject matter expert (SME) for assigned North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance standards, and preparing documentation as evidence of compliance with NERC standards;
  • Managing projects and developing engineering designs to ensure project objectives are achieved within established scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); 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.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement.

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.

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.

***Applicants completing degree requirements within 120 days of 6-July-2026 may apply. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at time of application and official transcripts are required prior to entrance on duty.***

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.

Additional information

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.
  • Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
  • If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.
  • Promotion Potential: This position's full performance level is GS-13.
  • Upon reporting, and annually thereafter, the selectee may be required to file one or more financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification. These certifications may be subject to public disclosure.
  • The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
  • This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
  • Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.
  • Salary range shown (GS07, step 1 - GS13, step 10) is from Special Rate table 0755.

Physical Demands:
Work is mostly sedentary although requiring periods of walking, standing, climbing, and bending will be required during field trips. Frequent travel and lodging at remote locations are required using an automobile or common carrier as conditions require.

Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office setting with occasional to frequent travel to various electrical stations and communication sites that may have exposure to moderate risks, discomforts, and unpleasantness involving high noise levels, dust, high winds, low/high temperatures, adverse
weather conditions, and exposure to high-voltage substation and transmission line system equipment requiring special safety precautions such as protective clothing and gear. The incumbent is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).

Structured Interview Review: 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 a subject matter expert (SME) structured interview. A structured interview is an assessment method designed to measure job-related competencies of candidates by systematically inquiring about their behavior in past experiences and/or their proposed behavior in hypothetical situations. If applicable, you may be contacted to schedule an interview with the SMEs.

Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the SME Structured Resume Review and the SME Structured Interview rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who score above a predefined cut score will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred.

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).


If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Design
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership
  • Learning
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management
  • Risk Management
  • Safety Engineering
  • Self Management
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Competence


Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified".

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (07/06/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12992516.

Southwestern Power Administration

Southwestern Power Administration offers career opportunities in the highly energized electric utility industry. We market federally produced hydropower from 24 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers multipurpose dams in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. We operate and maintain 1,380 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, substations and a communications system that includes microwave, VHF radio, and fiber optics. Our offices are located in Gore, Oklahoma, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Southwestern Power Administration has been identified within the TOP 22% of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government for 2021 by the Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group.

Agency contact information

PMA Careers
Email
PMACareers@wapa.gov
Address
Southwestern Power Administration
6655 S Lewis Ave
Tulsa, OK 74136
US

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