Organization
Smithsonian Institution
Location
Suitland, Maryland
On-site role: Remote and telework are not available.
Employment Type and Schedule
Full-time: Permanent federal appointment.
Salary and Grade
$69,923 to $90,898 per year
Pay scale GS-09 with promotion potential to GS-09
Competitive package and federal benefits apply.
Application Timeline
Applications open from December 15, 2025 to December 30, 2025.
Organization Overview
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, operating 21 museums and the National Zoo. This role sits within the Office of Facilities Management, specifically the Office of Facilities Management and Reliability. The department delivers comprehensive building and operational services across eight maintenance and operational zones, supporting the Smithsonian’s nationwide mission.
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Role Summary
The Engineering Technician Vehicles position supports fleet and mobile asset operations through hands-on technical expertise. The role focuses on maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting integrated mechanical and electrical vehicle systems. Multiple selections may be made from this announcement to support operational needs.
Core Responsibilities
1. Mechanical and Electrical Systems Support
The technician installs, repairs, overhauls, rebuilds, modifies, tests, and troubleshoots complex mechanical and electrical systems. This includes gasoline and diesel vehicles, diagnostic equipment, air conditioning systems, and electric vehicle motor components.
2. Fleet Operations and Asset Management
The role supports the Agency Fleet Manager and Mobile Asset Supervisor with scheduled inventories, surplus disposal activities, and discrepancy resolution related to mobile assets.
3. Inventory and Shop Operations
The technician advises supervisors on shop stock requirements and manages parts, tools, and supplies to ensure uninterrupted maintenance operations.
4. Cost and Vendor Analysis
The position analyzes vendor services and operational costs to ensure efficient and cost-effective fleet utilization.
5. Technical Evaluation and Reporting
The role evaluates complex system operations and prepares reports on mechanical and electrical performance, issues, and improvements.
Candidate Eligibility
This opportunity is open to current and former federal employees with permanent or reinstatement eligibility. It also welcomes eligible veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities under Schedule A, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA alums, and individuals qualifying under other special hiring authorities.
Required Qualifications
Professional Experience
Candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level. Relevant experience includes installing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining mobile asset equipment, including gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles.
Education-Based Qualification
Two whole years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent in Automotive Engineering Technology may substitute for the required experience.
Combined Qualification Path
A combination of qualifying education and experience may meet eligibility requirements under federal qualification standards.
Foreign education must include accredited transcripts and proof of U.S. equivalency.
Employment Conditions
Candidates must pass a pre-employment background investigation and may be required to complete a probationary period. Direct deposit enrollment is mandatory. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Evaluation Process
Applications first undergo a basic qualification review. Qualified candidates receive further evaluation based on technical knowledge, fleet management support skills, inventory and supply management ability, and analytical reporting capabilities. Human Resources specialists assess resumes and supporting documents against occupational questionnaire responses to ensure accuracy and alignment.
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Additional Information
This position falls within a bargaining unit. Recruitment incentives may be authorized based on availability and institutional approval, subject to service agreement requirements. Selection may occur across Smithsonian Institution locations for similar roles.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, operational efficiency, and the principles of the United States Constitution.
Application Guidance
Resumes must not exceed two pages and should clearly describe relevant experience without copying vacancy language. Both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, may count toward qualification requirements when properly documented.
For more details, visit the Smithsonian’s official careers page.
Contact and Reference Details
Announcement Number: 26R SC 313271 MPA FM
Control Number: 852383100
Applicants are encouraged to review all instructions carefully, as incomplete or inconsistent information may affect eligibility and rating outcomes.