Engineering Technician (Mechanical)

Role overview

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hiring a Mechanical Engineering Technician in Edinburg, TX. This role focuses on designing specialized equipment and supporting field operations related to aerial surveying, sterile insect dispersal, insect rearing, soil sampling, and pest trapping/surveying. The position also includes creating plans, specifications, and cost estimates for new small buildings or major upgrades to existing ones, such as research laboratories and greenhouses.

Key duties

• Create layouts, drawings, and specifications for mechanical systems and equipment using manual drafting or CAD/CADD tools.
• Convert CAD/CADD outputs into CNC logic and prepare programming inputs for powered machine tools.
• Use CAD-CAM applications to generate programs for CNC-driven cutting equipment.
• Design and build rearing cages and diet-preparation units for fruit fly facilities, using 3D printing tools and software for testing concepts and producing analytical data.
• Apply practical knowledge of construction methods, shop production techniques, material usage, and accepted design practices.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for buildings such as research labs, greenhouses, and other small structures designed to withstand extreme climate or loading conditions.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must satisfy all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date. For the GS-09 level, candidates need either one year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level or equivalent, or two full years of graduate study, or a master's degree in engineering, construction, or industrial technology. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Qualifying specialized experience includes coordinating CNC power machine tool programming with CADD and CAM software, evaluating data from drawings, specifications, and maintenance records to determine equipment characteristics and limitations, and developing or reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates for mechanical systems, equipment, or small building construction.

Transcripts are required when qualifying through education alone or through a combination of education and experience. Any relevant paid, unpaid, volunteer, or National Service experience may count toward qualification if it demonstrates the required competencies.

Additional information

This is a position with USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) within APHIS, an agency that supports agricultural markets and protects the health of animals and plants in the United States. APHIS is an emergency response agency, so employees may be assigned rotating temporary duty in support of emergency programs during their careers.

Position start date: 07/08/2026. Position close date: 07/14/2026.

Compensation

Salary offered is USD 61,722 to 80,243 per year.