Serving Congress and the Supreme Court, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the builder and steward of the landmark buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill. The AOC staff preserves and maintains the historic buildings, monuments, art and inspirational gardens on the Capitol campus. Recognizing the trust placed in us by Congress and the American people, the AOC team is committed to providing a safe environment and inspiring experiences for all who work and visit the symbol of American democracy.
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Utilities and Power Plant Operations is seeking a Mechanical Engineer who provides professional support for Steam and Chilled Water related engineering for the Capital Power Plant (CPP) distribution system and plant buildings. The Engineer will provide technical assistance to evaluate and recommend specifications, oversee and perform design services and perform construction inspections for various highly complex engineering projects with an emphasis on the mechanical infrastructure systems in the power plant and utility distribution system. The distribution system distributes steam and chilled water from the CPP to the Government Printing Office (GPO), Union Station, Library of Congress and the Capitol Campus (House and Senate Office Buildings, the Capitol Building, the Capitol Visitor Center, U.S. Botanic Garden and the Supreme Court).
The Engineer will perform progressively more complex and responsible functions on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level.
Major Duties:
Project Planning and Project Management
Participates in construction and renovation projects with progressively more responsibility on a gradual basis from conception through completion as directed by CPP management.
Provides technical expertise to evaluate and recommend specifications and proposals for various Utility Distribution Systems (UDS) and plant engineering projects.
Performs mechanical engineering planning and design by determining systems requirements, surveying the construction site, preparing designs, specifications and estimates.
Conducts practical research applying theoretical knowledge of the fields of mechanical engineering to actual problems of maintenance and construction.
Develops and coordinates programs for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of facilities with which mechanical engineering are concerned. Studies problems inherent in maintaining and renovating tunnels and buildings of historic significance under the CPP jurisdiction.
Contractor Oversight
Serves as Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR). Prior to project performance, reviews plans, specifications and cost estimates for technical adequacy. Assesses compliance with technical documents during the course of facility construction.
Works with design consultants, project managers, construction contractors and Jurisdiction officials to resolves problems or conflicts impeding progress. Works with Contracting Officer to negotiate contract specification and design changes with Jurisdiction representatives, consultants and contractors. Investigates requests for contract change orders. Considers work site conditions, field measurements and computations and local labor rates.
Technical Advice and Guidance
Provides guidance, technical advice and consultation to lower-grade employees and specialists within the CPP in the performance of related assignments.
Facilitates the resolution of project related issues and concerns that arise at the CPP Management level. Acts as the CPP's focal point for scope, schedule and budget concerns.
Follows applicable AOC and OSHA safety rules, regulations and standard operating procedures to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner.
Degree in professional engineering
To be creditable, the curriculum must:
(1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; 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:
-- statics, dynamics;
-- strength of materials (stress-strain relationships);
-- fluid mechanics, hydraulics;
-- thermodynamics;
-- electrical fields and circuits;
-- nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and
-- any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
--OR--
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 professional 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:
(a) current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico;
(b) evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination or the written test required for professional registration;
(c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that are fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum; or
(d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field.
NOTES:
Telecommuting is allowed.
About Architect of the Capitol
Serving Congress and the Supreme Court, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the builder and steward of the landmark buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill. The AOC staff preserves and maintains the historic buildings, monuments, art and inspirational gardens on the Capitol campus. Recognizing the trust placed in us by Congress and the American people, the AOC team is committed to providing a safe environment and inspiring experiences for all who work and visit the symbol of American democracy. There are more than 2,000 AOC employees serving around the clock in diverse roles to maintain and preserve the buildings and grounds. Iconic landmarks under AOC’s care include the U.S. Capitol, Capitol Grounds, Capitol Visitor Center, House Office Buildings, Library of Congress, Senate Office Buildings, Supreme Court and U.S. Botanic Garden.
