Home / Federal careers / GS-0830
Mechanical Engineering
Performs professional mechanical engineering work in design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems and equipment.
What GS-0830 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0830, as written.
Mechanical Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in mechanical engineering or related field (aerospace, manufacturing, materials engineering).
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of mechanical engineering sciences including thermodynamics, mechanics, materials science.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-0830
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Engineer Officer
Engineer Officers in the Army are responsible for planning and executing engineering projects, which closely aligns with mechanical engineering tasks in the GS-0830 series.
Skills that carry over: Mechanical Design, Engineering Analysis, Project Management.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Utilities Officer
Utilities Officers manage the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems, which provides relevant experience for mechanical engineering roles.
Skills that carry over: Mechanical Systems Management, Engineering Analysis, Thermal Systems.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
Tactical Aircraft Maintenance
Mechanical engineering positions for those with extensive aircraft propulsion and structural systems experience.
Skills that carry over: Propulsion systems, Structural analysis, Mechanical systems, Failure analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Design mechanical systems and equipment
- Perform engineering analysis and calculations
- Develop specifications and drawings
- Conduct testing and evaluation
- Troubleshoot mechanical problems
- Manage engineering projects
Key competencies
Mechanical Design
Skill in designing mechanical systems and components.
Thermodynamics
Knowledge of heat transfer and thermal system design.
Fluid Mechanics
Understanding of fluid dynamics and hydraulic systems.
Materials Science
Knowledge of material properties and selection.
Manufacturing Processes
Understanding of manufacturing methods and equipment.
CAD/CAM
Proficiency in computer-aided design and manufacturing tools.
Testing and Analysis
Ability to test and analyze mechanical system performance.
Project Management
Skill in managing engineering projects and resources.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0830
What is a federal Mechanical Engineer?
GS-0830 Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and test mechanical systems and equipment: HVAC, propulsion, weapons systems, manufacturing equipment, and facility systems. They work at Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, NASA, DOE, and agencies requiring mechanical system expertise.
How much does a federal Mechanical Engineer make?
GS-0830 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior engineers and technical directors. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Project leads and supervisors reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0830 positions?
A professional mechanical engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. PE licensure preferred for senior positions. Experience in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, HVAC, or specific mechanical systems needed for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0830?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military mechanical engineering experience is highly valued. Navy nuclear, submarine, and shipyard engineers, Air Force depot engineers, and Army mechanical specialists with degrees transition directly. Your systems experience is invaluable.
What is the career progression for Mechanical Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors at GS-14/15. PE licensure and specialized expertise accelerate advancement. Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, NASA, and DOE offer strong mechanical engineering career paths.
How do I apply for GS-0830 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Mechanical Engineer.' Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, NASA, and DOE are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, PE license if held, and specific systems experience (HVAC, propulsion, weapons). Veterans with engineering backgrounds are highly valued.
Ready to apply for GS-0830?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.