Electronic Industrial Controls Mechanic

About the Role

This Electronic Industrial Controls Mechanic position is located in the Facility Management department at the VA Boston Healthcare System (West Roxbury campus). It is a full‑time role requiring 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive maintenance on electronic control systems to include disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and calibration
• Programs controllers such as programmable logic controllers and variable frequency drives
• Integrates and balances building controllers on the controls network
• Installs and maintains highly complex systems of electronic sensing and control used in the building automation system
• Repairs facility equipment instruments and controls
• Modifies environmental control systems to meet specific and critical conditions
• Plans and lays out work from schematics, block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and technical orders
• Interprets manufacturers' handbooks and technical manuals to determine how repairs need to be made
• Interprets electrical schematic wiring diagrams used for industrial equipment
• Interprets gauge or meter readings to determine system condition and proper operation
• Interprets control signals used for control and monitoring of devices, controllers, valves, fans, motors, and frequency drives
• Re‑calibrates controls to maintain proper system operation
• Troubleshoots communication links with local area networks
• Troubleshoots the building automation system
• Analyzes diagnostic test readings and operating conditions to isolate system malfunctions
• Devises solutions for operational problems by constructing devices and making modifications to the equipment from sketches and verbal instructions
• Develops and implements service and maintenance schedules and procedures for the systems and associated components based on a comprehensive knowledge of operating principles, trade practice, and manufacturer's recommendations
• Visits work site and analyzes, evaluates, and determines damage when planning repair and modification projects

Requirements

• Applicants must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work of this position; detailed descriptions must be provided on the resume
• Experience may be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations; all qualifying experience is credited
• A full year of work is considered 35‑40 hours per week; part‑time experience is credited proportionally based on actual hours spent in appropriate activities
• Applicants wishing to receive credit for part‑time or volunteer experience must clearly indicate the nature of duties, responsibilities, and weekly hours for each position
• Ratings are conducted in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards, including a screen‑out element and subsequent job elements
• Physical requirements: moderate physical effort; frequently lift, carry, or handle items up to 40 lb; occasionally handle items >40 lb with assistance; work involves sitting for extended periods, frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, occasional climbing and work in high places; performed indoors in well‑lighted, heated, ventilated areas, with occasional exposure to warehouse/industrial conditions (loud noise, heat/cold, fumes); risk of electric shock, cuts, bruises, burns from electrical energy or soldering irons
• Position is in the Competitive Service, not a Bargaining Unit position, covered by a special rate range for federal wage system skilled positions; current and former Federal employees must submit recent SF‑50 documentation

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions by VA
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care coverage (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Pay

Competitive salary with regular salary increases; a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST