Engineer Level 1 (equivalent to GS-5): This is the entry level of professional

work requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering and no experience, or the

equivalent of a degree in appropriate education and experience. Assignments are
designed to develop professional work knowledge and abilities. (Terminal positions
are not included.) Works under close supervision on required tasks. Work is
checked during progress. No responsibility for direction of others.
Engineer Level 2 (equivalent to GS-7): This professional level performs routine
engineering work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and
criteria in carrying out engineering tasks. Limited judgment on details of work and
in making preliminary selections or adaptations of engineering alternatives.
Requires work experience acquired in an entry-level position, or appropriate
graduate-level study. Assignments may include work that is typical of a higher
level. (Terminal positions are not included). Supervisor screens assignments,
selects techniques and procedures. Receives close supervision. May be
responsible for the direction of a few aides or technicians.
Engineer Level 3 (equivalent to GS-9 or Academic Instructor): Independently
evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques, procedures, and
criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications. Assignments
have clear and specified objectives. This level requires developmental experience
in a professional position or equivalent graduate-level education. Receives
instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible
solutions. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems. Work is reviewed for
application of professional judgment. May supervise or coordinate the work of
drafters, technicians.
Engineer Level 4 (equivalent to GS-11 or Assistant Professor): A fully
competent engineer in the subject matter or the functional areas of the
assignments. Plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the evaluation,
selection, and adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and
criteria. Devises new approaches to problems. Requires professional experience
to assure competence as a professional. For research positions, a doctoral degree
may be substituted for experience. Independently performs assignments with
instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on
unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval for projects. May
supervise a few engineers or technicians on assigned work.
Engineer Level 5 (equivalent to GS-12 or Associate Professor): Applies
intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in
broad areas of assignments. Makes decisions independently on engineering
problems and methods, and represents the organization to resolve important
questions.Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and
extension of theories, precepts, and practices of own field and related sciences or
disciplines. The knowledge and expertise required for this level usually result from
progressive experience. Consults supervisor concerning unusual problems and
developments. Supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of a small staff of
engineers and technicians. Estimates personnel needs, schedules and assigns
work. As individual research or staff specialist, may be assisted on projects by
others.
Engineer Level 6 (equivalent to GS-13 or Full Professor): Technical
responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating
assignments. Plans and develops engineering projects with unique or controversial
problems which impact major company programs. Involves exploration of subject
area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, novel
concepts and approaches. Maintains liaison with individuals and units within or
outside the organization, with responsibility for acting independently on technical
matters. Work at this level requires extensive progressive experience. Supervision
received is administrative, with assignments given in terms of general objectives
and limits. Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a staff of engineers and
technicians. Evaluates progress and results obtained, recommends major changes
to achieve objectives. As individual researcher or staff specialist, may be assisted
on individual projects.
Engineer Level 7 (equivalent to GS-14 or Distinguished Professor or
Academic Department Head): Makes decisions and recommendations that are
recognized as authoritative and have an important impact on extensive
engineering activities. Initiates and maintains extensive contact with key engineers
and officials of other organizations and companies, requiring skill in persuasion
and negotiation of critical issues. Individuals must demonstrate creativity, foresight,
and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented
engineering problems, program objectives and requirements, organizing
programs, and developing standards and guides for diverse engineering activities.
Receives general administrative direction. Directs several subordinate supervisors
or team leaders. As individual researcher and consultant, may be assisted on
individual projects by other engineers and technicians.
Engineer Level 8 (equivalent to GS-15 or Academic Department Head or
Dean): Makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as
authoritative and have a far-reaching impact on extensive engineering and related
activities of the company. Negotiates critical and controversial issues with top-
level engineers and officers of other organizations and companies. Demonstrates
a high degree of creativity, foresight, and importance. Receives general
administrative direction. Supervises several subordinate supervisors or team
leaders. As an individual researcher and consultant, may be assisted on individual
projects by other engineers or technicians. NOTE: individuals in charge of a
company's engineering program may match any of several of these job levels
depending on the size and complexity of engineering programs. Excluded from
Level 8, but included at Level 9, are engineers in charge of programs so extensive
and complex that one or more supervisory engineers are performing at Level 8.
Also excluded from Level 8 and included at Level 9 are individual researchers and
consultants who are recognized as national and/or international authorities and
scientific leaders in very broad areas of scientific interest and investigation.
Engineer Level 9 (greater than GS-15 or Academic Dean or higher): Included
in Level 9 are those engineers specifically excluded from Level 8, plus other
engineers whose activities and responsibilities exceed those of the prior levels.