Electronics Mechanic
What you'd do
This position is located within the Maintenance & Operations section of the Engineering Department at the VA Medical Center located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Electronics Mechanic performs work involving fabricating, overhauling, modifying, installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electronic equipment.
Major duties
Major duties include but are not limited to: Maintains, repairs, installs, and makes operational checks on a variety of complex equipment and complete systems. Maintains, tests, and repairs directional finding systems, satellite communications systems, navigational aids, etc. Installs, modifies, overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs complex electronics equipment and complete operational system(s) consisting of numerous complex integral components which require knowledge of a wide range of electronics principles and practices. Routinely deals with sophisticated electronic systems/networks, including nurse call systems, fire alarm systems, CCTV network, security systems, entertainment MATV/Cable TV systems, production TV systems, microwave, and telecommunication and distribution network, phone system, Guest Wi-Fi system, voice paging systems, overhead paging systems, Ham radio antennae system, intercom/public address systems, patient wandering alarm systems, satellite TV systems, and automated data processing (ADP) equipment. Performs installation, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of other sophisticated electronic equipment, including audio recorders, audiometers, bridge and impedance amplifiers, video cameras, monitors, video recorders, radios, pagers and electronic controls. Performs troubleshooting on complex electronics equipment and complete operational systems consisting of numerous complex integral components. Documents all maintenance, repairs, installations and checks performed on equipment and systems. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Electronics Mechanic/PD30226A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/10/2026. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Experiences consists of performing first-line maintenance and repair, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, adjustment and calibration of more complex electronic systems equipment such as integrated electronic controls as well as computer video data terminals; Making independent judgments and decisions regarding methods and procedures for completing assignments that may involve extending the use of conventional test equipment and improvising fault analysis, repair, and calibration techniques; using of a wide variety of electronic test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and other specialized instrumentation. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Performs tasks requiring moderate physical exertion, including frequent medium lifting (up to 40 pounds), pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, bending, stooping, crawling and negotiating confined spaces, as well as occasional heavy lifting (more than 40 pounds) and strenuous exertion. The employee is standing or walking much of the time and must be in good overall physical condition. Physical capability to regularly walk long distances, dexterity and accurate eye-hand coordination and corrected 20/20 vision and accurate color perception are required. Most work is performed inside buildings, usually adequately lighted, heated, ventilated or cooled. Occasionally work may be performed in very cold, hot or unventilated areas, or outside. Exposure to lubricants and other chemicals, and fumes is common, as well as the ever-present hazards of electrical shock and burns, and the physical hazards of electro-mechanical equipment. Exposure to radiation and contamination or infectious biological hazards may occur. Working Conditions: Most work is performed inside buildings, usually adequately lighted, heated, ventilated or cooled. Occasionally work may be performed in very cold, hot or unventilated areas, or outside. Exposure to lubricants and other chemicals, and fumes is common, as well as the ever present hazards of electrical shock and burns, and the physical hazards of electro-mechanical equipment. Exposure to radiation and contaminated or infectious biological hazards may occur. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Electronics Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Ingenuity Test Equipment - Electronics Troubleshooting (Electronic Equipment) Use Hand and Power Tools - Electronics Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
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