Advance Your Engineering Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you ready to take your engineering career to the next level while making a tangible difference in national infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer to join the Geotechnical Branch in Memphis, Tennessee. This role is a fantastic opportunity for engineers looking to grow from early-career development to a full-performance GS-12 level.

Job Responsibilities

As a Civil Engineer, your responsibilities will evolve as you advance through the grade levels. At the full performance level, you will:

Provide expertise for soil investigations and foundation designs.
Lead and monitor junior engineers in the analysis of civil works, including pumping stations, flood walls, and bridges.
Evaluate critical failure surfaces and soil compaction data to ensure structural safety.
Collaborate with other government agencies, engineering divisions, and architecture-engineering firms to drive project success.

Comparison of Qualifications

Grade Level	Key Requirement	Can Education Substitute?
GS-7	1 year experience or Superior Academic Achievement	Yes
GS-9	1 year specialized experience or Master's/2 yrs Grad School	Yes
GS-11	1 year specialized experience or Ph.D./3 yrs Grad School	Yes
GS-12	1 year complex specialized experience	No

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $56,039 to $116,362 per year, depending on the assigned grade level and locality pay adjustments.

Benefits

Joining the federal workforce provides a robust benefits package, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Comprehensive retirement systems (FERS) with government-matched contributions.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Be Specific: Detail your engineering experience clearly. If your resume does not demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience requirements, your application may be marked as incomplete.
Transcripts are Mandatory: If you are using your education to qualify, always attach official transcripts. Failing to provide this documentation is a common reason for exclusion.

If you are a motivated engineer looking to apply your knowledge to projects of regional and national importance, we encourage you to apply. The USACE offers a supportive environment where your career path is clear and the work you do makes a real difference in the lives of many.

Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of our nation's infrastructure as a Civil Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Take your career to the next level in a role where your technical expertise directly impacts national resilience and community safety.

Civil Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking a talented Civil Engineer to join their Geotechnical Branch. This developmental position offers a unique career path with a full performance level of GS-12. Whether you are an early-career engineer or a seasoned professional, this role provides the opportunity to engage in complex soil investigations, foundation design, and critical civil works projects that protect communities and infrastructure. You will work within a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your contributions have real-world consequences and long-term national impact.

Requirements for Civil Engineer

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering field from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent coursework in core engineering sciences.
For GS-7: One year of specialized experience OR Superior Academic Achievement OR a combination of education and experience.
For GS-9/11: Progressive specialized experience in soil investigations, geotechnical analysis, or foundation design, or equivalent graduate-level education.
For GS-12: Must possess one year of specialized experience conducting complex soil investigations and determining critical failure surfaces in civil works.
Ability to provide official transcripts for all education-based qualifications.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Must be able to pass suitability and fitness requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer

Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT).
Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
Experience in geotechnical coordination across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Practical experience in risk analysis and design evaluations for civil works projects like dams, levees, or bridges.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Professional growth and non-competitive promotion potential to GS-12
✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
✓Generous retirement plans (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching
✓Opportunities for telework
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual programs

💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job

Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Carefully review the job announcement and requirements.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience and hours worked.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
Upload all required supporting documents, including official transcripts and performance appraisals.
Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and under two pages; longer resumes will be excluded.
Use plain, clear language; avoid jargon and unexplained acronyms.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your relevant work history with start/end dates and hours per week.
Double-check your transcript uploads; omitting transcripts if qualifying via education will result in an ineligible status.
Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the target grade for this position?

The full performance level for this position is GS-12. If hired at a lower grade (GS-7, GS-9, or GS-11), you may be promoted non-competitively once you meet the necessary requirements.

Can I substitute my education for experience?

Yes, for the GS-7, GS-9, and GS-11 levels, education can be used to meet qualification requirements. However, for the GS-12 level, specialized experience is required, and education cannot be substituted.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position is designated as non-sensitive (low risk).

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Can I work remotely?

This position is telework eligible, but is not considered a remote-only role.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. Our mission involves more than just building structures; we engineer the future of our nation. From securing water resources and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities and responding to natural disasters, the USACE is at the forefront of national resilience.