Engineering the Future: Careers at the Federal Transit Administration
Are you an engineer looking to leverage your technical skills for the public good? The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is currently inviting applications for a General Engineer position based in Atlanta, Georgia. This role is a vital component of the Department of Transportation's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving transit systems nationwide.
About the Federal Transit Administration
The FTA is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), an agency consistently ranked as a top place to work in the federal government. The FTA mission is dedicated to providing leadership, technical assistance, and financial resources to support safe and reliable public transportation. Joining the FTA means working on projects that serve millions of Americans daily.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Engineer with the FTA, your work will be diverse and challenging. Key responsibilities include:
- Project Oversight: Monitoring the progress and performance of multimillion-dollar transit construction projects.
- Technical Coordination: Collaborating with Project Management Oversight Consultants (PMOCs) and grantees to ensure compliance.
- Policy Support: Preparing briefing papers, analytical reports, and correspondence for senior leadership.
- Problem Resolution: Applying engineering principles to identify and mitigate project risks.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the rigorous academic standards of the series. Applicants must submit a two-page resume and relevant transcripts.
| Level | Experience Requirement | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-09 | 1 Year at GS-07 | Master's degree or 2 years grad school |
| GS-11 | 1 Year at GS-09 | Ph.D. or 3 years grad school |
| GS-12 | 1 Year at GS-11 | N/A (Experience only) |
| GS-13 | 1 Year at GS-12 | N/A (Experience only) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $65,271 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy:
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for remote work and telework.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on precision. Ensure your resume highlights your engineering achievements clearly and stays within the two-page limit. Always double-check that your transcripts are attached, as they are mandatory for this role. If you are struggling with the application portal, reach out to the DOT staffing office via email for assistance.
This General Engineer position is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a role in the 'Golden Age of Transportation.' If you have the technical skills, the drive, and the desire to serve, we encourage you to apply before the deadline.
Why This General Engineer - Direct Hire Job Matters
Shape the future of American transit infrastructure with the Federal Transit Administration—where engineering excellence meets public service.
General Engineer - Direct Hire Job Overview
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking a motivated General Engineer to join the Region 4 Office of Program Management and Project Oversight in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure projects that impact communities nationwide. The role offers a broad GS-09 through GS-13 career path, allowing qualified professionals to apply their technical expertise in project management, engineering design, and stakeholder collaboration within the Department of Transportation.
Requirements for General Engineer - Direct Hire
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) or meet specific combination of education and experience requirements.
- Must be able to provide all required transcripts at the time of application.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the grade level (GS-09 through GS-13).
- Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must be willing to undergo a background security investigation.
- Must reside in or be willing to commute to the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer - Direct Hire
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
- Prior experience managing multimillion-dollar public works construction projects.
- Proven success in mentoring junior staff and providing technical oversight.
- Strong background in project scheduling, cost monitoring, and contractor performance evaluation.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills for briefing executive leadership.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Generous federal retirement system, including a defined benefit plan and TSP (401k-style savings).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework options.
- ✓Public service mission with tangible community impact.
💡 How to Apply General Engineer - Direct Hire Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Engineer - Direct Hire Job
- Register for a USAJobs account and complete your profile.
- Prepare a resume limited to a maximum of two pages highlighting your technical engineering experience.
- Gather all academic transcripts confirming your engineering degree or coursework.
- Locate proof of PE licensure or EIT certification if applicable.
- Log in to the application portal using the provided link to complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documents before the closing date of August 4, 2026.
- Submit your application and monitor your status via the 'My USAJobs' dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly follows the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly document your engineering experience, including dates, job titles, and hours worked per week.
- Check your application status regularly on USAJobs within two weeks of the closing date.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the interview process, email the HR team early.
- Do not wait until the last minute; give yourself extra time to resolve any technical issues with the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify for this position without an engineering degree?
Yes, you may qualify through a combination of education and experience if you have a thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences and can demonstrate specialized engineering experience, such as holding a PE license or having completed specific coursework.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this role involves travel to manage projects and collaborate with various stakeholders. A government-issued travel card will be provided for official business.
What is the maximum resume length allowed?
In accordance with federal guidance, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be accepted for consideration.
Is a Professional Engineer (PE) license required?
*A: While not strictly required for all candidates, a PE or EIT certification is highly encouraged and serves as strong evidence of professional qualifications.*
What is the closing date for this role?
*A: The position closes on August 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.*