Engineering the Future: Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland

Are you looking to make a tangible impact on the nation's critical infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a talented and driven Interdisciplinary Engineer to join the Hydroelectric Design Center in Portland, Oregon. This role focuses on the cutting edge of industrial automation and cyber security, providing a unique opportunity to work on large-scale hydroelectric projects that power the nation.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a technical authority and specialist for data acquisition and control systems. Your primary duties will include:

Designing and maintaining automated control system architectures for hydroelectric facilities.
Overseeing the life-cycle maintenance and cyber security compliance of critical hardware and software.
Conducting technical evaluations and special studies to optimize system performance.
Collaborating with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to modernize hydropower facilities.
Serving as a mentor and national consultant on automation technologies.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Licensure: You must hold a valid Professional Engineering (P.E.) license or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant scientific field (or equivalent combination of education/experience).
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Salary Overview

Pay Grade	Salary Range	Interval
GS-13	$114,684 - $157,607	Per Year

Note: Salary includes applicable locality pay.

Benefits

USACE offers a competitive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
Ample paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
Potential for recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Documentation is Key: Attach your P.E. or CISSP certification immediately; failure to do so is an automatic disqualifier.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly outline your duties in past roles to demonstrate your specialized experience in SCADA and industrial automation.

If you are an engineer who thrives at the intersection of traditional hardware and modern cyber-physical security, we invite you to apply. Help us build a stronger, more resilient tomorrow by joining the USACE Hydroelectric Design Center today.

Why This Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security) Job Matters

Architect the future of national infrastructure as an Interdisciplinary Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where your expertise in cyber security and automated control systems safeguards vital energy resources.

Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security) Job Overview

The Hydroelectric Design Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a highly skilled Interdisciplinary professional to lead critical efforts in the design, lifecycle management, and cyber-security of automated data acquisition and control systems (SCADA). Based in Portland, Oregon, you will serve as a national subject matter expert, ensuring the reliability and technical integrity of hydroelectric powerhouses and flood risk management facilities. This role demands a high level of expertise in industrial hardware and software, requiring a current Professional Engineering (P.E.) license or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security)

Must possess a current Professional Engineering (P.E.) license or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant field (or a combination of education and experience meeting specific professional engineering standards).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Must meet U.S. Citizenship requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Completion of a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278 or OGE 450).
Successful completion of a 52-week time-in-grade requirement if previously a federal GS employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security)

Extensive experience in the design, architecture, and life-cycle management of industrial SCADA systems.
Proven expertise in integrating software/hardware prototypes into large-scale hydroelectric facility systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead major control system installations and technical evaluations.
Advanced experience in developing and implementing cyber security protocols for critical infrastructure.
Strong communication skills for mentoring, training, and providing authoritative consultation services.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
✓Generous federal retirement and pension benefits.
✓Paid vacation time, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Student loan repayment program eligibility.
✓Flexible telework arrangements.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary (Automated Controls And Cyber Security) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific eligibility requirements listed in the job announcement.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and specifically details specialized experience.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload required documents, including transcripts, P.E./CISSP licenses, and proof of eligibility (SF-50, etc.).
Verify the completeness of your application package before submission.
Submit all materials by the closing date of August 25, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms to ensure the HR team can easily evaluate your skills.
Clearly state your hours worked per week for each job entry to help prove your years of specialized experience.
Ensure your P.E. or CISSP certification is included in your documents; failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard periodically after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote-friendly?

The position is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position. You will need to be based in or near the Portland, Oregon area.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

The application will be automatically removed from consideration. It is strictly enforced to follow the two-page limit.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?

No, for this specific position, you must demonstrate the required one year of specialized experience independently; education substitution is not permitted.

What is the security requirement?

This position requires a Secret level security clearance.

Is there promotion potential?

This position is at the GS-13 level with no additional promotion potential beyond this grade.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a world-class organization dedicated to solving the most complex engineering challenges. From flood risk management to restoring aquatic ecosystems and designing high-efficiency powerhouses, our work is vital to national security and public safety. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy of excellence, collaborating with diverse professionals to engineer solutions that stand the test of time.