Launch Your Engineering Career with the Defense Contract Management Agency
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) offers a unique landscape for engineers who want their technical expertise to directly impact national defense. As an Interdisciplinary Engineer in the Radars & Sensors division, you are not just working behind a desk; you are an essential component of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) oversight capability. This position offers a competitive salary, federal benefits, and the chance to shape the future of military acquisition.
Job Responsibilities
Your daily work will be both diverse and challenging. Key responsibilities include:
- Contract Surveillance: Performing hands-on evaluations of contractor production and design processes.
- Data Analysis: Monitoring performance trends across engineering and manufacturing to mitigate risks.
- Technical Support to Pricing (TSP): Providing engineering advice on cost proposals and change requests.
- Risk Management: Developing data-driven lessons to prevent future contractor issues.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet stringent federal criteria:
- Educational Background: A degree in professional engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or private sector equivalent).
- Documentation: You must submit a two-page maximum resume and valid transcripts.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | ABET-accredited Engineering Degree or equivalent |
| Experience | 1+ year of specialized GS-11 equivalent work |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
Salary Overview
This position is graded at the GS-12 level, with an annual salary range of $97,307 to $126,502. This compensation reflects the high level of technical responsibility required to oversee critical defense contracts.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement: Pension through FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays, along with telework flexibility.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is absolute. Do not exceed it.
- Be Quantitative: Clearly state your hours per week and specific dates for all employment history.
- Format Correctly: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they maintain formatting during the scan process.
This role is an excellent opportunity for engineers looking to pivot into the defense acquisition sector. By applying your skills at DCMA, you play an integral role in ensuring that American military technology remains superior. Review the announcement, polish your resume, and submit your application today.
Why This Interdisciplinary Engineer Job Matters
Advance your career in defense acquisition and ensure mission readiness by joining the Defense Contract Management Agency as an Interdisciplinary Engineer.
Interdisciplinary Engineer Job Overview
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is seeking a highly skilled Interdisciplinary Engineer for their Systems (SYS) Radars & Sensors division in McKinney, Texas. This pivotal role serves as the eyes and ears of the Department of Defense, conducting surveillance, analyzing contractor production capabilities, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products to the warfighter. You will influence mission success by identifying cost and performance risks throughout the contract lifecycle.
Requirements for Interdisciplinary Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Submission of a professional resume limited to two pages
- Submission of academic transcripts
- Meet DoD Acquisition Engineering and Technology Management certification requirements within specified timeframes
Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary Engineer
- Professional Engineering (PE) licensure
- Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Strong background in supply chain management and manufacturing operations
- Demonstrated ability in Technical Support to Pricing (TSP) and cost proposal evaluation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework eligibility
- ✓Continuous professional development and acquisition certification training
💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Engineer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJOBS.
- Ensure your resume is formatted as a PDF, does not exceed two pages, and includes specific hours worked per week.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and applicable service documents (e.g., SF-50, DD214).
- Monitor your email for USA Hire assessment links if prompted.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use standard fonts like Lato or Arial and keep margins at 0.5 inches.
- Be explicit about your work schedule (e.g., '40 hours per week') to ensure your specialized experience is accurately credited.
- Preview the questionnaire before starting the application to prepare your responses.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are in PDF format and under 5MB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum resume length?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
Can I use an unofficial transcript?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application, provided they include your name, the institution's name, course list, credits, and degree conferral date.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to agency policy and supervisor approval.
What if I have foreign education?
*A: You must provide a formal evaluation from a qualified organization to prove equivalency to a U.S. degree.*
Is there a probationary period?
*A: Yes, selectees may be required to serve a trial or probationary period.*
Job from Defense Contract Management Agency
The DCMA is the independent eyes and ears of the DoD. Their mission is to ensure that the warfighter receives high-quality products on time and within budget. By working in the Systems (SYS) Radars & Sensors branch, you will focus on complex technologies that define modern combat capabilities, providing insight that supports the affordability and readiness of our armed forces.