Advance Your Engineering Career: General Engineer (Project Manager) at the VA
Are you an experienced engineer with a passion for infrastructure and public service? The Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for a dedicated General Engineer (Project Manager) to join their team in Washington, DC.
Job Responsibilities
As a Project Manager, you will be the backbone of complex facility acquisitions and renovations. Key duties include:
- Contract Management: Overseeing multiple contracts for design, construction, and utility installations.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinating teams across civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical disciplines.
- Strategic Planning: Evaluating project performance against VA policies and broader government actions.
- Technical Oversight: Applying value-engineering principles to maximize cost-efficiency without compromising quality.
- Documentation: Providing clear, actionable updates and responding to complex inquiries from stakeholders and congressional offices.
Requirements
Applicants must meet specific professional criteria to qualify for this GS-14 level position:
- Academic Background: A bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) or a strong combination of relevant education and professional experience.
- Licensure: A Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) license is highly preferred and is a key factor in the selection process.
- Time-In-Grade: Federal employees must demonstrate 52 weeks of service at the GS-13 level.
- Competencies: Proficiency in leadership, decision-making, and stress tolerance as measured by the USA Hire assessment system.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Education | ABET-accredited Engineering Degree |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized (Equivalent to GS-13) |
| Assessment | USA Hire Assessments Required |
| License | Professional Engineer/Architect (Preferred) |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $143,913 to $187,093 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive federal healthcare.
- Federal retirement and pension programs.
- Telework options for improved work-life integration.
- Generous leave policies including paid federal holidays.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to comply with the latest merit hiring standards. Highlight your specific experience with major A/E design and construction management to stand out. Always save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting, and verify that your SF-50s are current and relevant to your Time-In-Grade eligibility.
This position offers a unique chance to combine high-level engineering project management with the meaningful mission of supporting Veterans. If you meet the criteria and are ready to contribute your skills to a mission that matters, submit your application package before the September 2, 2026 deadline.
Why This General Engineer (Project Manager) Job Matters
Lead critical infrastructure projects that honor those who served—advance your engineering career at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
General Engineer (Project Manager) Job Overview
The Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM) is seeking a skilled General Engineer to serve as a Project Manager in Washington, DC. In this pivotal role, you will oversee complex major construction, renovation, and modernization projects for National Cemetery Administration sites. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage large-scale capital facility programs, and ensure all designs align with rigorous VA standards, life-safety requirements, and cost-efficiency goals to provide world-class environments for Veterans and their families.
Requirements for General Engineer (Project Manager)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 0801 General Engineering series.
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET-accredited) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-13 or equivalent).
- Selective Placement Factor: Extensive experience in A/E Design Program Management for major construction projects.
- Possession of a PE or RA license is highly emphasized.
- Must pass the required USA Hire Assessments.
- Completion of a probationary or trial period as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer (Project Manager)
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex VA healthcare or memorial engineering projects.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams of architects and engineers.
- Strong understanding of federal construction contracts and resolution of complex technical issues.
- Proven proficiency in value-engineering and cost-efficiency methodologies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and compressed work options.
- ✓Telework eligibility to support work-life balance.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a mission-driven agency.
💡 How to Apply General Engineer (Project Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Engineer (Project Manager) Job
- Create or log into your account on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Upload required documents, including SF-50s for federal employees and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your package by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 2, 2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
💡 General Tips
- Prioritize your most recent and relevant experience within your two-page resume.
- Use the resume builder tool to ensure compliance with formatting requirements.
- Save and upload your resume in PDF format to maintain layout integrity.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Review your application package for completeness before the closing date, as late documents are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position supports telework to help balance productivity and flexibility, which will be discussed during the interview process.
What is the education requirement for this GS-14 role?
You must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 0801 Engineering series, which involves either an ABET-accredited engineering degree or a specific combination of education and relevant professional engineering experience.
Are there strict page limits for the resume?
Yes. Effective September 27, 2025, resumes must be two pages or fewer. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Job from Office Of The Secretary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The Office of Construction & Facilities Management plays a vital role in this mission by managing large-scale capital projects, including major construction, historic preservation, and seismic safety improvements. Joining the CFM means becoming part of an organization that values speed, agility, and trust in delivering world-class facilities for our Veterans and their families.