Engineering Excellence: Career Opportunities at McNary Lock and Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer to join their team in Umatilla, Oregon. This position serves as a critical technical authority for the reliability and compliance of electrical systems at the McNary Lock and Dam. If you are passionate about infrastructure, energy production, and national security, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance your engineering career.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the Project's Reliability Compliance Program. Key duties include:
- Policy Development: Drafting and coordinating compliance policies to meet regulatory standards.
- Technical Authority: Serving as the point of contact for all matters regarding reliability compliance for facility maintenance and operations.
- Compliance Audits: Developing and managing quality assurance programs to ensure all work meets NERC/WECC requirements.
- Advocacy: Representing the project at external conferences and meetings, providing technical feedback to leadership.
Comparison: Standard vs. Reliability Compliance Engineer
| Feature | Standard Electrical Engineer | Reliability Compliance Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Equipment design/maintenance | Regulatory standards & compliance |
| Primary Goal | System operation | Audit readiness & risk reduction |
| Daily Interaction | Maintenance teams | Operations, Management, & Regulators |
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:
- Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of professional experience at a power facility or involving SCADA systems.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences applied to engineering.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $104,502 to $127,443 per year. This salary includes applicable locality pay and market supplements, commensurate with the level of responsibility and technical expertise required.
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Competitive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Professional development and leadership training.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is concise, well-formatted, and under two pages. Clearly articulate your specialized experience in power facilities, as the HR team will not make assumptions about your background. Always verify that your application package—including transcripts—is complete before submitting it through the USAJOBS portal.
This role is a perfect fit for an experienced engineer looking to transition into a high-impact compliance and regulatory role. Apply today to contribute to the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and help maintain the nation's critical infrastructure.
Why This Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance) Job Matters
Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an Electrical Engineer and play a critical role in ensuring the reliability of our nation's hydroelectric infrastructure.
Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Electrical Engineer to join the team at McNary Lock and Dam in Umatilla, Oregon. This role focuses on reliability compliance, serving as a primary authority for technical standards within the project’s complex electrical systems. You will collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management teams to ensure the facility meets rigorous regulatory standards, safeguarding the project's operational integrity.
Requirements for Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in federal service.
- Demonstrated professional experience in electrical engineering at a power generation, transmission, or distribution facility.
- Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Ability to provide documentation for all educational and professional credentials.
- Successful completion of a background check and potential one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance)
- Professional Engineering (PE) licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
- Proven experience analyzing technical policies and federal regulations.
- Strong communication skills for representing the project at interagency meetings.
- Direct knowledge of NERC/WECC reliability standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave policies.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Competitive salary based on locality pay.
- ✓Work-life balance with a structured, meaningful career path.
💡 How to Apply Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full announcement details and documentation requirements.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and explicitly details your specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all required transcripts, licenses, and supporting documentation.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week and exact dates of employment for each experience entry.
- Avoid using unexplained acronyms; use plain, professional language.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the deadline.
- Double-check your eligibility for priority hiring programs like ICTAP before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Electrical Engineer role?
This position centers on reliability compliance. You will develop and implement programs to ensure the McNary Lock and Dam adheres to NERC/WECC standards and maintains high-quality technical documentation.
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must possess the required one year of specialized professional experience. Education alone does not qualify you for this grade level.
Are there tax advantages to this position?
Employees working at the McNary Dam site are exempt from Oregon state income tax if they reside in the state of Washington.
What type of clearance is required for this role?
No security clearance is required, though you will be subject to suitability and fitness checks.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not currently authorized for this position.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an engineering powerhouse dedicated to solving the nation’s toughest challenges. From managing water resources and ecosystems to supporting the armed forces, USACE engineers play a vital role in national security and local economic health. Joining the Walla Walla District team means becoming part of a community that values resilience, innovation, and technical excellence.