Launch Your Career: Industrial Engineer at the Watervliet Arsenal
If you have a passion for engineering excellence and a drive to improve complex manufacturing systems, the Watervliet Arsenal has a unique opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting a dedicated Industrial Engineer to support the vital mission of the Department of the Army. This role is perfect for professionals looking to apply their technical skills in a historic, mission-critical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Industrial Engineer, you will work within the Industrial Operations & Production Directorate to:
- Assess production requirements using technical measurements and models.
- Develop and implement process improvements to reduce waste and costs.
- Perform time studies to create accurate labor hour estimates.
- Collaborate with staff to pursue Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
- Draft corrective action plans to improve manufacturing lead times and safety.
Comparison: Industrial Engineering Roles
| Feature | Industrial Engineer (This Role) | Typical Private Sector Role |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Historical Government Arsenal | Commercial Factory/Plant |
| Focus | Defense Production Quality | Profit Margin/Volume |
| Stability | High (Federal Civil Service) | Market-Dependent |
| Retirement | FERS / TSP | 401(k) / Private Pension |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:
- Employment Status: Must be a current permanent Department of Army employee.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates professional engineering knowledge.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, focusing on facility upgrades, time studies, and process recommendations.
- Documentation: Submission of a concise, two-page maximum resume and necessary eligibility proof.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $68,549 to $84,371 per year, commensurate with your experience and the GS-09/11 pay scale. This includes applicable locality pay.
Benefits
Working for the Department of the Army provides an array of federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (a 401(k)-style retirement plan), and generous leave accrual programs.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not jeopardize your application by failing to follow formatting instructions.
- Quantify Results: When describing your experience, focus on how your process changes reduced costs or improved safety.
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure all supporting documents—especially SF-50s and transcripts—are uploaded correctly before the September 11, 2026, deadline.
This role offers a unique blend of heritage and technical innovation. By contributing your expertise in industrial engineering, you ensure that the U.S. Army continues to receive the high-quality components necessary for its mission. Apply today to join the elite team at Watervliet Arsenal.
Why This Industrial Engineer Job Matters
Join the historic mission of the Watervliet Arsenal and drive operational excellence as an Industrial Engineer.
Industrial Engineer Job Overview
The Watervliet Arsenal, a cornerstone of the U.S. Army's manufacturing capabilities since 1813, is seeking a skilled Industrial Engineer to optimize production, streamline manufacturing processes, and implement cutting-edge Lean initiatives. Based in New York, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and quality of vital defense infrastructure.
Requirements for Industrial Engineer
- Must be a current permanent Department of Army civilian employee.
- Possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent coursework.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
- Completion of online questionnaire and submission of all required supporting documentation.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; excess length will lead to disqualification.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently holding a GS position.
Preferred Qualifications for Industrial Engineer
- Advanced degree or graduate-level coursework in Engineering.
- Professional engineering licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability in time studies and statistical process analysis.
- Proven track record in facility, equipment, or manufacturing process upgrades.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary
- âś“Health and Life Insurance options
- âś“Retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- âś“Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- âś“Opportunities for professional development in the Science, Engineering, and Analysis career field
đź’ˇ How to Apply Industrial Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Industrial Engineer Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria for internal merit promotion.
- Prepare a resume that specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements (max 2 pages).
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload transcripts, SF-50 forms, and other required eligibility documents.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 11, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid automatic removal.
- Use plain language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade requirement.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached if you are using education to qualify.
- Monitor your email for status updates, as the agency will notify you of your application standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an Industrial Engineer at the Watervliet Arsenal?
You will be responsible for analyzing manufacturing requirements, conducting time studies, reducing waste, and improving the overall efficiency and safety of production systems.
Can I apply if I am not a current Army employee?
This specific announcement is limited to current permanent Department of Army civilian employees; please check USAJOBS for other open vacancies.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the job announcement, resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
Job from Army Tank-Automotive And Armament Command (Tacom)
The Watervliet Arsenal is a premier manufacturing center of excellence. Since 1813, it has served as the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States. Today, it remains at the forefront of defense manufacturing, blending historical expertise with modern engineering innovation to support the Total Army mission.