Architect Opportunity at the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

Are you a licensed architect looking to apply your talents to projects of national importance? The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) is seeking a skilled professional to join our team in Washington, D.C. This role offers the unique chance to shape the built environment that supports the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Job Responsibilities

As an Architect at the GS-13 level, you will be the primary lead for complex in-house design projects. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Executing architectural design work products within strict milestone and quality benchmarks.
Designing extensive modifications for existing facilities to meet changing military demands.
Leading project design sessions and charrettes with stakeholders.
Investigating structural and aesthetic issues in existing buildings and recommending remediation.
Mentoring junior architectural staff to help build the next generation of Navy talent.

Comparison Table: Why Work for NAVFAC?

Feature	Industry Standard	NAVFAC Benefit
Mission	Commercial/Private Profit	National Security & Public Good
Work Variety	Often specialized	Highly diverse / Infrastructure scale
Growth	Project-dependent	Structured Professional Development
Stability	Market-dependent	High (Federal Civil Service)

Requirements

To be considered, you must demonstrate a mix of educational attainment and professional licensure. Specifically, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in architecture (or a related field with 60+ credit hours in architectural study) and maintain a current license as a Professional Architect (RA). Additionally, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy federal benefits including:

Comprehensive healthcare insurance.
Generous retirement contributions via FERS.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized federal training programs.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:

Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume is capped at 2 pages, focusing strictly on your most relevant project experience.
Documentation is Key: Attach your Professional Architect license and transcripts immediately upon application.
Assessments: Do not overlook the USA Hire assessment invitation; it is a critical step in the hiring process.

If you are an architect driven by purpose and looking to utilize your skills in a high-stakes, rewarding environment, this position at the Washington Navy Yard is an ideal step forward. Apply today to contribute to the mission of the Department of the Navy.

Why This Architect Job Matters

Transform our nation's naval infrastructure while advancing your architectural career at the prestigious Washington Navy Yard.

Architect Job Overview

Join the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) as an Architect, where you will lead the design and development of critical facilities that support our military missions. This GS-13 position is an exceptional opportunity for a licensed professional to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects ranging from aviation hangars to medical facilities in a high-impact, mission-critical environment.

Requirements for Architect

Must possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Architecture, or a related field with at least 60 semester hours in architectural coursework.
Must currently hold a registration as a Professional Architect (RA) in any U.S. state, D.C., Guam, or Puerto Rico.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must submit a 2-page (maximum) resume clearly detailing relevant experience and accomplishments.

Preferred Qualifications for Architect

Experience in leading the production of construction plans and specifications for large-scale, complex buildings.
Demonstrated expertise in reviewing construction submittals for regulatory and contract compliance.
Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple design disciplines on a single project.
Strong background in resolving architectural and design-related issues during active construction phases.
Experience mentoring junior staff and junior architectural engineering personnel.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Architect Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Architect Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs to ensure eligibility.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, highlighting key architectural achievements.
Gather supporting documentation, including RA license, transcripts, and relevant SF-50s.
Apply online via the USAStaffing platform before the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory data fields are included.
Proofread your resume carefully; illegible documents will result in automatic disqualification.
Ensure your Professional Architect (RA) license copy is included in your application package.
Be specific about your contributions to complex projects to demonstrate your 'specialized experience' level.
Set aside at least 2 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the online assessments once invited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will be responsible for managing and executing in-house architectural design products, ranging from facility modifications to new, complex building construction for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, travel may be required as you will participate in on-site project planning, Functional Analysis Concept Development (FACD), and charrettes.

Is this a remote position?

The position is not remote; however, it is telework eligible, allowing for a flexible hybrid schedule.

Job from Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

The Department of the Navy offers a mission-driven environment where civilian expertise directly impacts national security. Working for NAVFAC means joining a dedicated team of engineers, architects, and scientists who are committed to maintaining the infrastructure necessary for our naval operations. We prioritize professional growth, competitive pay, and the opportunity to work on projects that range from modern office buildings to specialized aviation and medical facilities.