Become a General Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Are you a visionary engineer looking to apply your technical mastery to a mission-critical environment? The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is currently hiring a General Engineer (GS-13) to join its headquarters team. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the infrastructure and facility management of one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Engineer, you will serve as the MAJCOM-equivalent lead for engineering programs. Key duties include:

Managerial Oversight: Supervising HQ program development and ensuring compliance with federal and agency engineering standards.
Strategic Planning: Implementing long- and short-range plans for facility maintenance, repair, and construction.
Program Management: Managing MILCON (Military Construction) and third-party funded design projects.
Coordination: Representing the Academy in discussions with headquarters, installation stakeholders, and diverse functional organizations.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must demonstrate the following:

Educational Foundation: A bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) or a combination of education and experience that includes fundamental engineering sciences.
Professional Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent).
Regulatory Compliance: Ability to adhere to all federal hiring regulations and security clearance protocols.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Qualifications

Feature	Standard Requirement	Specialized Requirement
Education	Bachelor's Degree in Engineering	Equivalent training in engineering sciences
Experience	Professional experience	Experience at GS-12 or higher
Skills	Technical competency	Managerial/Budgetary leadership

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, offering a salary range of $109,246 to $142,022 per year. Compensation is structured within the federal General Schedule pay scale, adjusted for the location.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Exceptional health insurance and life insurance options.
A structured retirement plan with government contributions.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional certifications and career-long learning.

Application Tips

Resume Formatting: Do not exceed two pages. Use a font size of at least 10 pts.
Detail Everything: Explicitly list your hours worked per week and specific date ranges (MM/YYYY) for each job entry.
Evidence: If using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts are ready to be verified.

Serving as a General Engineer at the Air Force Academy is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of defending the nation. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging career, submit your application before the closing date.

Why This General Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of Air Force infrastructure as a General Engineer at the legendary U.S. Air Force Academy.

General Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Air Force Academy is seeking a highly skilled General Engineer to provide critical oversight and strategic management of engineering initiatives. In this role, you will act as a key liaison for civil engineering facility maintenance, construction, and repair, ensuring that the Academy's infrastructure meets the rigorous standards required for military and academic excellence.

Requirements for General Engineer

U.S. Citizenship required.
Must meet OPM qualification standards for General Engineering (0801).
Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must meet Federal Time-in-Grade requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
Expertise in Air Force Civil Engineering structures and policies.
Experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) Biennial Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (BPPBS).
Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative analysis to improve engineering systems.
Strong communication skills for interacting with high-level agency stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous retirement programs, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Access to workplace flexibilities such as telework options.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply General Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Engineer Job

Review your eligibility through the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including specific hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if currently or formerly employed by the federal government.
Ensure all documents are uploaded and clear the virus scan prior to the closing date.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced.
Clearly label your performance awards and relevant engineering experience.
Double-check that your resume explicitly states your weekly hours and full date ranges (month/year).
Verify that your transcripts demonstrate completion of the required engineering science courses.
Submit early to avoid last-minute technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will manage HQ USAFA engineering programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee strategic facility design and construction projects.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on mission requirements.

What security clearance is required?

The position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the closing date for this application?

The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/10/2026.

Do I need a professional license?

While not strictly mandatory if you meet education/experience requirements, holding a PE license or EIT certification is highly preferred and strengthens your application.

Job from U.S. Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force mission is to fly, fight, and win through airpower. The Academy embodies this spirit, relying on high-performance infrastructure to support the next generation of Airmen. Employees here benefit from a culture of excellence, integrity, and service, operating in an environment that prioritizes technological innovation and operational integration.