Advance Your Engineering Career with the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is currently looking for a skilled and motivated Electrical Engineer to join their Civil Engineering Unit in Providence, Rhode Island. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to projects that directly impact national security and maritime operations. If you are an experienced professional ready to take on the responsibilities of a GS-12 project manager, this role offers a challenging and rewarding career path within the Department of Homeland Security.

Job Responsibilities

As an Electrical Engineer, your day-to-day work will be dynamic and multi-faceted. Key duties include:

Project Management: Acting as a lead on electrical components for diverse engineering projects.
Design & Analysis: Creating technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for facility electrical systems.
Site Investigations: Traveling to project sites to assess current electrical infrastructure and define project parameters.
Technical Oversight: Reviewing contractor performance and ensuring design work complies with safety and project requirements.
Collaboration: Coordinating requirements with multidisciplinary teams, private sector contractors, and external customers.

Comparison: Engineering Roles

Feature	Junior Level (GS-9)	Senior Level (GS-12)
Project Scope	Assisted	Independent Lead
Decision Making	Supervised	Autonomy
Experience Req	Basic Knowledge	Specialized Expertise

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet strict eligibility standards:

Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent coursework in core engineering sciences.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Clearance: Ability to pass a background check for Public Trust status.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 level, with a competitive salary range of $101,375 to $131,790 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay standards.

Benefits

Employees of the DHS enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional training.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Documentation is Key: Ensure all transcripts and certification documents (e.g., PE or EIT) are uploaded in clear, legible formats.
Quantify Your Impact: In your resume, clearly define your specialized experience, detailing the specific electrical projects you managed and your role in their successful completion.
Assessment Readiness: If invited to take the USA Hire Assessment, be prepared to complete it within 48 hours of notification.

Serving as an Electrical Engineer with the U.S. Coast Guard is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and resilience of our nation's infrastructure. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply before the closing date of October 1, 2026.

Why This Electrical Engineer Job Matters

Advance your career in engineering while safeguarding national maritime interests with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Electrical Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated Electrical Engineer (GS-12) to join the Civil Engineering Unit in Providence, Rhode Island. This role serves as a vital project manager within a multi-disciplinary team, focusing on the design, analysis, and oversight of complex electrical systems for facilities and infrastructure projects.

Requirements for Electrical Engineer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Must undergo and pass a background investigation for a Public Trust clearance.
Must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or meet the specific course curriculum requirements as outlined by the agency.
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Must submit all required transcripts by the application closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Electrical Engineer

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Experience in complex project management within architectural and engineering environments.
Proven proficiency in facility electrical system design and site investigation.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with contractors and multidisciplinary teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement).
✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave.
✓Flexible work schedules.
✓Tuition reimbursement programs.
✓Transportation subsidies and fitness center access.
✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

💡 How to Apply Electrical Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Electrical Engineer Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
Complete the online application and respond to the questionnaire.
If prompted, complete the USA Hire assessments within 48 hours.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates in mm/yy format and hours worked per week.
Do not include personal information like SSN or photos on your resume.
Review your transcript documents to ensure they are legible and include all relevant coursework.
Set aside roughly two hours to complete the USA Hire assessment if invited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Electrical Engineer at the Civil Engineering Unit?

You will serve as a project manager, conducting site investigations, designing electrical systems, developing project scopes, and providing technical oversight during construction.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, at the GS-12 level, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience. You must demonstrate one full year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.

Is this position eligible for relocation assistance?

Yes, moving expenses may be paid in accordance with appropriate federal regulations.

Is this position open to the public?

This position is open to various hiring paths, including competitive service and those with special authorities.

What if I have a disability?

The U.S. Coast Guard welcomes applicants with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the application and testing process.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works to protect the nation's interests by securing borders, enforcing immigration laws, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. As a civilian Electrical Engineer with the U.S. Coast Guard, you will become a key contributor to this mission, supporting the CEU-Providence team in managing facility construction and renovation projects that keep the Coast Guard operational.