Launch Your Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you ready to take your engineering career to the next level? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Project Engineer to join the St. Louis District. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to critical national infrastructure, including the high-profile Lock 25 Mega Project.

Job Responsibilities

As a Project Engineer, you will serve as the Contracting Officer’s representative on construction sites. Key duties include:

Overseeing construction quality assurance for major civil works.
Managing contract administration for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications to ensure compliance.
Reviewing contractor submittals, schedules, and design variations.
Providing onsite guidance for inspections, payments, and site safety.

Comparison of Grade Requirements

Grade Level	Education Requirement	Experience Focus
GS-07	Graduate Level Education	Assisting in design/monitoring projects
GS-09	Master's Degree / 2yrs Grad	Field inspections / Compliance reports
GS-11	Ph.D. / 3yrs Grad	Contract mods / Cost estimation
GS-12	No Education Substitution	Technical oversight / Contract management

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the specific criteria for the engineering or architecture series. You must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or possess the relevant education. Your resume must be two pages or less to be considered.

Benefits

We provide a robust benefits package, including:

Competitive federal salary.
Excellent health and retirement options.
Paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
Opportunities for professional training and leadership development.

If you have a background in engineering and a desire to serve the public, this role with the St. Louis District offers a pathway to a fulfilling federal career. Apply before October 15, 2026, to ensure your application is reviewed.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Launch a high-impact engineering career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the historic Lock 25 Mega Project.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St. Louis District, is seeking a dedicated Project Engineer to serve as the Contracting Officer’s representative. This role is central to the Construction Branch, where you will provide vital technical oversight, ensure quality assurance, and manage complex civil works projects, including the Lock 25 Mega Project. This position offers a unique career trajectory with non-competitive promotion potential to the GS-12 (or NH-03 equivalent) level, allowing you to build your future while supporting national infrastructure.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to provide proof of eligibility based on specific hiring authorities (e.g., Veterans, military spouses, current federal employees).
Must meet the basic educational requirement for the specific engineering or architecture series (0808, 0810, 0819, 0830, 0850, or 1350).
Must meet one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level, or satisfy the education/combination criteria.
Resume must be two pages or less.
Must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Ability to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) annually.
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Experience in civil works, marine, or navigation infrastructure construction.
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering plans, specifications, and drawings.
Strong technical writing skills for contract modifications and progress reports.
Proven track record in quality assurance and compliance monitoring for large-scale federal projects.
Proficiency in reviewing contractor submittals, RFIs, and design variations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and locality pay.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package (health, vision, dental, and life insurance).
✓Participation in the federal retirement system (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
✓Relocation incentives or PCS allowances may be available for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Read the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you qualify under your chosen hiring authority.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting your specialized experience with dates and hours worked.
Click the Apply Online button in USAJOBS to start the questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
Submit your application before the closing date of October 15, 2026.
Monitor your email for a potential invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit; extra pages may result in automatic disqualification.
Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms; the hiring board will not make assumptions about your duties.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade if you are applying for a promotion.
Double-check your transcripts—if you are qualifying via education, missing transcripts will render you ineligible.
Review your application status regularly via the 'Track this application' feature in your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lock 25 Mega Project?

It is a major civil works initiative involving the construction of lock infrastructure, concrete work, marine foundations, and site development within the St. Louis District.

Does this position offer promotion potential?

Yes, this position includes non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-12 or NH-03 level, subject to time-in-grade requirements and your demonstrated performance.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

For grades GS-07 through GS-11, education may be substituted according to the criteria in the announcement. However, for the GS-12 level, experience alone is required.

What is the salary range for this position?

*A: The salary range is $51,740 to $119,315 per year, depending on the grade level and qualifications.*

Is relocation authorized?

*A: Yes, relocation incentives or PCS allowances may be authorized at management discretion.*

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. We work to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges, strengthening national security, supporting economic growth, and managing disaster risks. By joining our team, you become part of a culture that values engineering excellence and public service.