Engineering the Future: Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a dedicated and technically proficient Mechanical Engineer to join its Marine Design Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to apply your engineering skills to large-scale, mission-critical projects that support the United States' maritime infrastructure. If you are an experienced professional or a high-achieving graduate, this role offers a clear path for growth within the federal service.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of technical tasks including:

Preparing detailed engineering drawings and specifications for procurements.
Generating accurate cost estimations for funding and bid evaluations.
Reviewing designs produced by private architect-engineer firms to ensure feasibility.
Consulting with contractors to troubleshoot complex machinery issues during construction.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
Experience: Must meet specialized experience requirements for the grade level (GS-07/09/11/12).
Documentation: A resume of two pages or less is strictly required.

Grade Level Requirements Table

Grade Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
GS-07	Bachelor's Degree	Entry-level or 1 year of equivalent experience
GS-09	Master's Degree	1 year of specialized experience
GS-11	PhD or equivalent	1 year of advanced specialized experience
GS-12	Not applicable	1 year of advanced independent experience

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is determined by the selected candidate's grade level and experience, ranging from $55,602 to $128,221 per year. This includes standard locality pay adjustments for the Philadelphia, PA area.

Benefits

Employees of the federal government enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
A generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Annual leave and sick time accumulation.
Flexible schedules and telework opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Your resume is the most important part of your application. Ensure it is under two pages and uses clear, non-technical language to describe your accomplishments.
Verify Hours: Always include the number of hours worked per week on your resume; otherwise, your application may be marked incomplete.
Use the Dashboard: Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account to ensure all documents are received.

This Mechanical Engineer position at the Marine Design Center is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the long-term success of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By applying your technical expertise to the design and maintenance of critical floating assets, you will play a key role in national infrastructure. Start your application today to join a world-class team of professionals.

Why This Mechanical Engineer Job Matters

Launch a high-impact engineering career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in designing the infrastructure that keeps our nation moving.

Mechanical Engineer Job Overview

The Marine Design Center (MDC) is currently seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to join the Machinery Branch in Philadelphia, PA. This role is crucial to the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, focusing on the design, cost estimation, and technical oversight of specialized floating plant equipment. This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $55,602 to $128,221 per year, depending on grade level and experience, and represents a unique opportunity to contribute to significant federal engineering projects.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineer

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic coursework.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages or less.
Ability to meet specialized experience requirements for the specific grade level (GS-07 through GS-12).
Must complete a one-year probationary period upon hiring.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Advanced experience in maritime/floating plant design.
Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical cost estimation for government procurement.
Experience in construction drawing review and contractor consultation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Federal holidays
✓Flexible telework options (subject to eligibility)
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth

💡 How to Apply Mechanical Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer Job

Ensure your federal resume is exactly two pages or less and formatted clearly.
Gather all required academic transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Log into your USAJOBS account to complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload your resume and any required supporting documentation (e.g., performance appraisals, licenses).
Review your application package for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of October 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use plain language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
Explicitly state hours worked per week for all previous positions.
Double-check your grade-level qualifications; the hiring agency will not assume experience not clearly documented.
Submit early to allow for the automated virus scan of your uploaded documents.
Ensure your transcripts clearly show your GPA or class standing if you are qualifying via Superior Academic Achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marine Design Center?

The Marine Design Center is a specialized division within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responsible for the design and construction oversight of the Corps' floating plant fleet.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, for certain grade levels (GS-07 through GS-11), graduate education can be substituted for experience. However, no substitution is permitted for the GS-12 level.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk and does not require a security clearance.

What is the closing date?

All applications must be submitted by October 28, 2026.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The Marine Design Center (MDC) is the premier engineering organization within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responsible for the design, procurement, and construction of specialized floating plants. As a member of this team, you will join a civilian workforce that provides essential technical expertise, bridge-building between military requirements and civilian engineering innovation.