Engineering Excellence in Alaska: Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a licensed Professional Engineer looking to make a lasting impact on national infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska District is currently hiring a Mechanical Engineer to join its Design Branch. This role offers the chance to operate at the intersection of technical design and administrative leadership, ensuring that projects of national significance are executed to the highest standards.
Job Responsibilities
As a Mechanical Engineer in the Design Branch, your responsibilities will be multifaceted:
- Supervision: Provide administrative and technical oversight to a team of mechanical engineers.
- Design Authority: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for all mechanical engineering designs within the Alaska District.
- Quality Control: Manage quality assurance for in-house designs and review work performed by Architect-Engineer (A-E) contractors.
- Integration: Coordinate mechanical efforts with other engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive project delivery.
Requirements
This position requires a high level of professional qualification:
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering program accredited by the ABET.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active, and unrestricted Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in facility mechanical engineering (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, etc.).
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Qualification Type | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Education | ABET Accredited Engineering Degree |
| Licensure | Mandatory Professional Engineer (PE) |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-12 equivalent |
| Citizenship | US Citizen Only |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level. The salary range for this role is $120,348 to $156,455 per year, inclusive of locality pay adjustments for the Alaska region.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Exceptional health insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Substantial paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- Opportunities for specialized federal training and leadership development.
Application Tips
To succeed, ensure your resume is concise—no more than two pages. Use clear, descriptive language to outline your achievements and verify that you have provided documentation for your PE license and transcripts. Errors in your submission can lead to disqualification, so review your package thoroughly before hitting submit.
If you are ready to apply your mechanical engineering skills to meaningful, large-scale projects, the Alaska District of the USACE is the place to be. Apply by the October 30, 2026, deadline to be considered for this career-defining role.
Why This Mechanical Engineer Job Matters
Lead the future of mechanical design for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the heart of Alaska—where your technical expertise meets a mission that matters.
Mechanical Engineer Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Alaska District, is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to provide high-level leadership and technical expertise. This role is pivotal for the Engineering Division's Design Branch, where you will serve as a Subject Matter Expert and supervisor. You will be responsible for overseeing complex mechanical engineering projects, ensuring quality assurance for in-house and contracted designs, and steering the technical direction for critical infrastructure projects across the region.
Requirements for Mechanical Engineer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold an active, valid, and unrestricted Professional Engineer (PE) license in a U.S. state, D.C., or territory.
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Experience in mechanical design and analysis for facilities including HVAC, plumbing, fuel systems, or fire protection.
- Ability to provide technical review of designs to ensure compliance with project requirements.
- Experience coordinating mechanical activities across various engineering disciplines.
- Must submit all required documentation, including transcripts and PE license, by the application deadline.
Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer
- Proven leadership in a supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated expertise in quality control and assurance programs for federal engineering projects.
- Experience managing both in-house engineering staff and Architect-Engineer (A-E) contract reviews.
- Background in interdisciplinary project coordination within a large-scale design environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options.
- âś“Federal retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- âś“Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and training within a national agency.
- âś“Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Mechanical Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Upload a copy of your valid Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Upload transcripts if using education to satisfy basic requirements.
- Review your application package for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Clearly document your work history by including employer names, specific dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
- Use plain language and avoid overly technical acronyms that might obscure your accomplishments.
- Verify that your PE license documentation is clear and readable before uploading.
- Submit early to allow time for the automated virus scan process to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Your application will be disqualified. Please ensure your resume is concise and adheres strictly to the two-page limit.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk, though it is subject to background suitability screening.
What is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) position?
*A: DHA allows the agency to appoint qualified candidates directly, bypassing traditional competitive rating and ranking procedures in some instances to expedite the hiring process.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, the payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this role.*
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering agencies. Tasked with solving the Nation’s toughest engineering challenges, USACE delivers innovative solutions that support economic growth and enhance national security. Working with the Alaska District means joining a team that values vision, creativity, and the technical expertise necessary to thrive in unique northern environments.