Advance Your Career: Lead Civil Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you a visionary engineer looking to transition into a role that combines technical mastery with public service? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is looking for a dedicated Lead Civil Engineer to join their team in Seattle, Washington. This position is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of military and civil works projects while earning a competitive federal salary.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Civil Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of civil design projects. Your core duties will include:

Leading technical design teams through the planning and budgetary phases.
Reviewing civil design features, including plans, specifications, and design analyses for military and interagency projects.
Utilizing cutting-edge CADD software to create and audit construction documents.
Collaborating with external stakeholders, including Architect-Engineering firms and non-federal project sponsors.
Conducting field inspections to provide expert guidance on construction challenges.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet specific federal eligibility standards:

Licensure: You must possess a current, valid Professional Engineering (PE) license in the United States, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in an ABET-accredited engineering program.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 federal level (or equivalent) involving design leadership and site-specific civil engineering.

Eligibility Comparison

Requirement	Criteria
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	ABET-accredited Engineering Degree
Licensure	Current PE License required
Experience	1 Year of specialized GS-12 equivalent work

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $133,359 to $160,638 per year, commensurate with your experience and the locality pay scale for the Seattle area. As a federal employee, you also gain access to robust retirement planning, health benefits, and potential incentives such as student loan repayment.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy comprehensive medical coverage, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent), generous paid leave, and stability that is hard to find in the private sector. Furthermore, the USACE is committed to continuous professional development, ensuring you stay at the forefront of engineering science.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Your resume is the single most important document. Ensure your experience descriptions match the required tasks (e.g., leadership in design, technical reviews).
Formatting Matters: The system will automatically reject any resume exceeding two pages. Be concise and impactful.
Verify Documentation: Ensure your PE license and transcripts are clearly labeled and uploaded correctly.

This is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence major engineering feats. If you have the technical expertise and the leadership skills to guide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers into the next generation of civil design, we encourage you to apply today. Your expertise builds our future.

Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters

Ready to lead the future of critical infrastructure? Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle and spearhead complex civil engineering projects that build our nation’s strength.

Civil Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a highly skilled Civil Engineer to join the Civil Design Section in Seattle, WA. In this pivotal role, you will act as a lead technical expert, managing the design aspects of high-priority Military, Civil Works, and Interagency projects. You will be instrumental in translating complex requirements into actionable technical plans, ensuring structural integrity, and driving project success from inception to construction.

Requirements for Civil Engineer

U.S. Citizenship
Current Professional Engineering (PE) License from any U.S. state, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico
Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent coursework
At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent
Must be able to pass a background/suitability investigation
Must complete a 1-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer

Experience in technical leadership on civil design projects during execution
Proficiency in advanced Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) technology
Expertise in reviewing constructability, biddability, and design analysis for complex site projects
Proven success in facilitating project team consensus and decision-making

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance programs
✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays and vacation time
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Student Loan Repayment programs
✓Opportunities for professional career development

💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume specifically tailored to show the required one year of specialized experience (limit: two pages).
Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
Upload all required supporting documents, including your PE license and college transcripts.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure your PE license is clearly visible and uploaded as a standalone document.
Use plain, professional language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
Verify that your resume explicitly states the number of hours worked per week for each role.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this position is located in Seattle, Washington and is not designated as a remote role.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?

For this specific GS-13 position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone; education substitution is not permitted at this level.

What is the importance of the PE license?

A current Professional Engineering license is a selective placement factor. Failure to provide proof of this license will result in your application being rated ineligible.

What is a 'Selective Placement Factor'?

This is a mandatory requirement—in this case, your PE license—that you must meet to even be considered for the role.

How do I know if I qualify?

Review the specialized experience section carefully; you must demonstrate you have led design efforts, facilitated team decisions, and performed constructability reviews.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. They provide critical design, construction, and management services that support national security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. By joining the USACE, you become part of a legacy of engineering excellence that prioritizes innovation and community impact.