Launch Your Career: Civil Engineer at Red River Army Depot
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your civil engineering skills to support a mission of national importance? The Department of the Army is currently hiring for a Civil Engineer position at the Red River Army Depot (RRAD). This role provides a unique path for engineers to contribute to the maintenance and modernization of critical military infrastructure and tactical vehicle fleets. If you are ready for a challenging and stable career in the public sector, this could be the perfect fit.
Job Responsibilities
As a Civil Engineer, you will be the backbone of infrastructure projects. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Project Management: Acting as a lead on potential construction contracts.
- Cost Estimation: Developing detailed budgets for renovations and new construction projects.
- Site Inspection: Ensuring all contractors meet strict safety and design standards.
- Design Oversight: Reviewing complex technical submittals and shop drawings from architect-engineer firms.
- Maintenance Planning: Developing schedules to ensure facility repairs are handled efficiently.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline standards:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal positions.
- Academic Credentials: A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard. If your degree is from a non-accredited program, you must demonstrate completion of rigorous core engineering coursework.
- Specialized Experience: Candidates must demonstrate a progression of engineering experience consistent with their target grade level (GS-07 through GS-12).
Grade Qualification Comparison
| Grade Level | Key Requirement Focus | Typical Experience Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 | Entry/Assistant Level | Assisting with designs and basic cost estimates |
| GS-09 | Intermediate Level | Preparing technical reviews and specs independently |
| GS-11 | Senior/Lead Level | Reviewing specifications for complex projects |
| GS-12 | Expert/Manager Level | Managing scopes of work and site compliance |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive federal pay scale, with a salary range between $50,460 and $116,362 per year. The exact salary is determined by the candidate's level of education and professional experience, alongside applicable locality pay for the Texarkana area.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement: Participation in FERS, including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency contributions.
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Career Mobility: Opportunities for training and advancement across the Department of Defense.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is non-negotiable; applications exceeding this will be rejected.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid cryptic abbreviations. If a hiring manager has to guess what your acronym means, your application may be penalized.
- Quantify Your Success: Use specific numbers, dates, and hours to describe your experience.
- Proofread: Ensure your contact information and transcripts are clearly attached.
This role at the Red River Army Depot is an excellent opportunity for any engineer looking to bridge the gap between private-sector expertise and public service. With a competitive salary, robust benefits, and the chance to support our nation's military readiness, it is a career move that offers both personal satisfaction and professional stability. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of the Army.
Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at Red River Army Depot and turn your civil engineering expertise into a mission-critical contribution for the U.S. Army.
Civil Engineer Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking a skilled Civil Engineer to support the vital operations of the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Texarkana, Texas. This position involves technical oversight, design coordination, and project management for a facility responsible for the maintenance, overhaul, and conversion of essential tactical wheeled vehicles. As a civilian employee, you will be part of a Total Army force, providing specialized technical expertise necessary to keep our military operations running at peak efficiency. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape infrastructure, manage complex construction contracts, and ensure high-level compliance for diverse projects.
Requirements for Civil Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be able to provide official transcripts as part of the application.
- For GS-07: One year of specialized experience in technical reviews, design specifications, or cost estimates, or qualifying graduate education/Superior Academic Achievement.
- For GS-09: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent, or Master's degree/two years of graduate education.
- For GS-11: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent, or Ph.D./three years of graduate education.
- For GS-12: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level, including managing scopes of work, designing construction sites, and overseeing contractor quality control.
- Must be willing to undergo a background check.
- Must be able to submit a financial disclosure report.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
- Proven track record in construction project management.
- Experience in government contract administration.
- Proficiency in technical cost estimation software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- βCompetitive retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- βThrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- βGenerous paid vacation and sick leave policies.
- βFlexible work arrangements, including potential telework options.
- βOpportunities for professional development and career advancement.
π‘ How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant specialized experience.
- Upload all required documentation, including official college transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire as prompted during the application process.
- Submit your complete application package via the USA Staffing portal by the deadline of November 3, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
π‘ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and focused on the last two pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
- Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive industry jargon or acronyms.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly shows hours worked per week and specific dates for all experience listed.
- Ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly labeled before uploading.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for system processing and virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of the Red River Army Depot?
The depot is a critical maintenance facility that focuses on the repair, rebuild, overhaul, and conversion of tactical wheeled vehicles for the military.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is currently designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk and does not require a formal security clearance.
Can I apply if I have a foreign degree?
Yes, provided you have an evaluation from a specialized organization confirming your degree is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
Job from Army Tank-Automotive And Armament Command (Tacom)
The Red River Army Depot is a cornerstone of American military readiness. Located in northeast Texas, it serves as a massive hub for the overhaul and conversion of tactical wheeled vehicles. As part of the Directorate of Public Works, you will work alongside a diverse team of civilians and military personnel, helping to maintain the facilities that keep the Army mobile and mission-ready. The agency values the unique perspective that civilian experts bring to the table, and this role is an integral part of the 'Total Army' force.
External Resources
- β Red River Army Depot Website
- β USAJobs Application Portal
- β Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β Association of College Honor Societies
- β Foreign Education Recognition
- β USAJobs Dashboard
- β USAJobs Help Center
- β Working in Government Benefits Info
- β Army HR Contact Portal
- β Civilian Moving Expenses Info
