Advance Your Engineering Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a licensed professional engineer looking to make a significant impact on national infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering Division. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on high-profile projects, from military facilities to essential infrastructure, while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a senior Mechanical Engineer, your daily work will be instrumental in the success of our projects. Your key duties include:
- Leading technical reviews of mechanical designs developed by private Architectural-Engineering (A-E) firms.
- Designing and preparing complex mechanical drawings and specifications.
- Resolving mechanical design challenges that occur during the construction phase.
- Evaluating shop drawings and material certifications for compliance with performance requirements.
- Conducting site surveys to gather data for new project scopes.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: You must possess a current Professional Engineer (PE) License.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, focusing on the design and construction of MEP systems.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Category | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Mandatory PE License |
| Education | ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree |
| Experience | 1+ Year GS-11 Equivalent MEP experience |
| Residency | U.S. Citizenship Required |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $104,349 to $142,737 per year. In addition to a competitive base salary, federal employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement benefits including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid leave, including federal holidays and vacation time.
- Professional development opportunities under the CASIE program.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application can be competitive. To maximize your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your specialized experience in MEP systems.
- Respect the Limit: Keep your resume under two pages; longer resumes are automatically disqualified.
- Include Documentation: Failure to upload your PE license or transcripts will lead to an 'incomplete' status.
If you are ready to combine your technical expertise with a career that serves the public good, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the right place for you. Build your future and contribute to projects that matter. Apply today to begin your journey with USACE.
Why This Mechanical Engineer Job Matters
Architect a safer, stronger nation: Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Mechanical Engineer and lead critical infrastructure projects that define our national landscape.
Mechanical Engineer Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to provide high-level design oversight and technical expertise. In this role, you will play a vital part in the lifecycle of military and VA facility projects—from initial scoping and design review to construction completion. Whether you are conducting technical calculations or evaluating complex mechanical systems, your work will directly contribute to the strength and resilience of our national infrastructure.
Requirements for Mechanical Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic preparation
- Current Professional Engineer (PE) License (Selective Placement Factor)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level involving design, construction, and review of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems
- Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education
- Submission of professional licensure documentation
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Mechanical Engineer
- Hands-on experience with Revit software for building information modeling
- Prior experience in commissioning mechanical systems and fire protection system components for federal or military facilities
- Demonstrated ability to perform independent technical reviews of A/E design submittals
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with locality pay
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the CASIE Career Management Directorate
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans
- ✓Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
- ✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Mechanical Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Mechanical Engineer Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload required documents, including your PE license, official transcripts, and optional cover letter.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this length will be automatically excluded.
- Use plain language and avoid internal jargon or acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the number of hours worked per week for each listed experience.
- Double-check that all professional licenses and certifications are attached to avoid an incomplete application status.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my engineering degree is from a foreign university?
Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education programs to prove it is equivalent to an accredited U.S. degree.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role is telework eligible, though specific arrangements should be discussed with the hiring supervisor upon selection.
What is the importance of the two-page resume limit?
The agency strictly enforces this limit to ensure concise and relevant information. Resumes exceeding two pages are removed from consideration automatically.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier public engineering agency. We are dedicated to delivering innovative, resilient, and cost-effective solutions for the most complex engineering challenges in the country. Working with USACE means contributing to national security and community safety. Our team values creativity, technical rigor, and a commitment to public service.