Become a Civil Engineer (Structural) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you ready to take your structural engineering career to the next level? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is actively recruiting for a Civil Engineer (Structural) to join our esteemed Design Branch in Rock Island, Illinois. This position offers a unique blend of technical challenge and public service, allowing you to contribute to critical infrastructure projects that secure the nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a structural engineer with the USACE, your daily responsibilities at the full performance level (GS-12) will include:

Design & Development: Creating preliminary and final structural designs, including complex drawings, calculations, and specifications.
Technical Reporting: Authoring feasibility studies and design memoranda to guide project development.
Software Utilization: Applying advanced engineering software to perform rigorous structural analyses.
Field Investigations: Assessing structural integrity in the field during construction and providing expert recommendations.
Coordination: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including legal, environmental, and project management offices to ensure project compliance.

Comparison of Qualifications

Grade Level	Key Requirement
GS-07	1 year specialized experience or 1 year of graduate study
GS-09	1 year specialized experience or a Master’s degree
GS-11	1 year specialized experience or Ph.D. level study
GS-12	1 year of independent complex structural design experience

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens.
Education: A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent coursework in core engineering sciences (e.g., statics, strength of materials, thermodynamics).
Documentation: A two-page (maximum) resume that clearly demonstrates relevant professional experience and academic credentials.
Assessments: Applicants must achieve passing scores on the mandatory USA Hire assessments.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $56,039 to $118,221 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Beyond salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:

Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
Generous leave policies and paid federal holidays.

Application Tips for Success

Navigating federal hiring can be complex, but following these tips will improve your chances:

Strictly Adhere to Page Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in automatic disqualification.
Quantify Your Experience: Clearly state your role, the duration of your work, and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Submit Transcripts: As this role has an individual occupational requirement for education, forgetting your transcripts is a common pitfall. Include them in your initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, the payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Q: Can I apply if I am not an engineer yet? A: You must hold a degree in an engineering field or meet specific, rigorous academic requirements in physical and mathematical sciences to qualify for this job series.

Q: How long are the assessments? A: While you should set aside two hours, many applicants complete the USA Hire assessments in less time.

Building your career at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers means joining a team where your expertise directly benefits the public. Whether you are early in your engineering career or an experienced professional looking to tackle complex structural projects, we invite you to apply. Start your journey today and help us Build Strong.

Why This Civil Engineer (Structural) Job Matters

Shape the Nation's infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where your structural engineering expertise builds a safer, stronger future.

Civil Engineer (Structural) Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer (Structural) to join our team in Rock Island, Illinois. This developmental position offers a unique pathway for career growth, providing opportunities to work on critical civil works and military engineering projects. As a key member of our Design Branch, you will contribute to technical excellence, from feasibility studies to final structural design and construction oversight, ensuring our Nation's infrastructure remains resilient and efficient.

Requirements for Civil Engineer (Structural)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic preparation.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for the specific grade level (GS-07 through GS-12).
Submit a complete application package including a resume (maximum two pages) and official transcripts.
Complete all required online USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of notification.
Subject to a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer (Structural)

Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE).
Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
Advanced experience in developing complex structural engineering plans and specifications.
Strong proficiency in structural analysis software and data-processing tools.
Proven capability in conducting condition assessments of existing structures and recommending remedial actions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Generous federal retirement programs.
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for noncompetitive promotion (GS-07 to GS-11).
✓Professional development and career advancement resources.
✓Potential for recruitment incentives at the supervisor's discretion.

💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer (Structural) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer (Structural) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather official transcripts and any required supporting documentation.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to start the process.
Complete the application questionnaire and upload documents.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 6, 2026.
Monitor email for the link to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly quantifies your experience, including hours worked per week.
Use clear, plain language; avoid unnecessary acronyms.
Verify that your transcript includes the required engineering coursework.
Set aside at least two hours for the online assessments.
Double-check your resume page count—applications exceeding two pages will be excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this role?

You must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, typically from an ABET-accredited program, or satisfy equivalent scientific education requirements as detailed in the announcement.

Are there opportunities for promotion?

Yes, this is a developmental position. If selected at the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 level, you may be eligible for noncompetitive promotion up to the full performance level of GS-12.

What happens if I miss the assessment deadline?

Failure to complete the required USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of the notification will result in the disqualification of your application.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier engineering and construction management agency. We pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions that reduce disaster risk, support economic growth, and strengthen national security. When you join the USACE team, you are not just taking a job; you are becoming part of a community dedicated to building a safer, more resilient future.