Launch Your Engineering Leadership Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you an experienced engineering professional with a passion for large-scale construction management? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is looking for a driven leader to join the Detroit Engineering & Construction Division. Based in the scenic Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, this role offers a unique opportunity to oversee critical infrastructure projects while working with one of the most respected engineering organizations in the world.

Job Responsibilities

As an Interdisciplinary Engineer serving as a Branch Chief, you will be the cornerstone of our field office operations. Your responsibilities include:

Project Oversight: Planning and directing complex construction phases to ensure projects are completed economically, safely, and on time.
Contract Management: Acting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO), managing negotiations and contractor performance.
Technical Leadership: Mentoring staff, overseeing progress schedules, and reviewing contractor shop drawings against strict project specifications.
Safety Promotion: Enforcing safety protocols across electrical, mechanical, and HVAC operations, as well as hazardous material abatement.
Administrative Management: Evaluating performance, setting work priorities, and managing personnel selection within the branch.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet specific federal eligibility standards. Key requirements include:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in federal service or equivalent.
Technical Knowledge: Expertise in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
Documentation: A maximum of two pages for your resume. Failure to comply with this will result in immediate disqualification.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: If using education to qualify, official transcripts are mandatory.

Requirements Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Relevant Degree or Experience
Resume Length	Maximum 2 Pages
Security	Non-sensitive/Low Risk
Appointment Type	Temporary (NTE 2 Years)

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $118,204 to $145,483 per year. This figure includes locality pay for the Michigan area, reflecting the competitive nature of engineering roles within the federal government.

Benefits

Beyond a competitive salary, the USACE offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal life. Key benefits include:

Federal Health & Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Relocation Incentives: Potential for PCS move allowances if deemed in the government's interest.
Professional Growth: Structured career development paths and the chance to work on high-visibility infrastructure projects.
Work-Life Balance: Eligibility for telework options to maintain productivity and flexibility.

Application Tips

Applying to a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

Format Your Resume: Use plain, clear language. Avoid acronyms and ensure every job entry includes the number of hours worked per week.
Highlight Specialized Experience: Focus your narrative on your experience as a COR, project supervisor, or senior engineer on complex construction contracts.
Use Official Links: Always apply through the official USAJOBS platform and verify that your profile is fully updated.
Proof of Eligibility: If you are claiming veteran status, military spouse preference, or ICTAP, ensure all corresponding documentation is included in your package.

If you are an engineer seeking a leadership role that makes a real-world impact, this opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Sault Ste. Marie is an exceptional choice. With a focus on technical excellence and national security, you will play a vital role in our nation's infrastructure. Ensure your application is accurate, formatted correctly, and submitted before the November 13, 2026, deadline to be considered.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an Interdisciplinary Engineer and lead critical infrastructure projects in Sault Ste. Marie.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The Detroit Engineering and Construction Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a qualified professional for an interdisciplinary position serving as a Branch Chief at our Sault Ste. Marie field office. This role involves overseeing construction operations, acting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and ensuring projects are delivered safely, economically, and on schedule. This is a temporary, time-limited appointment not to exceed two years, offering a chance to influence major federal engineering efforts.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Current registration or professional engineering experience in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering disciplines.
Must be able to pass a background check for suitability/fitness.
Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Must be able to meet time-in-grade requirements if currently serving in a federal GS position.
Two-page maximum limit for resumes; resumes exceeding this length will be rejected.
Selective Service registration for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Proven experience as a Supervisor or Manager of construction engineers and inspection staff.
Senior-level expertise serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on medium-to-high complexity construction contracts.
Demonstrated ability to review complex contractor shop drawings and ensure adherence to rigorous project specifications.
Strong background in safety compliance for diverse construction environments, including HVAC, electrical, and asbestos abatement.
Advanced skills in project management, budget oversight, and contractor negotiations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the USACE.
✓Eligibility for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moving allowances for qualified candidates.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.
✓Federal benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement programs.
✓Access to diverse career development programs.
✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility options.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Log into your existing USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and includes all required work history details.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked via the job posting.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and performance appraisals.
Verify that your application package is complete and submit before the November 13, 2026, deadline.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will automatically disqualify your application.
Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that a human resources specialist may not immediately recognize.
Include specific details for every role, such as employer name, dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the system's document virus scan.
If claiming eligibility through special authorities like Military Spouse preference, ensure all proof documents are uploaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent federal position?

No, this is a temporary appointment not to exceed two years, with the possibility of extension up to three years.

Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?

Yes, but you must provide proof that your foreign education has been evaluated by a qualified private organization as equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.

What should I do if I am a current permanent Army employee?

This specific announcement is not intended for current permanent Army employees. Please search for the specific announcement code listed in the 'Additional Information' section of the job description for internal Army opportunities.

Is this role eligible for extension?

Yes, this position is a temporary appointment not to exceed two years but may be extended up to a maximum of three years.

Do I need to be a current federal employee to apply?

This announcement is open to individuals meeting specific eligibility categories; however, current permanent Army employees should apply through the specific internal announcement referenced in the job details.

What is the risk level for this position?

This position is designated as non-sensitive (NS)/low risk.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier engineering, design, and construction management agency. USACE delivers innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions to tackle the country’s toughest engineering challenges. From national security projects to flood risk management and environmental restoration, working at USACE means being part of a team that 'Builds Strong.' You will collaborate with elite professionals dedicated to public service, economic growth, and safety.