Launch Your Engineering Career at the Historic Watervliet Arsenal
Are you an engineering professional looking to apply your technical expertise to the defense industry? The Watervliet Arsenal is currently hiring for an Industrial Engineer (GS-09) to join its Industrial Operations & Production Directorate. This position is a rare opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Department of the Army while working at the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As an Industrial Engineer, you will serve as a key technical resource. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Assessing production requirements using technical models and measurements.
- Reducing waste and operational costs through process improvement.
- Conducting time studies and data analysis to estimate labor requirements.
- Developing corrective action plans for manufacturing lead times.
- Championing Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related curriculum with specific course requirements.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
Education vs. Experience Table
| Qualification Path | Requirement | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Degree-Based | Bachelor's in Engineering (ABET) | Official Transcripts |
| Experience-Based | 1 year professional engineering experience | Resume/Certifications |
| Hybrid | Combination of graduate credit/work | Transcripts + Resume |
Salary Overview
This position is graded at the GS-09 level, with an annual salary range of $68,549 to $84,371. The salary includes applicable locality pay and local market supplements, ensuring a competitive compensation package for the region.
Benefits
Employees at the Watervliet Arsenal benefit from the robust federal employment package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous vacation and sick leave policies.
- Federal job security and potential for long-term career growth.
Application Tips
- Keep it concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use plain language to describe your experience.
- Be specific: Include employer names, job titles, and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Verify your documents: Ensure your transcripts are attached, as they are mandatory for educational verification.
This role is an excellent entry point for motivated engineers to gain federal experience in a high-impact environment. By joining the team at Watervliet Arsenal, you become part of a historic mission that directly supports the nation's defense.
Why This Industrial Engineer Job Matters
Join the historic team at Watervliet Arsenal as an Industrial Engineer and drive the future of defense manufacturing through process optimization and innovative engineering solutions.
Industrial Engineer Job Overview
The Watervliet Arsenal, the nation's oldest continuously active arsenal, is seeking a talented Industrial Engineer to join their Industrial Operations & Production Directorate. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply engineering principles to enhance manufacturing capabilities, reduce waste, and improve operational performance. This is a term appointment with an initial duration of up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 8 years.
Requirements for Industrial Engineer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering field from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent academic coursework.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
- Ability to provide official transcripts to verify education.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Must pass a pre-employment suitability/fitness evaluation.
Preferred Qualifications for Industrial Engineer
- Master's degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in engineering.
- Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
- Demonstrated success in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma environments.
- Experience in developing labor standards for complex manufacturing components.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a high-stakes manufacturing environment.
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
💡 How to Apply Industrial Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Industrial Engineer Job
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume addressing all specialized experience requirements.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and any professional certifications.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 12, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each role.
- Avoid using acronyms or jargon that might be misunderstood by the hiring team.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing date.
- Re-select documents from your USAJOBS account even if they are already saved, to ensure they attach correctly to this specific application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent federal position?
No, this is a term appointment NTE (Not to Exceed) 2 years, with the potential for extensions up to 8 years.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, a combination of graduate-level education and relevant work experience may be used to qualify, provided the total requirements met equal 100%.
What happens after I apply?
You will receive an email acknowledging your application. HR will review your submission to verify eligibility and qualifications.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Job from Army Tank-Automotive And Armament Command (Tacom)
The Watervliet Arsenal, located in New York, has been a cornerstone of American military manufacturing since 1813. As part of the Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM), the facility serves as a vital manufacturing center. Civilian employees here provide essential technical skills that support military operations, integrating their expertise with the broader Army mission.