Project Engineer (Interdisciplinary, GS-08-11/12)

About the Role

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hiring a permanent, full-time Project Engineer through a Direct Hire Authority announcement for its North Atlantic Division, New England District in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The role sits within the competitive service and supports military, civil works, and environmental construction projects.

Reporting to the Resident Engineer, this position calls for strong independence in managing field activities, solving technical issues, and confirming that contractor work meets contract requirements. The work centers on quality assurance, construction oversight, contract administration, field engineering, and safety monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

You will help manage day-to-day construction execution and ensure project delivery stays aligned with government standards, contract terms, and safety requirements.

• Run the government quality assurance process, coordinate QA/QC meetings, and evaluate contractor performance through regular site surveillance.
• Examine submittals, shop drawings, and quality control plans to verify compliance with contract documents.
• Support contract administration in line with USACE procedures, including project management planning, modification analysis, cost estimating, negotiation support, and payment review.
• Use field engineering judgment to identify site issues, assess workmanship, and decide quickly on contract clarifications so work can continue without delay.
• Continuously monitor construction activities to maintain a safe worksite for contractor and government personnel under EM 385-1-1 requirements.
• Prepare and review reporting and documentation related to financial status, schedule status, project progress, and final turnover as needed for the grade level.
• At higher grade levels, review more complex design and construction issues, resolve contentious project problems, and guide lower-graded engineers or technicians.

Education and Qualification Requirements

This announcement covers interdisciplinary qualifications under the 0800 professional engineering series and the 0808 architecture series.

• Engineering (0801): A qualifying engineering degree must come from an ABET-accredited engineering program, or include calculus plus advanced coursework in at least five of seven core engineering/physics areas. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• Professional registration: Current EI/EIT registration or PE licensure may satisfy the basic standard in some cases, subject to specialty limitations when applicable.
• Written test: Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam or another required professional engineering licensure test may qualify.
• Specified coursework: At least 60 semester hours in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, including the required basic engineering courses, may qualify.
• Related curriculum: A degree in a related scientific field such as engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology may be accepted if paired with at least 1 year of professional engineering experience under supervision.
• Architecture (0808): A qualifying architecture degree or related field with 60 semester hours in architecture-related study is acceptable, including required coursework in architectural design, structural technology, construction materials and methods, and environmental control systems.
• Alternative architecture qualification: Relevant education and/or experience in architectural work may qualify, including the required years of experience when the academic background is incomplete.
• Experience for GS-11: You need 1 year of specialized experience and must satisfy any two of the following: preparing construction or financial/schedule reports; maintaining continuous safety surveillance; managing construction through final turnover; reviewing submittals such as shop drawings, samples, or data for contract compliance.
• Experience for GS-12: You need 1 year of specialized experience and must satisfy any two of the following: reviewing submittals for contract compliance; resolving complex problems involving schedule, budget, environment, and management goals; reviewing drawings/specifications for design adequacy and recommending changes; or leading and instructing lower-grade engineers or technicians in construction activities.

Additional Conditions

• Applications are accepted only within the posted opening and closing time window.
• Only U.S. citizens may be considered.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service before appointment.
• A probationary or trial period may be required.
• Pay will be delivered by direct deposit.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives, leave service credit, and student loan repayment may be offered if budget allows.
• PCS relocation costs may be approved if relocation serves the government’s best interest and funds are available.
• Selection is subject to suitability or fitness review following a background investigation.
• A valid state driver’s license must be obtained and maintained within 30 days of starting.
• Contracting Officer’s Representative certification must be held or obtainable within 24 months of employment.
• Work travel of up to 25% to construction sites may be required.
• Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste training and medical surveillance enrollment may be required.
• Personal protective equipment must be worn at construction sites.
• The incumbent must file OGE Form 450 upon entry and annually thereafter.
• Multiple hires may be made from this announcement.
• The federal government maintains an equal employment opportunity policy covering race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, employee organization membership, retaliation, parental status, military service, and other non-merit factors.
• Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities during application, hiring, and employment.