CHIEF ENGINEER, DIESEL, XH 4742-15 (52202)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers, SAD - Wilmington District, seeks a Chief Engineer, Diesel to oversee operation and maintenance of shipboard propulsion systems aboard a floating plant stationed around Atlantic and Caribbean waters, located in Wilmington, NC.

The role directs engine-department work, schedules maintenance, ensures compliance with STCW, TWIC, and Coast Guard licensing, and supports safety and reliability of vessel systems. DHA status applies; extensive travel may occur.

Qualifications

• All positions require U.S. citizenship.
• Must possess and maintain a valid civilian driver’s license.
• Must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for Chief Engineer (limited-near coastal or higher) of Motor Vessels of 3,000 Hp or higher.
• Must possess and maintain STCW.
• Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC).

Responsibilities

• Direct the efficient operation, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of shipboard propulsion systems, engines, generators, hydraulic motors and pumps, auxiliary machinery, and vessel support systems.
• Conduct periodic inspections; diagnose equipment malfunctions; and direct or perform corrective maintenance and repairs ranging from minor repairs to complete overhauls.
• Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee engine-department work; establish priorities and deadlines; review completed work; and provide technical direction and training to employees.
• Develop recommendations for mechanical and electrical repairs and overhauls, and evaluate contractor-performed repair work.

Job description

USACE Organization (SAD - Wilmington District)

Announcement Type: Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type: Permanent

Locations (City, State): Wilmington, NC

Position Overview/Duties

Position Title: CHIEF ENGINEER, DIESEL, XH-4742-15 (52202)

Series/Grade: XH-4742-15

Open Period: 21 September - 5 October 2026

Duty Location(s): Wilmington, NC

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Direct the efficient operation, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of shipboard propulsion systems, engines, generators, hydraulic motors and pumps, auxiliary machinery, and vessel support systems.
• Conduct periodic inspections; diagnose equipment malfunctions; and direct or perform corrective maintenance and repairs ranging from minor repairs to complete overhauls.
• Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee engine-department work; establish priorities and deadlines; review completed work; and provide technical direction and training to employees.
• Develop recommendations for mechanical and electrical repairs and overhauls, and evaluate contractor-performed repair work.

Other Conditions And Requirements

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Veterans' preference does not apply to this announcement.

WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens.

Other Requirements, Conditions Of Employment And Information

• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• A supervisory probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 95% of the time.
• Must possess and maintain a valid civilian driver's license.
• This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412, Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under the DOT, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• Must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for Chief Engineer (limited-near coastal or higher) of Motor Vessels of 3,000 Hp or higher.
• Must possess and maintain compliant with Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
• Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC).
• Living aboard vessels is a condition of employment, except for assignment to the MURDEN, which duty station is Wilmington, N.C. This job assignment is aboard a floating plant assigned to work on various inlets and connecting channels along the Atlantic, Gulf Coasts and Caribbean waters. With limited exceptions, the incumbent is responsible for their own transportation to and from their duty station. Crew members are responsible for reporting to their duty station at the scheduled reporting time.
• Tour of duty may be 7 days on, 7 days off, 12 hours per day: 8 days on, 6 days off, 10 hours per day or 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours per day, or 14 days on, 14 days off, 12 hours per day.
• This position may require TDY 95% of the time.
• Position requires a pre-employment and annual physical examination and/or evaluation under the District Medical Surveillance Program.
• Must obtain and maintain a government passport within 6 months of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.