Civil Engineer

US Navy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Accrual of time-in-service for retire-

Commissioned as Ensign after OCS

Job summary

United States Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) offers two entry paths: Direct Accession to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, or the Collegiate Program (CEC-CP) for students nearing graduation. Successful candidates become commissioned after OCS and receive full‑time Navy pay while in college, with medical and dental benefits and retirement accrual from enlistment date.

Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, minimum age 19, completion or near completion of ABET‑EAC engineering or NAAB

Qualifications

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen
• Age: 19 or older; commissioned before 36 (waivers to 42)
• Education: ABET‑EAC engineering or NAAB architecture degree, in final stages acceptable
• GPA: generally 2.7+; exceptional students >3.0 with ≤3 C’s in STEM
• Testing: OAR ≥45 (waived to 40); ASVAB 35QT minimum for collegiate applicants
• Medical & moral: meet Navy medical, fitness, and background standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ABET-EAC engineering or NAAB-accredited architecture program

Job description

The Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) manages the Navy’s shore facilities, construction projects, and public works worldwide. CEC officers lead Seabee units, oversee infrastructure projects, manage environmental compliance, and plan base facilities for the fleet and Marines.

About the Role

There are two main entry paths:

• Direct Accession Program – For those who have completed or are within three months of completing a qualifying degree. Upon selection, candidates attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island.
• Collegiate Program (CEC-CP) – For students pursuing an accredited engineering or architecture degree with 18 months or less until graduation (24 months for exceptional students). Participants receive a monthly salary and benefits while finishing school and are commissioned after completing OCS.

Responsibilities

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship - Must be a U.S. citizen
• Age - Minimum 19 years old; must be commissioned before age 36. Waivers considered case-by-case up to age 42 mynavyhr.navy.mil.
• Education - Bachelor’s (or in final stages of completing) from an ABET-EAC-accredited engineering program or NAAB-accredited architecture program.
• GPA - Collegiate applicants generally need at least 2.7 GPA; “exceptional students” must exceed 3.0 with no more than three C’s in STEM courses.
• Testing - Must pass the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam with a score of 45 or higher (can be waived to 40). Collegiate applicants may need ASVAB 35QT minimum.
• Medical & Moral - Must meet Navy medical, fitness, and background standards for commissioning.

Key Benefits (for Collegiate Program)

• Full-time Navy pay (E-3 to E-5 range while in college)
• Medical and dental benefits
• Accrual of time-in-service for retirement from the date of enlistment
• Commissioned as Ensign, CEC (Designator 5100) upon graduation and OCS completion

Service Commitment

Four years of active duty following commissioning. Additional service obligation may apply if advanced education or specialized training is funded by the Navy.

Summary of the Path to Commission

• Apply via an Officer Recruiter (Navy Officer Programs).
• Complete OAR exam and medical screening.
• Interview with CEC selection board.
• If selected:
• Direct Accession: Proceed to OCS.
• Collegiate: Serve in student status until graduation, then attend OCS.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.