Interdisciplinary Engineer, GS-08XX-13 (95950)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston District seeks an Interdisciplinary Engineer serving as a senior technical expert and COR/ACO for civil and military construction projects. The role leads negotiations, contract modifications, and ensures compliance with design and construction standards.

The position requires a broad engineering or architectural background, ABET-accredited degree, and relevant certifications, with opportunities for professional growth within the DHA framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with ABET accreditation or architecture degree as specified.
• Experience as senior technical expert or COR/ACO on complex civil/military construction projects.
• Knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and contract documents.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical expert and COR/ACO for diverse construction projects.
• Lead contract negotiations, manage modifications and contract administration.
• Ensure designs and construction comply with requirements and standards.
• Provide authoritative guidance from design through project completion.

Skills

Senior technical expertise

Contract administration

COR / ACO responsibilities

Communication and negotiation

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree (ABET-accredited)

Architecture degree

Job description

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Charleston District

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Charleston District

Locations (City, State)

Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC

Position Overview/Duties

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for multiple Interdisciplinary Engineers in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Construction Division.

Position Title(s):

Interdisciplinary Engineer

Series/Grade:

GS-08XX-13, (0808 Architect, 0810 Civil Engineer, 0819 Environmental Engineer, 0830 Mechanical Engineer, 0850 Electrical Engineer)

Open Period:

17-30 August 2026

Duty Location:

Charleston and Columbia, SC.

Duties & Responsibilities

This position serves as a senior technical expert and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for a wide range of civil, military, and interagency construction projects. The incumbent provides senior-level leadership and expertise in engineering, construction, and quality assurance. Key duties include representing the government in contract negotiations, managing contract modifications and administration, and ensuring that project designs are sound and construction activities comply with all requirements. The role also involves resolving complex technical problems, staying current with the latest industry developments, and providing authoritative advice on all aspects of the construction process, from design to completion.

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.

Minimum Education Requirement

Engineering: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering. The program must: lead to a degree in a school with at least one program accredited by ABET. Degree must be documented on a transcript.

Architecture: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards

— GS-0800 Series - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#0800

Specialized Experience

Providing senior-level technical expertise and contract administration for a full range of complex vertical (facilities/buildings) and civil works (infrastructure/marine) construction projects. Serving as a technical expert or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to analyze field conditions, evaluate constructability, and provide authoritative advice impacting both design and construction phases. Preparing, reviewing, and evaluating technical documents, including requests for information, submittals, schedules, claims, and complex cost estimates. Analyzing and formulating innovative solutions to complex, multi-disciplinary engineering and field construction problems by adapting standard practices or developing new criteria to balance budget, schedule, and quality priorities. Leading technical negotiations and facilitating complex coordination meetings with contractors, stakeholders, and multi-agency project teams to resolve technical and contractual conflicts. Applying advanced knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and engineering principles to ensure compliance with contract documents, safety standards, and project goals.

Other Requirements

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• 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.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Multiple positions may be filled by this announcement.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time.
• This position requires DAWIA Contracting Professional acquisition certification.
• Professional Architect or Engineer: The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess and maintain license/registration as a Professional Architect or Engineer. This license/registration must be in good standing and issued by any one of the 50 states or its territories.
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Professional Engineer registration within 24 months of employment.
• Incumbent must attain a Contracting certification within 24 months of occupancy of position.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget). Before the payment of Relocation Incentive, an employee must provide residence documentation and maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.
• PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position may be eligible for situational telework.

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

GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

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.