About the opportunity
This position serves as a Quality Assurance Engineer within the Latin America & Caribbean District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The role involves supporting construction activities from the design review phase through to final field inspection. Key responsibilities include ensuring engineering quality, technical accuracy, and regulatory compliance; conducting field inspections; reviewing technical reports and contractor documentation; evaluating submittals and schedules; and supporting contract modifications and negotiations. The incumbent will also provide constructability input during pre-award stages, prepare briefings for leadership, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to resolve technical challenges. This is a full-time, permanent position in the competitive service.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $83,186 – $107,722 per year
- Federal employee benefits package
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture (or a combination of education and experience)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in federal service
- Alternatively, a Ph.D. or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a relevant field
- Must meet specific coursework requirements for engineering or architecture disciplines
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, including specific work details)
- Transcripts (if qualifying based on education)
- Cover letter (optional)
- Most recent performance appraisal (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation for federal employment preference (if applicable)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-16 at 11:59 PM EST
How to apply
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link
- Upload all required documents, ensuring the resume is two pages or less
- Submit the complete application package through the USAJOBS portal before the deadline
Additional information
- This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) position
- Requires a one-year probationary period
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service
- Direct deposit of pay is required
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with direct experience in construction quality assurance and contract administration within the federal or private sector.
- Engineers or architects seeking a role that balances field-based inspections with technical design review and project management.
- Candidates who possess the required ABET-accredited engineering degree or the specified architectural coursework.
What should you think carefully about?
- The resume must be strictly limited to two pages; exceeding this limit will result in automatic disqualification.
- The role requires a one-year probationary period, which is standard for federal appointments.
- Applicants must be prepared to provide official transcripts if using education to meet the qualification requirements.
- Relocation to San Juan, Puerto Rico, is required, though PCS allowances may be available for eligible candidates.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for mid-career engineering or architecture professionals looking to transition into or advance within the federal sector. It offers a stable, full-time position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing exposure to large-scale construction projects in the Latin America & Caribbean region. It is well-suited for those who value technical oversight, regulatory compliance, and the structured environment of federal service.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for qualified engineers and architects who meet the specific GS-11 grade requirements and are interested in a permanent federal role in Puerto Rico. Candidates who can clearly demonstrate their specialized experience in construction quality assurance within a two-page resume should strongly consider applying before the October 16, 2026, deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
