General (Cost) Engineer, GS-08XX-12 (87633)

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for a General (Cost) Engineer in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Engineering Division.

Position Title(s): General (Cost) Engineer

Series/Grade: GS-08XX-12, (0801 General Engineer, 0808 Architecture, 0810 Civil Engineering, 0830 Mechanical Engineering, 0850 Electrical Engineering)

Open Period: 10-28 August 2026

Duty Location: Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, Fort Jackson, SC, or Greenville, SC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as a Cost Engineer for the USACE - Charleston District with responsibility for preparing, assembling, managing, and defending cost estimates for the complete range of District projects during all phases of the life cycle including a wide variety of civil works and military projects.

As a Cost Engineer, you will be at the forefront of projects that have a significant impact on our nation's infrastructure and security.

Duties:

• Develops detailed cost estimates from construction contractor’s viewpoint requiring a careful analysis and comprehensive evaluation of numerous factors with differing and complicating circumstances.
• Prepares initial estimates for use in developing conceptual proposals, planning projects, preliminary designs, additive alternatives, negotiations, etc. In numerous instances information, precedents, data, etc., may be limited, incomplete or unavailable requiring extensive experience and knowledge of construction requirements to develop a reasonable and defensible cost estimate.
• Provides cost engineering assistance in modification negotiations with contractor and may act as an expert in cost estimating for the Office of Counsel in claims court. Provides cost expertise on complex contractor claims and assists in negotiations.
• Performs a variety of related duties to include, but not limited to, the following: Attends bid openings and conferences with contractors. Participates in the contract termination process and assists in the negotiation of settlements or recommendation for settlement.

Other Essential Information:

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, has a rich history and a diverse mission that includes managing navigation, flood risk, and ecosystem restoration throughout South Carolina; and military and IIS projects throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Our district headquarters is located in the historic city of Charleston, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

The Charleston District's robust Interagency and International Services (IIS) program provides technical assistance to a wide range of federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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:

One year of specialized experience which includes conducting technical evaluations, developing and applying innovative engineering solutions, completing cost estimates for engineering projects, and providing expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

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.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• 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.
• 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 a 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 may be eligible for situational telework.