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Federal Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Manager Work Location: Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL Salary ... federal background review and drug screen Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced ...

Engineering Manager Work Location: Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL Salary ... federal background review and drug screen Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced ...

Engineering Manager Work Location: Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL Salary ... federal background review and drug screen Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced ...

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering * Current Professional Engineer (PE) license * Minimum of 10 years' experience as electrical engineer on large complex multimillion dollar federal construction ...

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering * Current Professional Engineer (PE) license * Minimum of 10 years' experience as electrical engineer on large complex multimillion dollar federal construction ...

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Federal Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$42.2K

$133.3K

$157.9K

How much do federal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal engineering in Tennessee is $133,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the FBI hire civil engineers?

The FBI generally does not hire civil engineers for its core investigative roles, but civil engineers may be employed in specialized positions related to infrastructure security, building assessments, or technical support. These roles often require relevant engineering licenses, security clearances, and knowledge of federal building standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Federal Engineering position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Federal Engineering role, you need a strong background in engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering), and experience with federally regulated standards and processes. Familiarity with government contracting systems, project management software, and security clearances (such as Secret or Top Secret) is often required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and within structured governmental environments. These combined skills are critical for maintaining compliance, delivering technical excellence, and supporting mission-critical federal projects.

What is a Federal Engineering job?

A Federal Engineering job involves designing, developing, and maintaining technical systems and infrastructure for government agencies. Engineers in these roles work on projects related to national defense, transportation, telecommunications, and environmental protection. They must comply with federal regulations and security requirements while ensuring efficiency and innovation. These positions often require security clearances and specialized knowledge in engineering disciplines relevant to government operations.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In federal engineering roles, high-level positions such as senior engineers, engineering managers, and specialized technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in areas like systems engineering, defense, or aerospace, and may include bonuses and benefits that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as aerospace, petroleum, software, and systems engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What types of projects or assignments can Federal Engineers expect to work on within government agencies?

Federal Engineers may work on a wide range of assignments, such as infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, defense system development, or environmental compliance projects, depending on the agency's mission. Daily responsibilities often involve coordinating with project managers, reviewing technical documentation, ensuring adherence to federal standards, and conducting site visits or system evaluations. Collaboration with stakeholders from various departments, contractors, and regulatory bodies is common and vital to project success. This variety of work offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and gain exposure to high-impact national projects, supporting both professional growth and public service goals.

How much does a federal engineer make?

Federal engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific agency. Salaries are often determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with higher grades and specialized skills leading to increased compensation. Certifications and security clearances can also impact salary levels.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Federal Engineering jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Federal Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,300 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Direct Hire Public Notice - General Engineering/Physical Scientist

USA JOBS

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$86K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

This position is located in various organizations within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages. Please read carefully before applying. Your application goes to a resume database and may be used during the notice period. U.S. citizenship is REQUIRED. Direct hiring authority for the 0801/0810/1301/1306/1310/1320 series is being used.

Qualifications:

This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority.

All positions, dependent upon grade levels being filled, require some level of related experience or education. (Job family series included for this vacancy are listed below in the Education section)

In order to qualify for these positions, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

To qualify for GG-11: Doctorate degree (PhD) in or related to an Engineering or Physical Science discipline OR Masters Degree and one year of post degree work experience OR Bachelors degree and two years of post degree work experience in or related to Engineering or Physical Science.

GG-12 and above: Requires 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as work experience applying professional engineering and/or scientific disciplines required for the positions being filled.

The ideal candidate for these positions must demonstrate:

1) Knowledge of the applicable requirements, policies, practices, and programs applicable to engineering and sciences (including but not limited to nuclear reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials, nuclear waste, or risk assessment);

2) Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage complex, highly technical projects;

3) Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing; and

4) Ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.
A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume. The NRC encourages applicants to provide concise job experience details in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education:

You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.

You must meet basic education and professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering and sciences positions for the grade levels to which you are applying. This knowledge is met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering/science discipline from a school of engineering with at least one engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (or by documenting how you meet the minimum OPM qualification standards for the 0801/0810 Occupational Series, 1301 General Physical Science Occupational Series, 1306 Health Physics Occupational Series, 1310 Physics Occupational Series, and 1320 Chemistry Occupational Series) in addition to the specialized experience.

Note: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above). More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering and sciences jobs is described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards. Note: It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that verifies you meet the basic education and professional knowledge requirements; in the absence of such documentation, you would be rated not qualified.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

You must include an unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.

Employment Type: OTHER