About Us
The Navy is more than ships, submarines, and aircraft at sea. Hundreds of naval shore installations worldwide operate like small cities with unique infrastructure – hospitals, airfields, power plants, housing, office buildings, stores, and more – that support the navy’s operations and strategic goals.
Naval Officers in the Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) provide professional engineering and architecture services to plan, construct, deliver, and manage all Navy and Marine Corps’ shore installation facilities worldwide. CEC officers come from a variety of engineering and architecture disciplines and routinely develop their leadership and soft skills alongside their technical skills – all without going on a ship.
The CEC invests in its small community of 1300 officers through extensive training, professional development, licensure support (EIT, PE, RA), and mentorship in exchange for a minimum four-year active-duty service commitment.
Through its Collegiate Program, the CEC also offers a salary to students while they are in school. Students get paid now, then become CEC officers after they graduate. See details below*.
Primary Responsibilities – What We Expect of You
You will first complete the Navy’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) program, where you will obtain basic military and leadership training. After graduating from OCS, you will serve in the roles listed below.
Construction/Contract Management:
- As the owner representative, ensuring that the execution of each on-base contracted project meets the Navy’s needs
- Reviewing civilian contractors’ submittals – design submittals, daily reports, estimates, invoices, safety plans, and more
- Coordinating project evolutions with end user representatives and contractor project managers to minimize operational disruptions
- Troubleshooting any technical and non-technical challenges that arise throughout performance of the work
Facilities Management:
- Overseeing site approval processes to kickstart projects
- Developing and reviewing scopes of work to verify they meet the appropriate needs
- Leading teams in the response to urgent and routine facilities issues
- Determining the best method to deliver facilities (ex: contract vs. in-house)
- Safeguarding natural resources and verifying environmental compliance/protection
- Monitoring facility conditions
- Managing the Navy’s real estate and real property
Expeditionary Engineering – Seabee Officer:
- Lead teams of enlisted service members who specialize in the skilled construction trades (welding, plumbing, electrical, surveying, heavy equipment operation and maintenance)
- Act as a Project Manager for a variety of construction projects that support military facilities
- Coordinate efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- Train and operate in logistical support for partner forces, including Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps, and foreign allies
- Train and develop proficiency in basic defensive tactics
*For students in the CEC Collegiate Program: You will be expected to do the following while in school:
- Graduate on-time while keeping up GPA and physical fitness
- NO uniform/drill/training – this is NOT NROTC
- Remain in good legal standing
- Earn up to $139k while still in school (direct pay, not a scholarship)
- Receive full medical/dental benefits
Minimum Qualifications – What You Need
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- In pursuit or possession of any ABET-EAC or ABET-ETAC accredited engineering degree, any NAAB-accredited architecture degree, or any pre-professional architecture degree
- 2.70 GPA or higher
- 24 or fewer months away from graduating
Desired Qualities – What Makes You Competitive
- Willingness to travel. CEC Officers rotate across job roles every two to three years
- History of involvement beyond academics (extracurriculars, sports, professional groups)
- History of toughness and resilience
- Eagerness to routinely step out of your comfort zone
- Respect and admiration for the burdens of leadership
- Desire to serve your community and not just a bottom line
Pay and Benefits
Salary varies by location based on cost of living
- Gross salary range within first two years: $70,000 – $104,000
- Gross salary range from two to four years of service: $80,000 – $125,000
- Gross salary range at four years of service: $103,000 – $137,000
*Salary for Collegiates still in school
- Starting monthly stipend: $4,700/month with potential to earn up to $5,500/month
- Pay increases to levels listed above upon graduation from OCS
Benefits include
- Full medical/dental coverage. No premiums
- Federal income tax on only a portion of salary (Basic Allowances for Housing and Sustenance)
- 401k type retirement plan with 1% automatic match and up to 5% match after 18 months of service
- Ability to purchase a home with 0% down payment (VA Loan)
- Tuition coverage for higher education following your time in service (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
- Financial compensation for relocation and work travel – including overseas travel
- Pension after 20 years of continuous service
- Veteran status after two years of service
Locations
Worldwide – The CEC operates globally at all Navy and Marine Corps installations.