Civil Engineer Corps College Program
The Navy is more than ships, submarines, and aircraft at sea. Hundreds of naval shore facilities worldwide—like small cities with hospitals, airfields, power plants, housing, stores, and office buildings—make up the fleet support establishment.
As a Navy Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Officer, you’ll join a unique group of professionals responsible for the engineering, management, planning, construction, and maintenance of the Navy’s shore facilities. You’ll work in diverse environments worldwide, leading skilled personnel and managing multimillion-dollar infrastructure. From day one, you’ll gain engineering management experience, responsibility, and authority that far exceed those found in the private sector.
Key Career Areas
Contract Management
Oversee more than $4 billion annually in Navy design and construction contracts. Serve as the Navy’s primary liaison with civilian engineering and construction firms. Prepare, solicit, and award contracts; supervise progress; resolve technical issues; and approve completed work.
Public Works
Manage the operation and maintenance of complex utilities, facilities, and systems at Navy shore installations. Direct civilian and military teams, plan future infrastructure requirements, and oversee large-scale repair and modernization efforts.
Construction Battalions (“Seabees”)
Lead construction units that build roads, airfields, bridges, port facilities, and utility systems worldwide—often in challenging environments. As a junior officer, you’ll command 400–600 enlisted Seabees and gain hands-on leadership experience unique to military service.
Civil Engineer Collegiate Program
Engineering and architecture students may apply up to 24 months before completing a bachelor’s degree (or one year before finishing a master’s).
If selected, you’ll:
- Receive over $2,400 per month while completing your degree
- Earn up to $40,000 during your junior and senior years
- Enjoy 30 days of paid vacation per year and other Navy benefits
- Be placed on active reserve duty while in school
Upon graduation, you’ll attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI, commission as an Ensign (O-1), and join the Civil Engineer Corps.
Training Pipeline
- Officer Candidate School (OCS): 12 weeks in Newport, RI
- Civil Engineer Corps Officer School (CECOS): 13 weeks in Port Hueneme, CA (8 weeks CEC orientation + 5 weeks government contracting)
- Initial Fleet Assignment: Construction Battalion, Public Works, or Contract Administration activity (2–3 years)
Advanced Education & Career Growth
- Fully funded graduate degrees in engineering, architecture, or financial management (Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA)
- Professional military education at Naval War College or National Defense University
- Leadership and management courses at CEC Officer School throughout your career
Benefits
- Competitive officer salary with tax-free housing and food allowances
- Full medical and dental coverage
- 30 days paid vacation annually
- Retirement plan with government contributions
- Global assignments and rapid leadership responsibility
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- At least 19 and under 35 at commissioning (waivers up to 42 may be available)
- Pursuing or holding an accredited degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or Architecture
- Physically qualified by Navy standards
Applications are accepted year-round.
**To be considered, applicants must complete the Navy's official Request for Information (RFI) form linked to the job posting.