Direct Engineer; DCE

and the job listing Expires on January 27, 2026

Take advantage of your degree or professional experience in engineering with the USCG Direct Commission Engineering (DCE) program.

• Career path: Your assignments joining through DCE will primarily be in engineering , in the subspecialty matching your experience.
• Starting rank: Up to the rank of lieutenant (O-3).
• Commitment: Three years of active duty.

Eligibility Requirements

Age:

21–41*

* on 30 Sept. of the fiscal year the selection panel convenes.

Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Single:
  Any primary custody dependents require a waiver and dependent care plan.
• Married:
  No more than three dependents, including spouse.

GPA:

No requirements.

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
  * in a field listed below.

If applicant is an active duty Coast Guard E-5 with at least four years of Coast Guard service (at least two of which must be on active duty) then alternatively:

• An associate degree or higher
  * in a field listed below.

* converted work experience must contribute less than 50% of the core engineering/C5I curriculum.

• Naval engineering specialty: naval, mechanical, electrical, or fire protection engineering; naval architecture; industrial operations; or industrial administration.
• Civil engineering specialty: civil, environmental, ocean, electrical, or mechanical engineering; architecture; construction management; or engineering management.
• C5I specialty: computer, software, electrical, systems, telecommunications, network, or communications engineering; computer science; command and control; information technology; or information systems.

Military Service:

No more than 12 years of non-Coast Guard active-duty (or 14 years cumulative) military service. Members currently in another military service (or Reserve) must have an approved DD368 (conditional release).

Medical Requirements:

Must meet commissioning physical standards, including normal color vision.