Overseas Buildings Operations

Foreign Service Construction Engineers (FSCEs) oversee all aspects of new construction and major renovation of U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world.  FSCEs  work with multi-disciplinary teams in the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to execute OBO’s mission and support the Department’s achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives abroad.

FSCEs work on projects that are professionally some of the most rewarding and challenging projects in the industry. A single OBO project contains almost every aspect of the Built Environment including class A office space, municipal infrastructure, medical space, historic preservation, food service, IT infrastructure, art installation, recreational facilities, environmental stewardship, etc. In short, OBO routinely builds projects that most professionals will wait a lifetime to participate in.

Construction engineers have architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering degrees from ABET-certified or NAAB-certified programs. They use engineering skills and vertical construction experience to manage new projects, supervise upgrades to existing properties and support sustainable design and energy conservation programs.

They are responsible for ensuring that construction work is professionally performed and compliant. You will be accountable for quality assurance, financial controls, safety and security, commissioning, pre-construction, and administrative tasks related to all aspects of building projects. Those projects provide an opportunity to see the Built Environment through all phases of its lifecycle. From inception to operation and maintenance, it provides a unique opportunity to see a project from the need of the user of the facility. Each project is planned and designed with leading practitioners in the industry including award-winning architects, industry-leading Architecture and Engineering Firms, and Construction and commissioning consultants.

All projects represent the best of the U.S. standards to the world. We represent the American people in the most tangible way possible as we invite Host Nation citizens to come to our facilities.

OBO projects have a direct impact on the daily lives of local employees. Hiring 3 to 4 thousand workers on some of our larger projects, OBO improves the lives of Host Nation citizens and their communities through training and employment. OBO represents the face of America through the diversity of our workforce.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Foreign Service Construction Engineer (CE)