US Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District Welcomes New Chief of Engineering Division
US Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District
James Sauceda assumed duties as the Chief of the Engineering, Construction, and Operations Division for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Alaska District in June.
In his new position, Sauceda leads a team of more than 200 personnel responsible for the execution of engineering, construction, and operations activities across Alaska and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. He serves as the district’s dam and levee safety officer and is a member of the Alaska District Corporate Board, which is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the organization.
“I am very excited for this amazing opportunity to lead such a great organization,” Sauceda says. “The Alaska District Engineering, Construction, and Operations team is one of the best in the USACE, and they are vital to the success of numerous critical missions in the military, civil works, and environmental programs, just to name a few.”
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January 2026
Sauceda has more than thirty years of federal experience in leading, managing, and providing technical support in the planning, design, and construction of projects worldwide. Assignments have included critical support roles with USACE and the US Department of State on diplomatic, military, civil works, hazardous and toxic radiological waste, interagency and international services, and foreign military sales projects. Previously, he served as the district’s chief of the Design Branch, interim chief of the Construction Branch, and interim chief of the Engineering, Construction, and Operations Division. Preceding his federal service, he was a geotechnical engineer with architectural-engineering consulting firms in Alaska and California.
Sauceda earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from UAA and is a registered professional engineer in Alaska. He is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers and is a Fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers. During his career, he earned the Department of Army’s Meritorious Civilian Service and Superior Civilian Service Awards and the US Department of State’s Franklin Award. In 2014, he was selected as the Alaska Federal Executive Association’s Federal Employee of the Year.
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