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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is known for managing some of the most complex infrastructure and environmental projects in the nation. But doing so takes collaboration across a wide range of job roles and expertise.
For the USACE Buffalo District, matrix teams make it happen.
What Is a Matrix Team?
A matrix team blends elements of traditional functional and project-based management.
Instead of organizing solely by function — such as engineering, contracting, or operations — employees are grouped into project delivery teams, or PDTs, while still reporting to their respective functional supervisors.
In this model, team members may have dual reporting responsibilities to both their functional manager and to a project or program manager.
This dual alignment allows USACE to remain flexible and scalable, matching personnel with the skills needed for a particular mission while preserving organizational discipline and professional development within each function.
The Matrix Model in Practice
In the Buffalo District, matrix teams are deployed across a range of scenarios — from civil works projects like levees and navigation systems to environmental infrastructure, interagency and international services, and environmental remediation of sites contaminated by the Manhattan Project and early atomic energy program activities.
Each project is led by a project manager who is responsible for delivering scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder coordination. The project manager draws on the expertise of staff from various divisions, including engineering, construction, planning, real estate, contracting, environmental, legal, and public affairs — assembling a multidisciplinary team for the duration of the project.
In the delivery of the Ohio Environmental Infrastructure Program, matrix teams typically contribute to the project while continuing to support other ongoing assignments. This allows the district to nimbly shift resources based on project demand without needing to reorganize its structure or hire additional personnel.
As one of the newer project managers in the district, Kelsey McElwain has gained a valuable perspective on the use of matrix teams across her diverse project portfolio.
“The matrix model is one of the most effective approaches to initiate expedited decision-making on project deliverables,” she said.
Benefits of the Matrix Approach
Efficient resource utilization:
The matrix model enables USACE to assign technical experts to multiple projects simultaneously. This not only reduces redundancy but also ensures that specialized knowledge — such as hydrologic modeling or hazardous waste remediation — is deployed where it is most needed.
Enhanced collaboration:
Matrix teams promote communication and coordination across disciplines, leading to more holistic and innovative solutions. For instance, by involving construction staff early in design, the team can identify constructability issues before they become costly problems.
Flexibility and responsiveness:
When project requirements shift — as they often do in response to changing stakeholder needs or environmental conditions — matrix teams can reconfigure more easily than teams tied to rigid departmental structures. This flexibility is especially critical during disaster response missions, when speed and coordination across functions are paramount.
Professional development:
Working on matrix teams exposes employees to diverse perspectives and project types, enhancing their technical and leadership skills. It also fosters a culture of shared accountability and continuous learning, which aligns with USACE’s commitment to workforce development.
Proven Mission Success
From rebuilding after natural disasters to restoring ecosystems, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to deliver projects vital to the nation’s infrastructure and resilience. At the heart of this success is the matrix team model — a flexible, collaborative approach that brings together the right expertise at the right time to meet evolving challenges.
In the Buffalo District, matrix teams aren’t just an organizational structure — they are a driving force behind innovation and mission success, enabling USACE to respond effectively to today’s needs while building for tomorrow.
The Buffalo District delivers world-class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region, the Army and the Nation to ensure national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war. Learn more at www.lrb.usace.army.mil/buffalo.
For 250 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of the nation’s engineering excellence, responding when called. From constructing fortifications during the Revolutionary War, to building the infrastructure that saw America’s strength grow militarily and economically, USACE’s mission has always been to deliver engineering solutions for our nation’s toughest challenges. Learn more at www.usace.army.mil/Home/250th.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2025 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 548910 |
| Location: | BUFFALO, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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