UPDATE 2-URS 3rd quarter profit tops views, raises outlook

* Q3 EPS 79 cents vs 67 cents expected by Wall Street

* 2009 EPS guidance raised to $3.32 to $3.42

* Backlog $17.9 bln vs $18.1 bln end Q2

* Shares down about 4 pct after-hours after initial rise

(Adds shares, company comment, background, byline)

By Braden Reddall

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Engineering company URS Corp (URS.N) posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday and raised its 2009 outlook, while forecasting more growth next year, boosted by U.S. government spending.

Chief Executive Martin Koffel reported strong growth in its federal sector, including work for the U.S. Defense and Energy departments. This, along with stability in its infrastructure business, offset weakness on the power and industrial side.

Third-quarter net profit was $64.8 million, or 79 cents per share, compared with $65.8 million, or 77 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue fell 10 percent to $2.32 billion.