Engineering Jobs in the Federal Government
It was federal engineers who:
- Made it possible for humankind to travel in space and for spacecraft to explore the universe
- Planned and completed the reconstruction of damaged proportions of the Pentagon within one year of the attack
- Arrested a cholera epidemic in India and developed wastewater treatment systems in Third World countries
- Developed hydroelectric power and new methods of flood control on the nation’s rivers
Many Federal Agencies Offer Attractive Bonuses and Accelerated Promotions
Federal agencies are increasingly offering bonuses and promotion programs for new employees that rival those of the private sector.
- Recruitment Bonuses: Agencies may pay a recruitment bonus of up to 25% of the base salary to a new employee if the position is hard to fill
- Relocation Bonuses: Agencies may pay a relocation bonus of up to 25% of base pay to an employee who must relocate for the position
- Accelerated Promotions: Agencies may offer a one-time accelerated promotion for entry level hires
Examples of these types of benefits in practice include:
- The National Nuclear Security Administration’s Future Leaders Program offers a recruitment bonus of $6,000 and GS employees may receive an accelerated promotion after the first six months of employment.
- At the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office new entry level Patent Examiners are eligible for a one-time accelerated promotion after six months.
- Candidates who enter the Professional Development Program with the Federal Highway Administration will be offered travel and relocation assistance to cover their initial move. Recipients of this assistance must agree to commit a minimum of one year of service.
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USAJOBS.
Aerospace Technology Engineer at NASA
- Salary Range: $44,176 - $66,439
- Duty Locations: Various locations
- Summary: NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. Creativity. Ambition. Teamwork. A sense of daring. And a probing mind. That's what it takes to join NASA.
- Major Duties: Engage in research, development, test and evaluation of fluid and flight mechanics pertaining to aerospace and aeronautical vehicles. Investigate the force and motion mechanics of vehicles in atmospheric and celestial environments, analysis of aircraft and spacecraft fluid flow and fight mechanics problems, and the effects of structural vibrations and noise on the design and operation of vehicles.
General Engineer at the Department of Defense
- Salary Range: $37,073 - $59,704
- Duty Locations: Santa Clara County, CA
- Summary: The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is an independent combat support agency within the Department of Defense (DoD). We are the DoD's contract manager, responsible for ensuring Federal acquisition programs are delivered on time within projected cost or price, and meet performance requirements.
- Major Duties: Perform contract reviews, review production activities in regards to contract quality requirements and Inspect products for quality.
Job Opportunities at National Laboratories
In addition to many job opportunities in the federal government agencies, students with advanced degrees in engineering can also find opportunities at National Laboratories. National Laboratories are funded by the government (e.g., Department of Energy) but operated by non-governmental private firms or universities. They are world-renowned research and development centers with a tradition of pursuing knowledge at the frontiers of science and a long history of excellence in a range of fields, including the basic sciences, applied energy research, and weapons-related technologies. Below are the major National Laboratories. Visit the respective Web sites for information on job and career opportunities.
Major National Labratories
- Ames Laboratory
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
- Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- National Energy Technology Laboratory
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
- Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Engineering Positions by Field
Field |
Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions | Projected Hires FY 2010-2012 |
|---|---|---|
General Engineering |
23,737 | 2,147 |
Electronics Engineering |
19,849 | 3,173 |
Technical Engineering |
16,431 | -- |
Civil Engineering |
12,224 | 1,304 |
Mechanical Engineering |
11,608 | 157 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10
Percentage of Engineering Positions by Region
Source: Fedscope 03/10
Number of Engineering Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Defense |
88,509 |
National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
10,936 |
Department of Transportation |
5,838 |
Department of Agriculture |
3,720 |
Department of the Interior |
3,251 |
Department of Energy |
3,203 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
2,321 |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
1,893 |