The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced the launch of the “US Tech Force,” a government hiring initiative designed to bring early-career AI and tech professionals into federal agencies.
The two-year program aims to attract 1,000 software engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and project managers to support key government projects and address hiring shortages across the public sector.
Created as part of the White House’s effort to modernize federal systems, the initiative offers mentorship from major tech companies and access to impactful projects within federal departments.
Applications for the first cohort open immediately, with most roles expected to be filled by early 2026.
Why It Matters: The government is looking to draw talent into public service by offering high-impact work. The Tech Force is intended to help agencies keep pace with developments in artificial intelligence while encouraging a new generation of workers to contribute to public-sector innovation.
- Two-Year Government Roles for Early-Career Talent: The US Tech Force will hire 1,000 individuals at the beginning stages of their tech careers to fill roles across federal agencies. These hires will work on defined projects within departments such as the Department of Defense, the Internal Revenue Service, and the State Department. The focus is on individuals with technical backgrounds who will be embedded directly within agencies to support real-world applications of emerging technology.
- Partnerships with Major Technology Companies for Mentorship and Training: The program includes collaboration with around 25 private companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Adobe, and xAI, to provide professional development and mentorship. Throughout the two years, participants will hear from executives and technical leaders who will offer guidance on both career development and the application of new technologies in government work.
- High-Priority Federal Projects Involving AI and Emerging Tech: Participants will contribute to federal technology efforts that involve using AI in national defense systems and improving intelligence gathering and analysis at the State Department, among other uses. These projects, designed by agency leadership, are intended to give participants meaningful exposure to the use of cutting-edge technology in public service settings.
- Competitive Salaries to Attract Private-Sector Talent: To compete with offers from private companies, the Tech Force program is offering salaries ranging from approximately $130,000 to $195,000. This compensation is designed to help federal agencies bring in talent that might otherwise choose employment with large tech firms offering high-paying roles and generous perks.
- Post-Program Career Access to Government and Industry Opportunities: At the end of the two-year period, members of the Tech Force will have access to a job fair featuring both public and private sector employers. The OPM’s goal is to ensure that participants leave the program with valuable experience that can be applied in future roles, whether they continue in government or return to the private sector with additional credentials and project work on their resumes.
Go Deeper -> US government launches ‘Tech Force’ to hire AI talent – CNN
