The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced the creation of the "US Tech Force," a new initiative designed to recruit 1,000 early-career technology and artificial intelligence specialists into federal government roles. The program aims to address a significant talent gap in the public sector and accelerate the modernization of government systems.
The two-year program will place software engineers, data scientists, and AI experts across various federal agencies to work on high-impact projects. It represents a major effort by the government to compete with the private sector for top technology talent.
Key Takeaways
- The US government is launching the "US Tech Force" to hire 1,000 early-career tech professionals.
- The program offers a two-year placement with salaries ranging from $130,000 to $195,000.
- It is a collaboration between the Office of Personnel Management and major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta.
- Participants will work on critical projects involving AI, data science, and software engineering within various federal agencies.
A New Strategy in the War for Talent
The federal government is intensifying its efforts to attract skilled technology professionals through a new early-career hiring program. The "US Tech Force," spearheaded by the Office of Personnel Management, is a direct response to the growing competition for talent in fields like artificial intelligence and data science.
Scott Kupor, the director of OPM, stated that the initiative is designed to fill a critical technical talent gap within the federal workforce. The program's launch comes as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to integrate advanced technology across government operations and maintain a competitive edge globally.
"If you’re thinking about, long term, a career in technology, there is no bigger and more complex set of problems than we face in the federal government," Kupor explained during a press call announcing the program.
The administration sees this initiative as a key component of its technology modernization strategy, which also includes the AI action plan signed by President Donald Trump in July. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of tech experts who can drive innovation from within the government.
Program Structure and Private Sector Collaboration
The US Tech Force is structured as a two-year fellowship. OPM will manage the initial recruitment and technical assessment of candidates before recommending them to individual agencies for final interviews and placement. Applications opened on Monday, with the first cohort expected to be in place by the first quarter of 2026.
A unique aspect of the program is its deep collaboration with the private sector. OPM has partnered with approximately 25 technology companies, including industry giants such as Microsoft, Adobe, Amazon, Meta, and xAI.
A Public-Private Partnership
These corporate partners will not only help promote the program but will also provide mentorship and career planning advice to the participants. The collaboration includes a speaker series featuring Silicon Valley CEOs and other executives, offering cohort members direct exposure to industry leaders.
Furthermore, the program encourages a flow of talent between sectors. Tech companies will recommend some of their own early-career managers to take a leave of absence to join the Tech Force, bringing valuable private-sector experience into government roles.
Competitive Salaries and High-Impact Projects
To attract top candidates who might otherwise choose lucrative private-sector jobs, the US Tech Force offers competitive compensation. Salaries for participants are expected to range from approximately $130,000 to $195,000.
"There is an incredible race for talent in these areas … so part of what we want to do is be competitive on compensation," Kupor noted. He emphasized that the experience gained would also be a significant draw for applicants.
What Tech Force Members Will Do
Participants will be assigned to specific agencies to work on projects critical to national interests. Examples of potential assignments include:
- Department of Defense: Integrating advanced AI into drones and other weapons systems.
- Internal Revenue Service: Building out the new Trump Accounts digital platform.
- State Department: Using AI to enhance intelligence gathering and analysis.
These roles offer a chance to work on complex, large-scale challenges that are unique to the public sector. The hands-on experience is designed to be a powerful career accelerator for participants.
Building a Career Path Beyond the Program
The US Tech Force is not just a two-year assignment; it is designed as a launchpad for future opportunities in both the public and private sectors. At the conclusion of the program, OPM will host a job fair for the cohort.
This event will connect participants with hiring managers from various federal agencies, offering a clear path to long-term government careers. It will also include representatives from private-sector partners, providing a bridge back to corporate roles for those who choose that route.
Kupor highlighted this dual-pathway benefit, suggesting that participants will be highly sought after upon completion. "They’re going to learn a bunch, they’re going to tackle really complex problems, and then they can ultimately go back to the private sector, if that’s what they want to do, and certainly will have the opportunity to maximize their financial opportunity as a result," he said.
By creating this flexible career trajectory, the government hopes to make public service a more attractive and viable option for the nation's brightest emerging tech talent, ultimately strengthening its technological capabilities for years to come.