Loading...
Loading...
Performs professional engineering work not covered by other engineering series. Applies engineering principles across multiple disciplines.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0801
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university. OR degree in related curriculum such as physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, or similar field if it provides thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering.
Option B - Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished:
Acceptable education includes courses in engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other physical and biological sciences.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general engineering position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0801
Engineering management. Highlight naval engineering, program management, and technical leadership.
Engineer Officers in the Army are responsible for planning and executing engineering projects, which aligns closely with the duties of a General Engineer in the federal government.
Direct match for general engineer.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to analyze complex engineering problems and develop solutions.
Skill in designing systems, equipment, and structures using engineering principles.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage engineering projects.
Skill in preparing engineering reports, specifications, and drawings.
Ability to identify engineering issues and implement effective solutions.
Knowledge of engineering standards and quality control procedures.
Skill in communicating technical information to diverse audiences.
Commitment to staying current with engineering advances and technologies.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0801 General Engineers perform professional engineering work spanning multiple disciplines. They design systems, conduct studies, prepare specifications, review projects, and provide technical guidance. This series covers engineers whose work crosses traditional boundaries or doesn't fit specialized series like civil or mechanical.
GS-0801 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior engineers and technical directors. Most journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Supervisory and program manager positions reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
A professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. Alternatively, PE license, passing the FE exam plus experience, or specific coursework combinations may qualify. Higher grades require specialized engineering experience in design, analysis, or project management.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military engineering experience is highly valued. Corps of Engineers officers, Navy Civil Engineer Corps, and engineering MOSs with degrees transition directly. Your project management, leadership, and field engineering experience complement required education perfectly.
Entry at GS-5/7 for new graduates, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors/supervisors at GS-14/15. PE licensure enhances advancement. Army Corps of Engineers, Navy, Air Force, and DOE offer robust engineering career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'General Engineer' or 'Engineer.' Major employers include Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC, Air Force Civil Engineer, DOE, and NASA. Highlight your engineering degree, PE license if held, and relevant project experience. Veterans with engineering backgrounds are highly valued.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.