General Engineering
Performs professional engineering work not covered by other engineering series. Applies engineering principles across multiple disciplines.
💰GS-0801 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0801
Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
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:
- Thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering
- Good understanding of engineering sciences and techniques and their applications
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0801
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general engineering position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0801
Developmental Engineer
Direct match for general engineer.
Engineering Duty Officer
Engineering management. Highlight naval engineering, program management, and technical leadership.
Space Acquisition Engineer
General engineer.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Apply engineering principles to design and analysis
- •Conduct engineering studies and investigations
- •Prepare engineering specifications and drawings
- •Review and evaluate engineering projects
- •Provide technical engineering guidance
- •Coordinate with other engineering disciplines
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0801
What is a federal General Engineer?
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.
How much does a federal General Engineer make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-0801 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0801?
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.
What is the career progression for General Engineers?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0801 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0801?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.