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Positions that involve technical work supporting professional engineers in design, testing, and maintenance of engineering systems.
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-0802
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:
ā¢ Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
ā¢ Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated.
OR
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal engineering technician 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-0802
Premium aviation experience. White House Military Office, Secret Service hire.
Engineering technician pathway.
F-35 experience highly valued. Lockheed Martin, DoD depots actively recruit.
š” Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents as applied to specific engineering disciplines.
Ability to prepare and interpret engineering drawings and sketches.
Skill in operating testing equipment and calibrating instruments.
Ability to conduct tests accurately and record data precisely.
Ability to prepare technical reports and maintain documentation.
Ability to analyze test results and identify issues with equipment and systems.
š” Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0802 Engineering Technicians support professional engineers with technical work: preparing drawings, conducting tests, operating equipment, assisting with calculations, maintaining documentation, and inspecting systems. They work across all engineering disciplines at Army Corps, NAVFAC, Air Force, and other federal engineering organizations.
GS-0802 follows a one-grade interval typically ranging from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-11 ($63,163-$82,108). Most positions are GS-7 to GS-9 ($42,679-$67,865). Senior technicians and leads reach GS-10/11. Add locality pay of 15-40% plus federal benefits.
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general experience or 2 years of post-high school education. Higher grades require specialized technical experience in drafting, testing, or engineering support. Associate's degree in engineering technology or related field strengthens applications.
Yes. Military engineering technician experience directly qualifies. Combat engineers, construction specialists, equipment operators, and technical MOSs provide excellent preparation. Your experience with drawings, testing, equipment maintenance, and technical documentation translates directly to these positions.
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-9/10/11. Lead technicians reach GS-10/11. Some pursue engineering degrees to transition to professional engineer series (GS-08xx). Specialization in CAD, surveying, or quality control enhances advancement. Federal agencies offer tuition assistance.
Search USAJOBS for 'Engineering Technician' or specific specialties like 'Civil Engineering Technician.' Army Corps, NAVFAC, and Air Force Civil Engineer are major employers. Emphasize your technical skills, drafting/CAD experience, and testing background. Veterans with engineering MOSs have directly applicable qualifications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.