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Performs professional electrical engineering work in design, development, and testing of electrical systems and equipment.
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-0850
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or related field.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of electrical engineering principles including circuits, electromagnetics, power systems.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal electrical 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-0850
Electrical engineering pathway.
Electrical engineering pathway.
Strong electrical background. Seabee training is highly regarded. Engineering technician path available.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in designing electrical circuits and systems.
Knowledge of power generation, distribution, and transmission.
Understanding of control theory and instrumentation.
Knowledge of electromagnetic theory and applications.
Understanding of NEC and electrical safety standards.
Ability to test electrical systems and analyze results.
Proficiency in electrical design software.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and resolve issues.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0850 Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems: power distribution, control systems, facility electrical, and specialized equipment. They work at Navy shipyards, Air Force bases, Army Corps, DOE, and agencies requiring electrical system expertise.
GS-0850 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior engineers and technical directors. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Project leads and supervisors reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
A professional electrical engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. PE licensure preferred for senior positions. Experience in power systems, controls, facility electrical, or specific systems needed for higher grades.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military electrical engineering experience is highly valued. Navy nuclear ETs with degrees, Air Force electrical engineers, and Army power generation specialists transition well. Your systems experience and security clearance are significant advantages.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors at GS-14/15. PE licensure accelerates advancement. Navy shipyards, Air Force, DOE, and NASA offer strong electrical engineering career paths with cutting-edge projects.
Search USAJOBS for 'Electrical Engineer.' Navy, Air Force, DOE, and NASA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, PE license if held, and specific systems experience (power, controls, facility). Veterans with electrical engineering backgrounds and clearances are highly valued.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.