Computer Engineering
Federal engineering position performing professional computer engineering work in hardware design, systems architecture, embedded systems, and computer systems integration for government agencies.
💰GS-0854 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-0854
Computer Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related field with significant computer hardware/software coursework.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of computer engineering principles including digital systems, computer architecture, hardware-software integration.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
🎖️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-0854
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal computer 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-0854
Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Engineer
GS-0854 Computer Engineering covers the hardware, dataflow, and systems-integration side of the 2651 role. Degree-gated at higher grades.
Information Security Technician
Marines with hands-on system and cryptographic device work can target GS-0854 Computer Engineering where a qualifying technical background applies.
Electronics Technician
Computer Engineering series. ETs with digital systems, embedded computing, or advanced C School training in computer-based combat systems have relevant background. Degree typically required for professional series.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design computer systems
- •Develop hardware specifications
- •Test computer components
- •Integrate hardware and software
- •Troubleshoot system issues
- •Evaluate new technologies
- •Manage engineering projects
- •Prepare technical documentation
- •Ensure system performance
- •Coordinate with vendors
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of digital logic design and computer architecture.
Skill in designing embedded systems and microcontrollers.
Ability to design computer hardware and circuit boards.
Skill in developing firmware and device drivers.
Ability to integrate hardware and software systems.
Skill in testing and debugging computer systems.
Understanding of computer networks and protocols.
Ability to prepare technical specifications and documentation.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0854
What is a federal Computer Engineer?
GS-0854 Computer Engineers design hardware systems, develop embedded systems, integrate hardware and software, and architect computer systems. They work at NSA, DOD, NASA, and agencies requiring advanced computing hardware expertise. This differs from IT Specialist (2210) which focuses on operations.
How much does a federal Computer Engineer make?
GS-0854 follows a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11/12/13+. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422), senior engineers at GS-13/14 ($90,025-$138,296). Technical leads at NSA and DOD can reach GS-15. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-0854 positions?
A professional computer engineering or electrical engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in digital systems, embedded systems, hardware design, and firmware development needed for higher grades. Security clearance often required.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0854?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military computer engineering experience is highly valued. Signal Corps, Navy IT, and Air Force computer systems engineers with degrees transition directly. Your embedded systems and security experience are significant advantages for cleared positions.
What is the career progression for Computer Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical leads at GS-14/15. NSA, DOD agencies, and NASA offer strong computer engineering paths. Specialization in embedded systems, cybersecurity hardware, or AI accelerators enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0854 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Computer Engineer.' NSA, Army, Navy, and NASA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, hardware design experience, and security clearance. Veterans with computer engineering backgrounds and active clearances have significant advantages for DOD positions.
Ready to Apply for GS-0854?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.