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Federal engineering position performing professional computer engineering work in hardware design, systems architecture, embedded systems, and computer systems integration for government agencies.
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-0854
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal computer 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-0854
Army IT Specialists often work with computer systems integration and hardware, making them well-suited for roles in computer engineering.
Computer engineering pathway. System architecture and design.
Computer engineering pathway.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.