Electronics Engineering
Performs professional electronics engineering work in design, development, and testing of electronic systems and components.
💰GS-0855 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-0855
Electronics Engineering Basic Requirements
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, or related field with emphasis on electronic circuits and systems.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of electronics engineering including analog/digital circuits, signal processing, communications.
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-0855
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal electronics 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-0855
Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Engineer
GS-0855 Electronics Engineering is the federal home for the sensor-integration and electronics-systems engineering a 2651 performs. Carries a positive education requirement at higher grades.
Electromagnetic Warfare Specialist
GS-0855 Electronics Engineering is the core federal home for RF, radar, and EW system design. Degree-holding 17Es map here directly.
Cryptologic Technician Maintenance
GS-0855 Electronics Engineering opens up with an engineering degree. CTMs with strong technical coursework can move from bench repair toward systems engineering.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design electronic circuits and systems
- •Develop embedded systems and firmware
- •Conduct electronic testing and troubleshooting
- •Analyze signal processing requirements
- •Design PCB layouts
- •Integrate electronic components
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in designing analog and digital electronic circuits.
Knowledge of signal processing techniques and systems.
Understanding of RF, wireless, and communications technologies.
Proficiency in using electronic test and measurement equipment.
Skill in printed circuit board design and layout.
Ability to diagnose and repair electronic systems.
Knowledge of electronic components and specifications.
Understanding of electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0855
What is a federal Electronics Engineer?
GS-0855 Electronics Engineers design electronic circuits and systems: radar, communications, avionics, weapons systems, and test equipment. They work at Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, Army labs, NASA, and agencies requiring advanced electronics expertise.
How much does a federal Electronics Engineer make?
GS-0855 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 reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-0855 positions?
A professional electrical or electronics engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in circuit design, signal processing, RF systems, or embedded electronics needed for higher grades. Security clearance often required for weapons/classified work.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0855?
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military electronics engineering experience is highly valued. Engineers who worked on radar, avionics, communications, or weapons systems with degrees transition directly. Your systems expertise and security clearance are major advantages.
What is the career progression for Electronics Engineers?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-13, and technical directors at GS-14/15. Navy, Air Force, Army labs, and NASA offer strong electronics engineering paths. Specialization in RF, avionics, or weapons systems enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0855 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Electronics Engineer.' Navy, Air Force, Army, and NASA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, specific systems experience (radar, avionics, communications), and security clearance. Veterans with electronics engineering backgrounds are highly valued for cleared positions.
Ready to Apply for GS-0855?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.