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Performs professional aerospace engineering work in design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related 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-0861
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, or related field.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of aerospace engineering sciences including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flight mechanics.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal aerospace 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-0861
Aerospace Engineering path with additional education.
Aircraft systems knowledge valuable. Aerospace engineering technician roles available. FAA A&P recommended.
Power plant and propulsion experience. Engineering technician path or additional education for engineering roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of aerodynamic principles and aircraft performance.
Understanding of jet engines, rockets, and propulsion technologies.
Ability to analyze aerospace structural loads and materials.
Knowledge of flight dynamics and control systems.
Skill in integrating complex aerospace systems.
Ability to plan and conduct aerospace testing programs.
Knowledge of FAA, NASA, and DoD aerospace standards.
Skill in preparing aerospace technical reports and specifications.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0861 Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and related systems. They conduct aerodynamic analysis, develop propulsion systems, perform flight testing, and analyze spacecraft requirements. They work at NASA, Air Force, Navy, Army, and defense contractors support.
GS-0861 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 program managers reach GS-13/14/15. Add locality pay.
A professional aerospace or mechanical engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, or flight systems needed for higher grades. Security clearance required for most DOD and classified NASA work.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military aerospace experience is highly valued. Air Force flight test engineers, Navy aviation engineers, and Army aviation specialists with degrees transition directly. Your aircraft/spacecraft systems knowledge and 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. NASA, Air Force, and Navy offer premier aerospace engineering careers. Specialization in propulsion, structures, or flight dynamics enhances advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Aerospace Engineer.' NASA, Air Force, Navy, and Army are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, specific systems experience (propulsion, structures, flight test), and security clearance. Veterans with aerospace backgrounds are highly valued for cleared positions.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.