Home / Federal careers / GS-0861
Aerospace Engineering
Performs professional aerospace engineering work in design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
What GS-0861 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0861, as written.
Aerospace Engineering Basic Requirements
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-0861
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Tactical Aircraft Maintenance
Direct match for aerospace engineering technician roles. Hands-on fighter aircraft maintenance qualifies for journeyman-level positions.
Skills that carry over: Aircraft systems maintenance, Troubleshooting, Technical documentation, Quality assurance inspections.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Space Launch Operations
Aerospace Engineering path with additional education.
Skills that carry over: Aerospace Systems, Launch Systems, Engineering Support.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
Aircraft systems knowledge valuable. Aerospace engineering technician roles available. FAA A&P recommended.
Skills that carry over: Aircraft Maintenance, Helicopter Systems, Safety Procedures.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Design aerospace vehicles and systems
- Conduct aerodynamic and structural analysis
- Develop propulsion systems
- Perform flight testing and evaluation
- Analyze spacecraft mission requirements
- Review aerospace specifications
Key competencies
Aerodynamics
Knowledge of aerodynamic principles and aircraft performance.
Propulsion Systems
Understanding of jet engines, rockets, and propulsion technologies.
Structural Analysis
Ability to analyze aerospace structural loads and materials.
Flight Mechanics
Knowledge of flight dynamics and control systems.
Systems Engineering
Skill in integrating complex aerospace systems.
Testing and Evaluation
Ability to plan and conduct aerospace testing programs.
Regulatory Compliance
Knowledge of FAA, NASA, and DoD aerospace standards.
Technical Documentation
Skill in preparing aerospace technical reports and specifications.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0861
What is a federal Aerospace Engineer?
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.
How much does a federal Aerospace Engineer make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0861 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0861?
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.
What is the career progression for Aerospace Engineers?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0861 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0861?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.