Loading...
Loading...
Performs professional industrial engineering work in process improvement, operations research, and systems optimization.
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 |
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-0896
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, or related field.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of industrial engineering sciences including operations research, ergonomics, production systems, quality engineering.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal industrial 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-0896
Civil Engineers in the Air Force often work on facility layouts and process optimization, which are key components of industrial engineering.
Engineering Aids assist in planning and designing projects, which can translate to process improvement and production planning skills.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to analyze and improve production processes.
Knowledge of optimization and analytical methods.
Skill in developing quality control systems and standards.
Understanding of human factors and workplace design.
Ability to plan and schedule manufacturing operations.
Knowledge of lean principles and waste reduction.
Skill in analyzing production data and metrics.
Ability to manage industrial engineering projects.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0896 Industrial Engineers improve operational processes, conduct work measurement studies, design facility layouts, develop production standards, and implement Lean/Six Sigma methodologies. They work at DOD depots, shipyards, manufacturing facilities, and agencies optimizing operations.
GS-0896 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior engineers and program managers. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Production managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
A professional industrial engineering degree (ABET-accredited) is mandatory—positive education requirement. Experience in process improvement, operations research, or quality engineering needed for higher grades. Lean Six Sigma certification enhances competitiveness.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military industrial engineering experience is highly valued. Logistics, manufacturing, depot maintenance, and production control engineers with degrees transition directly. Your process improvement and efficiency experience is invaluable.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-12/13, and program managers at GS-13/14. Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, and Army manufacturing facilities offer strong industrial engineering career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Industrial Engineer' or 'Manufacturing Engineer.' Navy shipyards, Air Force depots, and DLA are major employers. Highlight your ABET degree, Lean Six Sigma certification, and process improvement accomplishments. Veterans with logistics/production backgrounds are valued.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.