OPM established the United States Tech Force to recruit top technologists to modernize the federal government. This new organization is a government-wide effort to surge teams of top engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders to tackle the government’s most complex and large-scale challenges.
This group will collaborate with leading private-sector technology companies, and participants will receive technical training and work closely with senior industry managers.
OPM Director Scott Kupor said. “If you want to help your country lead in the age of rapid technological advancement, we need you. Tech Force offers the chance to build and lead projects of national importance, while creating powerful career opportunities in both public service and the private sector.”
Implementation
This effort is designed to fast-track all of the President’s growth initiatives from onshoring production and AI to space exploration and everything in between. The Tech Force will ensure the federal government has the talent to modernize its technology systems, and it will serve as the medium that seamlessly integrates these diverse fields.
“Tech Force is America’s elite corps for the AI revolution, mobilizing the nation’s best minds to lead on digital frontlines, defend our global edge and secure our future in technological leadership,” US Federal CIO Gregory Barbaccia said. “
OPM announced 29 initial private-sector partners for Tech Force, including key industry players such as Amazon Web Services, Dell Technologies, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, and Zoom. Over time, OPM intends to expand this list.
What is the U.S. Tech Force?
The U.S. Tech Force will consist of up to 1,000 fellows who will provide agencies with top technical talent to serve 1- or 2-year fellowships with the federal government. They will be hired and funded by the acquiring agencies. The Fellows will include early-career candidates and experienced managers hired from the private sector.
It will also include experienced technical managers from the private sector, who will lead and mentor the larger team of early-career technologists, with the teams reporting directly to the agency head or designee.
Compensation is based on experience level and agency placement. Annual salaries are expected to be in the $150,000 to $200,000 range. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and eligibility for performance-based awards.
The intent is for this program to rapidly provide Federal agencies with specialized technical expertise in emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. They are looking for expertise in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, or technical project management. Strong problem-solving abilities and a passion for public service are essential.
Applying for a Fellowship
The first step is to agree to share your profile with Tech Force, submit an initial application, complete a technical assessment, schedule potential interviews with agency leadership, and undergo a background check. After you agree to Share Your Profile, you have to agree to the privacy terms and then create an account on USAJOBS through the government’s LOGIN.GOV portal.
You must submit your interest via the application portal after you have posted a USAJOBS profile. When relevant Tech Force job openings are posted, you’ll receive notifications with links that you can use to apply.
Most positions are based in Washington, D.C., though some may be at agency locations nationwide. Remote work options vary by agency and role.
Agencies will fill positions as soon as possible, on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as application links are available.
Initial Reply From USAJOBS
After I entered my name and email address on their ” Share Your Profile ” page, they sent the following email describing the following steps:
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We’re glad you’re interested in joining the U.S. Tech Force Talent Network. Once you join, you’ll receive information about relevant jobs and other insights about this agency.
How to join
To join this Talent Network, you must finish sharing your USAJOBS profile. If you don’t have a profile, you’ll have an opportunity to create one by following the link below and selecting Create an account when directed to the Login.Gov sign-in page.
Getting the most out of this Talent Network
Recruiters use information from your USAJOBS profile and the resume you’ve uploaded to send you job opportunities that are relevant to you. To get the most out of this Talent Network, complete your profile and share an updated copy of your resume with U.S. Tech Force.
We look forward to sharing exciting opportunities that align with your career interests.
Thank you for joining our Talent Network.
Sincerely,
U.S. Tech Force
To make sure you get USAJOBS emails to your inbox (and not your spam) add ‘notifications@usajobs.gov’ to your address book.
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Employment after the Internship Ends
Participants who complete their internships can apply for employment with private sector partners, seek continued employment in federal service, or leverage their experience for other career opportunities.
Fellows will network with the most prestigious technical companies and federal agencies, and they will have abundant opportunities to continue working in the federal service or pursue careers elsewhere if desired.
Final Thoughts
The Federal government faces a significant skills gap in data science. The use of AI throughout government requires modernization and enhanced data practices. Without expedited programs such as U.S. Tech Force, the Federal government will continue to lag behind private industry in the adoption of AI, enhanced cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering.
The Data Scientist Fellows Program will help close this critical skills gap. OPM will begin the Data Science Fellows Program in Spring 2026 through a cross-governmental competitive hiring action, initially targeting 250 Fellows across government. It can expand to 1,000 as the program evolves.
Those who apply early and complete their online application will be ahead of the game and have opportunities to network with the most advanced tech companies and Federal government agencies. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for those accepted into this prestigious program.
