January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
December 16, 2025
The Trump administration has announced a groundbreaking program, US Tech Force, aimed at bringing top-tier tech talent into federal agencies. The initiative plans to recruit approximately 1,000 engineers, AI specialists, and data scientists for two-year fellowships, offering salaries between $150,000 and $200,000 per year.
The program is designed to bolster government technology capacity in areas such as artificial intelligence, app development, and data modernization, responding to years of staff reductions that have weakened federal digital capabilities.
Unlike traditional government hiring, Tech Force does not require a college degree or prior work experience. Instead, applicants are evaluated on practical skills, including hands-on projects, certifications, problem-solving ability, and commitment to public service. Successful candidates, known as fellows, will be placed across departments including Defense, Treasury, State, Energy, the IRS, and health agencies.
OPM Director Scott Kupor emphasized that the program provides a unique opportunity to work on nationally significant projects while paving the way for future careers in both government and the private sector.
To ensure participants are prepared for critical roles, the government has partnered with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Oracle, and Palantir. These companies will provide mentorship, technical training, and potential employment opportunities after participants complete their federal service. Fellows will work as full-time government employees under federal ethics guidelines.
Applications opened this week, with the first cohort expected to begin by March 2026. While some critics question overlaps with past initiatives and conflict-of-interest safeguards, the administration maintains that the program is central to keeping the US competitive in AI and emerging technologies.
