The Trump administration partners with major tech giants including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft in an ambitious federal hiring initiative.
The Trump administration on Monday unveiled an ambitious new initiative to recruit top technology and artificial intelligence talent into federal government service, announcing the launch of the "US Tech Force" program.
The Office of Personnel Management, spearheading the initiative, plans to hire an initial cohort of approximately 1,000 early-career software engineers, data scientists, project managers, and AI experts for two-year placements across federal agencies.
"If you're thinking about, long term, a career in technology, there is no bigger and more complex set of problems than we face in the federal government," said OPM Director Scott Kupor in a press call ahead of the announcement.
Major Tech Companies On Board
The program has secured partnerships with more than two dozen technology companies, including Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google Public Sector, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, Palantir, Salesforce, Meta, and Elon Musk's xAI. These companies will provide mentorship, training, and career development opportunities to program participants.
The NobleReach Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit that connects tech talent across government, industry, and academia, has been named a founding partner to help administer the program and deploy its pipeline of skilled candidates.
Competitive Compensation
Salaries for Tech Force members are expected to range from approximately $130,000 to $195,000 — a deliberate move to compete with private sector compensation packages in the intensifying war for AI talent.
"There is an incredible race for talent in these areas… so part of what we want to do is be competitive on compensation," Kupor explained.
High-Stakes Projects
Program participants will work on projects including incorporating advanced AI into drones and weapons systems at the Department of Defense, developing the Trump Accounts platform at the Internal Revenue Service, and enhancing intelligence capabilities at the State Department.
The technologists will be deployed across multiple agencies, including the departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Energy, and the General Services Administration.
Private Sector Bridge
A distinctive feature of the program involves private sector engineering managers taking leaves of absence from their companies to serve in government roles. These participants will become full-time government employees during their service but will not be required to divest from their stock holdings.
The program will conclude with a job fair offering participants access to both public and private sector opportunities, with OPM hoping most participants will be placed in roles by the end of March 2026.
Questions About Timing and Conflicts
The initiative comes at a notable moment. The administration's earlier efforts, including the controversial Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, resulted in significant workforce reductions across federal technology units. The General Services Administration dismantled 18F, an internal tech consultancy, in March, while the IRS had lost over 2,000 tech workers by June.
The arrangement allowing private sector employees to serve temporarily while maintaining company ties has also raised eyebrows. "My first question with any programs like this are, 'What are the rules that are in place to guard against conflicts of interest?'" said Rob Shriver, former acting OPM director and current managing director of Civil Service Strong at Democracy Forward.
Kupor dismissed such concerns, telling reporters the administration has thoroughly examined potential conflict issues and doesn't believe they will impede recruitment.
Applications Now Open
Applications opened Monday, with Kupor stating his goal is to have the first cohort on board by the end of March. Positions will be posted on USA Jobs, and while roles are primarily based in Washington, D.C., remote work options will depend on agency needs.
"Come work on literally the world's most complex and difficult problems," Kupor urged potential applicants. "There is no bigger and more complex set of problems than we face in the federal government."
