The U.S. government has launched a drive to recruit 1,000 engineers into two-year federal posts, prioritizing AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and software engineering skills. Scott Kupor of the Office of Personnel Management said hires will work on agency projects, including a digital platform for a children's savings account program, with a target to onboard the first cohort by March 31. The initiative is tied to the Trump administration's AI agenda and names like Apple, Google and Nvidia have pledged to consider program alumni. Kupor contrasted the plan with a similar Biden-era effort that produced about 200 hires, roughly 75 of whom remain in government roles.
U.S. Launches Drive To Recruit 1,000 Engineers For Two-Year Federal AI And Tech Roles
FILE PHOTO: Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Artificial Intelligence AI" in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration//File Photo
The U.S. government on Monday announced a recruitment drive to hire 1,000 engineers into two-year federal positions, prioritizing candidates with expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and software engineering.
Program Goals And Timeline
Scott Kupor, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, said the engineers will be assigned to targeted projects across federal agencies. One highlighted assignment is building a digital platform to support the Trump administration's savings accounts program for children. The administration aims to hire the first cohort by March 31.
According to Kupor, the goal is to "get the benefit of really smart people working on some of the world's most complex and difficult problems."
Private Sector Partnerships
The hiring initiative is presented as part of the Trump administration's broader artificial intelligence agenda and is being advanced in part with involvement from former PayPal executive David Sacks. The program's website lists major technology firms that have pledged to consider alumni for future positions, including Apple, Google and Nvidia.
Context And Background
Kupor noted that the Biden administration ran a similar effort that led to about 200 AI-related hires, citing a 2024 statement; roughly 75 of those employees remain in government roles. The new initiative is structured as fixed two-year appointments intended to inject private-sector talent and technical skills into government projects.
Reporting by Courtney Rozen; Editing by Franklin Paul and Paul Simao.
