US Launches Tech Force to Hire AI Talent for Government

The US government has announced the launch of US Tech Force, a new early-career hiring and talent development program aimed at strengthening federal capabilities in technology and artificial intelligence. Led by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the initiative reflects growing urgency to modernize government systems and compete in the global race for AI talent amid intense competition from the private sector. 

Firstly, conforming to OPM Director Scott Kupor, the program is designed to close persistent gaps in technical and early-career expertise across federal agencies. The government plans to recruit an initial cohort of 1,000 early-career professionals. This includes software engineers, data scientists, project managers, and AI specialists. Participants will be placed across multiple agencies for a two-year rotation, working directly on mission-critical projects identified by agency leadership. 

Applications open this week, with OPM aiming to place most candidates by Q1 2026 following centralized technical assessments and agency-level interviews. In parallel, the program will encourage early-career managers from the private sector to take temporary leave. Also contributing their expertise to public service. The Tech Force aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to scale AI adoption across government. Following the release of a national AI action plan focused on expanding infrastructure and reducing regulatory barriers. Expected projects span high-impact use cases. This comprises AI-enabled defense systems, tax and account modernization at the IRS, and intelligence analysis at the State Department. 

To support professional development, OPM will partner with approximately 25 technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Adobe, and xAI, offering mentorship, career planning, and executive speaker sessions throughout the program. The initiative will conclude with a job fair connecting participants to opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

The key highlights of the US Tech Force include: 

• Hiring 1,000 early-career AI and technology professionals 

• Two-year, agency-embedded roles with real-world impact 

• Private-sector mentorship and executive engagement 

• Competitive salaries ranging from $130,000 to $195,000 

OPM officials say the program aims to balance public service with long-term career flexibility. Furthermore, this will also position the government as a viable and competitive destination for top AI talent. 

 

Source: 

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/15/tech/government-tech-force-ai