Trump enters AI talent war with US Tech Force hiring 1,000 engineers nationwide

An unexpected player has entered the war for AI talent – the White House.

The Trump administration on Monday unveiled a new hiring initiative called the “U.S. Tech Force,” a two-year program aimed at pulling top technology and artificial intelligence talent into the federal government.

The effort reflects Washington’s growing urgency to modernize aging systems and compete with China’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

The program plans to recruit roughly 1,000 early-career engineers, data scientists, project managers, and AI specialists.

They will work directly inside federal agencies on high-priority technology projects, reporting to agency leadership rather than operating as a centralized unit.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is leading the effort.

OPM Director Scott Kupor said the government needs stronger technical depth to tackle complex digital challenges.

“We’re reshaping the workforce to put the right talent on the right problems,” Kupor said in a television interview with CNBC.

He framed the program as both a talent pipeline and a modernization tool.

Participants will commit to two years of government service.

During that time, they will work on AI implementation, application development, data modernization, and digital service delivery.

Agencies will define specific projects based on their needs.

OPM will screen applicants through technical assessments and initial reviews.

Agencies will then conduct final interviews and make hiring decisions. Applications opened Monday, and OPM expects most placements by early 2026.

Salaries are expected to range from about $130,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on role and agency. Benefits will follow federal employment standards.

Silicon Valley ties deepen

The Tech Force relies heavily on partnerships with the private sector. More than two dozen technology companies have signed on to support the program.

The list includes Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google Public Sector, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, Palantir, Salesforce, Dell, Meta, Adobe, and xAI.

These companies will provide mentorship, training resources, and career guidance.

Some will also nominate employees to take temporary leave from their private-sector jobs to serve inside government agencies.

Once participants complete the two-year term, they can pursue full-time roles in either the public or private sector. Partner companies have agreed to consider Tech Force alumni for employment.

OPM also plans to host speaker events featuring Silicon Valley executives. The program will end with a job fair connecting participants to government agencies and private employers.

High-impact government projects

Tech Force members will embed across departments rather than operate under one umbrella.

Their assignments may include integrating AI into defense systems, improving intelligence analysis, and modernizing tax administration platforms.

Kupor said the work could range from AI-enabled drones at the Department of Defense to advanced data tools at the State Department and Internal Revenue Service.

Each agency will control project scope and oversight.

The initiative follows a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump to establish a national AI policy framework.

The administration has emphasized scaling AI infrastructure while reducing regulatory barriers, a stance favored by major technology firms.

It also builds on earlier modernization efforts, including the now-decentralized Department of Government Efficiency. Officials say the Tech Force represents a more targeted approach.

By offering competitive pay, industry exposure, and post-program career options, the White House is signaling it wants to compete directly with Big Tech for talent.

In the global AI race, the federal government no longer plans to sit on the sidelines.