Explore how your federal experience as a Electrical Engineering (GS-0850) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Electrical Engineer, Electrical Engineer Trainee, Electrical Design Assistant | Assists in the design and development of electrical systems, participates in testing and troubleshooting electrical components, and prepares documentation under the guidance of senior engineers. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 5-7 | Electrical Engineer I, Electrical Design Engineer, Project Engineer for Electrical Systems | Conducts design calculations, provides input in project planning, executes electrical design tasks, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and participates in field inspections and project reporting. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 8-9 | Electrical Engineer II, Senior Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Projects Specialist | Leads design projects, manages project timelines, develops cost estimates and technical specifications, mentors junior engineers, and coordinates with clients and stakeholders to meet project requirements. | $90,000 - $110,000 |
| 10-11 | Lead Electrical Engineer, Principal Electrical Engineer, Electrical Engineering Manager | Oversees electrical engineering projects, makes strategic design decisions, ensures compliance with industry standards, leads teams of engineers, and manages project budgets and schedules. | $110,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Senior Electrical Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineering Director, Technical Director of Electrical Engineering | Directs multiple electrical engineering projects, develops technical strategies, leads innovation efforts, manages cross-functional teams, and communicates with executive leadership on project status and technical challenges. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Electrical Engineering, Chief Engineer - Electrical Division, Senior Vice President of Engineering | Executes overall engineering vision, manages departmental budgets, leads strategic planning and resource allocation, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and influences corporate policy and direction in engineering practices. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Chief Technology Officer, Senior Vice President of Technology, Executive Director of Engineering Services | Sets organizational vision and strategy for technology development, oversees all engineering functions, drives innovation and technology adoption across the company, ensures alignment with corporate objectives, and leads enterprise-level engineering initiatives. | $200,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Professional Engineer (PE) License
The PE license is a key credential for engineers in the civilian sector, demonstrating that an individual has met rigorous educational and experience standards, and has passed a comprehensive exam in their engineering discipline. Holding a PE license can facilitate career advancement and is often required for higher-level engineering positions, particularly in roles involving project management, design, and technical supervision.
Certified Engineering Technician (CET)
The CET certification validates a technician's skills and knowledge in electrical engineering principles and practices, making them more competitive in the job market. This certification can help bridge the gap between practical engineering experience and theoretical knowledge, which is invaluable in civilian roles that require applied engineering skills.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification recognizes project management expertise, essential for professionals who will lead engineering projects in the civilian sector. This credential signifies proficiency in managing project constraints, stakeholder communication, and team leadership, which are critical components in successful engineering operations.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification is particularly relevant for electrical engineers focused on networking and telecommunications, as it covers essential networking concepts. This certification enhances an engineer's ability to design and maintain networks, making them a valuable asset in industries focused on integrated systems and communications.
IEC 61508 Functional Safety Professional
This certification focuses on safety in the design and implementation of electrical systems and is crucial in industries such as automation, automotive, and aerospace. Engineers with this certification can significantly contribute to safety-critical projects, assuring employers of their commitment to high safety standards.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
This certification is beneficial for engineers involved in designing cloud architectures, especially as many organizations transition towards cloud-based solutions. It helps validate an engineer's ability to implement and manage applications and infrastructure in the cloud, giving them an edge in tech-driven industries.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0850 Electrical Engineering position to the private sector can be both exciting and challenging. As you prepare for this change, it’s important to understand the key mindset shifts, how to translate your experience into relevant skills, and effective networking and job search strategies.
From Stability to Flexibility: In the federal sector, jobs often come with stability and a clear structure. In the private sector, embrace flexibility and adaptability. Understand that project scopes may change rapidly and priorities can shift. Cultivating a mindset of adaptability will prepare you for this new environment.
From Public Service to Customer Focus: While your role in federal service was about fulfilling government standards and regulations, private sector roles often prioritize customer satisfaction and market demands. Shift your perspective to see how your engineering work can impact end users or customers directly.
Embrace Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving field like electrical engineering, staying updated on the latest technologies and methodologies is crucial. Commit to lifelong learning, whether that’s through formal education, certifications, or self-study.
Tailor Your Resume: Your resume should not be a direct copy of your federal job description. Instead, tailor it for each position you apply for by researching the job description and using keywords that align with the company’s needs. Highlight accomplishments that showcase your engineering expertise, project management skills, or cross-functional leadership.
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to illustrate your impact. For example, instead of saying "developed a new electrical system," say "developed a new electrical system that improved efficiency by 20% and reduced costs by $50,000 annually."
Use Private Sector Language: Avoid acronyms and jargon specific to the federal sector. Use clear language that translates your experiences into private sector terms. For instance, replace “compliance with federal regulations” with “ensured project adherence to industry best practices and quality standards.”
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral interview questions. These types of questions are common in the private sector and allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Be Ready to Discuss Failures: In the private sector, candidates are often asked to discuss setbacks and how they handled them. Prepare to discuss a project that didn’t go as planned and focus on what you learned and how you improved as a result.
Research the Company: Take the time to understand the company’s products, culture, and market position. Bring this knowledge into the interview to demonstrate your genuine interest and how you can contribute to their specific needs.
Connect with Alumni: Reach out to your university’s alumni network. Fellow alumni can provide insights into the private sector and may offer job referrals. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for this.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, seminars, and meetups related to electrical engineering. Engage with speakers and attendees to build your network. Remember to follow up with the contacts you make.
Join Professional Associations: Consider joining organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or local engineering societies. These groups can provide resources, networking opportunities, and job boards specializing in your field.
Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and aspirations. Use it to connect with industry professionals, share relevant content, and engage in groups related to your field.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Identify skills that are valuable in both sectors, such as project management, teamwork, and analytical thinking. Be explicit about how these skills contributed to your success in your federal role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Ability: Employers value candidates who can navigate challenges effectively. Present your federal projects as case studies that highlight your ability to analyze problems, develop strategic solutions, and implement them successfully.
Emphasize Collaboration and Communication: If you held roles that required collaboration with cross-functional teams or stakeholders, make sure to spell that out. The ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences is highly prized in the private sector.
Transitioning to the private sector can be a rewarding journey. By shifting your mindset to be more flexible, customer-oriented, and proactive about learning, you’ll set yourself up for success. Take the time to tailor your resume, prepare for interviews, and build your network relentlessly. Remember, the skills and experiences you gained in the federal sector are not only valuable but essential in driving innovation and efficiency in the private realm. Stay positive, persistent, and adaptable, and you will find the right opportunity that aligns with your career goals.