US Air Force Civilian Engineering Internship – Multiple Disciplines (GS 7–9)
The US Air Force Civilian Engineering Internship (PALACE Acquire Program) is a prestigious federal career opportunity designed for students and recent graduates in engineering disciplines. Managed by the Department of the Air Force under AFPC Talent Readiness, this program offers structured training, competitive federal pay, long-term job security, and a clear path to senior engineering roles.
Unlike short-term internships, this program provides a 3-year paid training plan with guaranteed career progression and promotion potential up to GS-13, making it one of the most attractive engineering career paths in the U.S. federal government.
What is the US Air Force Civilian Engineering Internship?
The PALACE Acquire (PAQ) Program is a full-time federal internship that converts participants into permanent civilian employees upon successful completion.
As an intern, you work alongside senior Air Force engineers on real-world defense, research, infrastructure, and technology projects while receiving continuous professional training.
Key highlights:
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Full-time, paid federal internship
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Permanent position after training
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Annual salary increases
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Promotions based on performance
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Work on national-level engineering missions
Engineering Disciplines Covered
This internship is open to multiple engineering job series, including:
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General Engineering (0801)
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Mechanical Engineering (0830)
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Electrical Engineering (0850)
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Computer Engineering (0854)
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Electronics Engineering (0855)
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Aerospace Engineering (0861)
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Materials Engineering (0806)
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Nuclear Engineering (0840)
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Chemical Engineering (0893)
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Industrial Engineering (0896)
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Biomedical & Bioengineering (0858)
This wide coverage makes the program suitable for most ABET-accredited engineering graduates.
Salary (Location-Based / State-Wise)
The salary is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay system and varies by duty location.
Pay Range:
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GS-7 to GS-9
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$55,486 – $99,314 per year
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Annual step increases during training
Examples of locations:
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Alabama (Maxwell AFB, Gunter AFB)
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Arizona (Davis-Monthan AFB)
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California (Edwards AFB)
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Plus 40+ locations nationwide
👉 Final salary depends on locality pay and grade level.
Requirements (Education, Age, Language)
Education
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ABET-accredited engineering
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Or required engineering coursework (calculus, physics, engineering sciences)
GPA / Academic Criteria
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GPA 2.95+ overall OR 3.45+ in major
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Or Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)
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Graduate education qualifies directly for GS-9
Age
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No specific age limit
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Open to students, recent graduates, and veterans
Language
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English proficiency required
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Strong written and technical communication skills preferred
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to:
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U.S. Citizens
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Current college students (after 1 year of study)
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Recent graduates (within 2 years, 6 years for veterans)
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Veterans and active-duty service members (with certification)
⚠️ This public notice collects applications and does not guarantee selection.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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Create or log in to your USAJOBS.gov account
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Search using the announcement number:
K-26-DHA-12806014-BJM -
Upload a 2-page federal resume
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Upload educational transcripts
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Complete the online questionnaire
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Submit application before 09/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
📌 Only the most recent resume is reviewed.
Security Clearance & Conditions
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Secret clearance (some positions higher)
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Drug testing may apply
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One-year probation period
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Occasional travel
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Relocation expenses may be reimbursed
Can Foreigners Apply?
❌ No.
This position is only for U.S. citizens due to national security requirements and federal employment laws.
Foreign degrees may be accepted only if evaluated as U.S. equivalent by a recognized credential authority.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
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Submitting resumes longer than 2 pages
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Missing hours worked per week
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Uploading degree audits instead of transcripts
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GPA not clearly shown
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Resume not matching questionnaire answers
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Forgetting Selective Service registration (for males)
Avoiding these mistakes significantly improves selection chances.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is this a permanent job?
Yes. Successful interns are converted to permanent civilian positions.
Is remote work allowed?
No. This is an on-site position at Air Force bases.
What is the promotion potential?
Up to GS-13, based on performance and approvals.
Do interns get benefits?
Yes. Federal benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and training.
Is experience required?
No prior full-time experience is required. Education and internships count.
Sources
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USAJOBS (Official Federal Hiring Portal)
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Department of the Air Force
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AFPC Talent Readiness
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Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
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Indeed (Federal pay & career insights)
Disclaimer
We do not offer jobs or recruitment services.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only, based on publicly available government sources. Job availability, salary, and requirements may change at any time. Always refer to the official USAJOBS announcement for the most accurate and updated information.
Submit Your Application on the Official USAJOBS Portal