IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program for the 2027–2028

engineersjob; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend 95k

Relocation grant

Total funding 100k

Policy training

Networking with leaders

Hands-on policymaking

Alumni network

Electric Grid Fellowship

Job summary

IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program offers a 12-month, full-time fellowship in Washington, D.C., embedded within the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of State, where engineers advise on national science and technology policy.

The program provides three tracks: Congressional Fellowship, Engineering & Diplomacy, and Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellow. Eligibility includes IEEE membership, U.S. citizenship, and a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Membership in IEEE is required.
• Relocation to Washington, D.C. is required.
• Strong science, engineering, or technology background.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy.
• 5+ years of professional experience for Electric Grid Policy Fellowship.

Responsibilities

• Assess and draft proposed legislation.
• Advise Members of Congress or federal officials on technical issues.
• Translate engineering concepts into policy recommendations.
• Conduct research and prepare technical policy briefs for committees.
• Support international diplomacy efforts related to science and technology (Diplomacy track).

Skills

IEEE membership

Relocate to Washington, D.C.

Strong science/engineering/tech

Excellent written and verbal comms

Interest in public policy

U.S. citizenship

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s with 5+ years experience

Job description

IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program for the 2027–2028

The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program, established in 1973, is a prestigious opportunity for qualified U.S. IEEE members to serve a one-year, full-time fellowship in Washington, D.C. Fellows are embedded within the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of State, where they act as advisors, evaluate emerging technologies, and help bridge the gap between engineering expertise and national public policy. This program aims to provide technical insight to policymakers while offering engineers firsthand experience in the legislative and diplomatic processes.

• IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program 2027is a funded 12-month fellowship inWashington, D.C., designed for eligible IEEE members interested in public policy, government, and technology leadership.
• Fellows servefull-time in the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of StatefromSeptember 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028.
• The program enables engineers to influencenational legislation, technology policy, energy security, diplomacy, and innovationthrough technical expertise.
• Established in1973, the fellowship is one of the most prestigious public policy programs for engineering and technology professionals.
• Fellows work directly with lawmakers and government officials, contributing to policy decisions in areas such asAI, cybersecurity, telecommunications, semiconductors, and energy systems.
• Funding and Benefitsinclude:
  • Annual stipend of approximatelyUS$95,000
  • US$5,000relocation allowance
  • Total funding of aroundUS$100,000
  • Professional policy training
  • Networking with senior government leaders
  • Hands-on experience in federal policymaking
  • Membership in the IEEE-USA Government Fellows alumni network
  • Higher compensation may be available for theCongressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship
• The fellowship offersthree tracks:
  • Congressional Fellowship– Draft legislation, conduct policy research, prepare hearings, and advise Congress on science and technology.
  • Engineering & Diplomacy Fellowship– Support U.S. foreign policy in science, technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and international collaboration.
  • Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship– Focus on electric grid modernization, renewable energy, cybersecurity, transmission planning, and energy policy.
• Eligible fields includeElectrical, Electronics, Computer, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Biomedical, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications, Physics, Mathematics, Materials Science, Technology Policy, and other engineering or applied science disciplines.
• Fellows’ responsibilities include evaluating legislation, researching emerging technologies, preparing congressional briefings, writing policy documents, advising committees, and supporting stakeholder meetings.
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • CurrentIEEE membership
  • Ability to relocate toWashington, D.C.
  • Strong background in science, engineering, or technology
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Genuine interest in public policy and government
  • Aaround7 years of professional experienceis generally expected for the Electric Grid Policy Fellowship.

Designation

IEEE-USA Government Fellow (Congressional Fellow, Engineering & Diplomacy Fellow, or Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellow).

Feature Details

Offered by IEEE-USA

Award Type Funded Fellowship

Duration 12 Months (1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028)

Fellows contribute technical expertise to various critical fields, including:

• Congressional: Science and technology policy, legislation drafting, committee hearing preparation, and policy research.
• Engineering & Diplomacy: Science diplomacy, international technology cooperation, cybersecurity, and global innovation.
• Electric Grid Policy: Grid modernization, renewable energy integration, transmission planning, and energy infrastructure security.

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following core requirements:

• Membership: Must be an active IEEE member in good standing at the time of application.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application (or prior to selection).
• Education: Must hold a Ph.D. OR a master’s degree with a minimum of five years of full-time professional work experience. (Exceptions may be considered for candidates with extraordinary experience).
• Skills: Strong science, engineering, or technology background; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and a demonstrated interest in public policy.

Job Description

Fellows are not “employees” of Congress or IEEE; instead, they serve as high-level advisors. Their duties include:

• Assessing and drafting proposed legislation.
• Advising Members of Congress or federal officials on complex technical issues.
• Translating intricate engineering concepts into actionable policy recommendations.
• Conducting research and preparing technical policy briefs for committees and offices.
• Supporting international diplomatic efforts related to science and technology (for Diplomacy track).

The deadline for the 2027–2028 fellowship cycle is 8 January 2027 (12:00 PM ET).

Disclaimer: Please verify all eligibility criteria and application instructions directly through the official IEEE-USA website to ensure you have the most current information.