AI Systems Engineer

$160K–$200K+ Offers For Graduates ^{$160K–$200K+ Offers For Graduates} 

Gauntlet for America is a selective, fully funded 10-week fellowship that develops AI-native engineering talent for the United States government.

This high-intensity program serves as a proving ground for skilled engineers seeking to demonstrate their ability to design and deploy production-grade AI systems in settings where security, reliability, and tangible impact are critical.

Fellows deliver weekly, work under rigorous evaluation standards, and train alongside other top-tier engineers. Those who complete the program successfully transition into federal GS-12 engineering positions (~$150K + comprehensive federal benefits), contributing to systems that directly influence government operations.

The fellowship spans 10 weeks: 3 weeks conducted remotely, then 7 weeks onsite in Austin, Texas. Participants should anticipate a demanding schedule (80–100 hours/week) structured to accelerate learning, demonstrate capability, and unlock career advancement.

What Fellows Achieve:

• Deliver 10+ production-ready AI systems throughout the fellowship
• Secure direct placement into a federal engineering position (GS-12 equivalent, ~$160K–$200K+ based on experience + full benefits)
• Contribute to high-impact systems that shape how the U.S. government develops and operates technology
• Become part of a network of AI-native engineers driving innovation at the frontier of public sector technology