Most engineers claim they want to build systems that matter. This is your opportunity to prove you can: relentless execution, rigorous evaluation, and production AI systems that directly influence how the U.S. government functions. No résumé theater. No abstract exercises. Only real production output each week, delivered under pressure.
Gauntlet for America is a fully funded, competitive 10-week fellowship built to develop AI-native engineering talent for the United States government. It serves as a high-intensity proving ground for seasoned engineers who want to show they can build and run production-grade AI systems in contexts where reliability, security, and tangible impact are non-negotiable.
Fellows deliver weekly, work under rigorous evaluation, and train with other top-performing engineers. Upon successful program completion, graduates transition into federal GS-12 engineering positions (~$150K + comprehensive federal benefits), contributing to systems that directly affect government operations.
The fellowship spans 10 weeks: 3 weeks conducted remotely, then 7 weeks onsite in Austin, Texas. Fellows should anticipate a demanding schedule (80–100 hours/week) engineered to accelerate learning velocity, produce strong signal, and optimize career trajectory.
Outcomes:
- 10+ production-ready AI systems delivered throughout the fellowship
- Direct transition into a federal engineering position (GS-12 equivalent, ~$160K–$200K+ based on experience + full benefits)
- Contribute to high-impact systems defining how the U.S. government builds and deploys technology
- Enter a network of AI-native engineers working at the frontier of public sector innovation
If you're prepared to be assessed on what you ship — not where you studied — apply now.
AI-first education leaders.