The administration of US President Donald Trump took the wraps off a two-year programme designed to hire 1,000 employees across various government agencies to develop AI infrastructure and other technology projects, as part of a plan to keep the country at the forefront of development.

The US Tech Force is hiring software engineers, data scientists, project managers and AI experts to work on modernisation projects across government agencies, according to its website.

Participants will work on high-impact technology initiatives including AI implementation, application development, data modernisation and digital service delivery across federal agencies.

Tech Force is designed as an ongoing initiative to continuously bring top technical talent into government service.

The government is partnering with at least 28 tech companies on the programme, including Apple, AMD. Amazon Web Services, Anduril, Dell Technologies, Box, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, Palantir, Oracle, Uber, ServiceNow, and xAI, among others. There are plans for more companies to be added over time.

The private companies can also nominate their employees to do stints of government service.

The US Office of Personnel Management oversees the early-career programme in partnership with other federal agencies such as the US Department of War, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Treasury.

Potential employees can seek to find permanent positions with the agencies or private companies once they complete their two-year terms.

Tech Force stated compensation varies based on experience level and agency placements. Annual salaries are expected to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000, plus benefits.

The Trump administration is keenly focused on keeping the US ahead of other countries, such as China, on the development of AI.

In July, it unveiled its AI action plan, designed to solidify the US’ position as the global leader.

On 11 December, Trump signed an executive order to blocks states from enforcing their own AI regulations in favour of a single federal rule.