Federal Government Fellowship Program
This premier program is an opportunity for selected ASME members to spend a year providing engineering and technical advice to government decision-makers in the nation’s capital.
Three Types of Fellowship Opportunities
Congressional Fellowships
Since 1973, ASME has sponsored the Congressional Fellowship Program to provide an opportunity for Society members to work with the U.S. Congress. As federal legislation becomes increasingly technical, the need for engineering expertise is essential. Congressional fellows participate directly in the lawmaking process and learn how the federal government operates. In addition, Congress is provided with necessary engineering expertise, and at the end of the fellowship year, a fellow's employer has an engineer with in-depth knowledge of congressional decision-making processes.
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
ASME placed our first Fellow at the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the White House in 1981, giving ASME Members an exceptional opportunity to learn how the federal executive branch works while providing a valuable service to the nation. OSTP is provided with much needed engineering expertise, and the fellows gain both an inside view of the Executive Office of the President and first-hand knowledge of how decisions are made at the top level of our government. White House Fellowships are only available if Fellows are requested by OSTP.
Federal Agencies
Since the establishment of ASME's Federal Fellowship program, fellows have contributed their science and technology expertise to federal agencies throughout the executive branch. Click on this year's application for more information about agencies currently interested in hosting a federal fellow.
Shape Policy. Apply Engineering. Experience Washington.
The ASME Federal Government Fellowship gives engineers a front row seat to how national decisions are made. For one year in Washington, D.C., fellows bring real-world technical expertise into the heart of the policymaking process, working directly with congressional offices and federal agencies on issues that affect innovation, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and public safety.
Rather than observing from the outside, fellows become part of the team. They research engineering challenges, brief decision makers, help craft policy ideas, and translate complex engineering concepts into practical guidance for leaders shaping the nation’s future. It is an opportunity to see how laws and regulations take shape, and to ensure that sound engineering judgement is part of that process!
Just as importantly, the experience is transformative for a fellow. Immersion in the fast-paced policy environment of the nation’s capital builds new skills in communication, strategy, and leadership. Fellows leave with a deeper understanding of government, a powerful professional network, and the ability to connect engineering solutions to real public needs.
A Fellowship Designed to Support and Elevate You
ASME invests in its fellows so they can focus fully on the experience and its impact. Fellows receive a competitive annual stipend between $90,000 - $95,000, along with a relocation allowance to support the move to Washington, D.C.
Additional resources are available for professional development, enabling fellows to attend trainings and events that expand their expertise and visibility in the policy community. Throughout the year, fellows may also have opportunities to contribute to publications, policy briefs, and leadership pieces that highlight their work and amplify their professional voice.
Beyond the office, fellows experience Washington as a living classroom. From congressional hearings and agency briefings to cross-sector events and networking opportunities, the capital offers daily access to the people and conversations driving national priorities.
By the end of the fellowship year, participants return to their careers not only with new skills and experiences, but with a broadened perspective on how engineering can inform and improve public policy.
Eligibility, Placement, and Professional Considerations
Applicants must be members of ASME at the time of application, a United States citizen, and be prepared to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the full fellowship year. Fellows serve in roles comparable to congressional staff while remaining independent from both ASME and Congress as employees. Due to this, participants typically take a leave of absence from their employer and must pause outside advocacy roles or federally funded research to meet ethics requirements. Health insurance is not provided through the fellowship, though many employers choose to continue coverage. Final placement is confirmed through selection by the hosting congressional office or federal agency.
Contact Information
Anne Shaffer
Senior Manager, ASME Government Relations
1828 L Street NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
Email: nadlera@asme.org
Federal Fellows Program
Selected ASME members devote a year to working in government, providing technical advice to policy makers in Congress, OSTP, or other federal agencies.
Becoming an ASME Member
Joining ASME is the most important connection a current or future Mechanical Engineer can make.
