1DOT SkillBridge Program
CONTINUE YOUR MISSION. MOVE AMERICA FORWARD.
Gain meaningful civilian work experience at the U.S. Department of Transportation during your final 180 days of military service.
FEDERAL EXPERIENCE GROUNDED IN PUBLIC SERVICE
The 1DOT SkillBridge Program connects eligible transitioning Service Members with short-term work-based learning experiences across the Department. Participants contribute to transportation-related projects, learn how a Cabinet-level federal agency operates, and explore civilian career fields that support the traveling public and the national economy.
MISSION
Support the safety, mobility, and economic strength of the Nation.
EXPERIENCE
Apply military skills in a federal civilian work environment.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Learn how DOT occupations and public service careers align with your background.
CONNECTION
Build relationships with transportation professionals across DOT.
Important federal hiring note: Participation in SkillBridge does not guarantee a federal job. Any appointment after the program must follow applicable federal hiring laws, regulations, qualification requirements, and agency procedures.
CAREER ALIGNMENT
Translate military experience into DOT career fields
Military experience can translate to a wide range of civilian career fields across the Department.
| Military experience | Potential DOT career fields |
| Operations and leadership | Program and project management |
| Logistics and supply chain | Transportation operations and emergency preparedness |
| Engineering and maintenance | Engineering, safety, and infrastructure |
| Cyber and communications | Information technology and cybersecurity |
| Intelligence and data analysis | Data analytics, policy, and planning |
| Human resources and training | Human capital management |
| Finance and resource management | Budget, acquisition, and financial management |
| Public affairs and community engagement | Communications and stakeholder engagement |
FEDERAL CAREER READINESS
A SkillBridge assignment at DOT can help participants learn federal workplace practices, occupational terminology, and mission requirements. It can also help participants prepare stronger federal resumes and make informed decisions about future public-service careers.
1 | CONFIRM ELIGIBILITYCoordinate with your command and installation SkillBridge or transition office to verify eligibility and local requirements.
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2 | REVIEW OPPORTUNITIESExplore available DOT assignments and identify work that aligns with your experience, interests, and transition goals.
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3 | SUBMIT INTERESTProvide your resume, availability, preferred locations, occupational interests, and any required documents. Submit interest form.
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4 | COMPLETE MATCHING AND APPROVALDOT reviews potential alignment. If selected for an assignment, complete command approval and any required training agreement.
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5 | BEGIN THE ASSIGNMENTParticipate in the approved work-based learning experience while remaining on active-duty status and receiving military pay and benefits.
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WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD KNOW
Typical Eligibility Considerations
- Active-duty Service Member within 180 days of an approved separation or retirement date
- Command approval and compliance with Service-specific SkillBridge requirements
- Ability to complete the assignment during the approved period
- Qualifications or transferable experience relevant to the assignment
Participant Expectations
Participants are expected to:
- Maintain professional conduct and military accountability
- Complete required onboarding and security steps
- Protect sensitive and non-public information
- Meet assignment schedules and deliverables
- Communicate promptly with the DOT supervisor and SkillBridge point of contact
What DOT Provides
Participants may receive:
- Mission-aligned project work
- A designated supervisor or mentor
- Exposure to federal workplace practices
- Feedback on performance and professional development
- Connections to official career and hiring resources
What SkillBridge Is Not
SkillBridge participation is not:
- A guarantee of employment
- A substitute for meeting federal qualification standards
- An automatic pathway to a civil service appointment
- A waiver of command, security, ethics, or onboarding requirements
Explore SkillBridge Assignments at DOT
DOT SkillBridge participants can gain hands-on experience in career fields such as human resources, information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, program management, data analysis, acquisition, transportation operations, and other mission-critical areas.
Our current opportunities are listed below:
Regimental Support Leader — U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
Location: Kings Point, NY | Career Field: Leadership / Training / Student Development | Duration: 60–90 days | Work Arrangement: In-Person
Opportunity Summary:
Apply your military leadership experience in a structured higher-education environment while supporting the development of future merchant marine and military officers. Participants will work alongside USMMA Tactical Officers to mentor midshipmen, support regimental training and discipline, assist with leadership development activities, and help maintain standards of readiness, conduct, and accountability.
Ideal for: Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, particularly E-7 and above, and commissioned officers with strong leadership, mentorship, communication, and professional development experience. Strong E-6 candidates may also be considered.
Interested applicants should contact Dionne Kettle at kettld@usmma.edu.
Program Analyst — Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Region 5
Location: Chicago, IL | Career Field: Program Management / Grants Management / Data Analysis | Work Arrangement: In-Person with Potential Telework
Opportunity Summary:
Gain hands-on experience supporting FTA programs, grants, and transportation projects in one of the agency’s largest regional offices. Participants will assist with grant and project oversight, data analysis, tracking and reporting, stakeholder inquiries, and the interpretation and application of federal grant policies and procedures.
Ideal for: Service members with experience or interest in program or project management, grants administration, data analysis, business operations, financial management, or transportation programs.
Interested applicants should send their resume to ftainternships@dot.gov.
Program Analyst — Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Region 1
Location: Cambridge, MA | Career Field: Program Management / Environmental Review / Transportation Programs | Work Arrangement: In-Person with Potential Telework
Opportunity Summary:
Gain hands-on experience supporting FTA programs and transit projects throughout New England. Participants will assist with environmental reviews, grantee outreach, project oversight, program analysis, and the development of products and information for internal and external stakeholders.
Ideal for: Service members with experience or interest in program or project management, environmental planning, transportation programs, data analysis, business operations, or stakeholder engagement.
Interested applicants should send their resume to ftainternships@dot.gov.
Human Resources Specialist
Location: Washington, DC | Career Field: Human Resources | Duration: 60–180 days | Work Arrangement: In-Person
Opportunity Summary:
Gain practical experience supporting federal human resources programs within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Participants may assist with recruitment and staffing activities, workforce programs, data analysis, and HR projects while learning how federal human capital programs support DOT’s transportation mission.
Ideal for: Service members with experience or interest in human resources, personnel management, recruiting, program management, or administrative operations.
Interested applicants should send their resume to the DOT SkillBridge Team.
Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC) — Office of Information Security
Location: Washington, DC | Career Field: Cybersecurity / Information Technology | Duration: 60–180 days | Work Arrangement: In-Person
Opportunity Summary:
Gain hands-on experience supporting DOT’s enterprise information security program. Participants will work alongside cybersecurity professionals on information security policy, governance, compliance, technical assessments, and implementation of federal cybersecurity requirements, including FISMA and NIST standards.
Ideal for: Service members with experience or interest in cybersecurity, information assurance, IT security, risk management, compliance, or information technology.
Interested applicants should send their resume to the DOT SkillBridge Team.
Explore Opportunities Across DOT:
The opportunities listed above represent current SkillBridge assignments at DOT. Additional opportunities may be available across the Department based on organizational needs, host capacity, and alignment with a participant’s skills, experience, and career interests.
DOT’s Operating Administrations support nearly every mode of transportation and offer a wide range of missions and career fields. Explore our Operating Administrations to learn more about their work and where your military experience may align:
Explore our operating administrations:
Specific duties, work location, duration and training activities will vary by placement.
Interested in a DOT SkillBridge opportunity?
Register for the DOT Military Community Network
Contact the DOT SkillBridge Team for additional information and assistance.
Does SkillBridge guarantee a job with DOT?
- No. SkillBridge is a work-based learning opportunity. Any future federal appointment must comply with applicable hiring authorities, competition rules, qualifications, and agency procedures.
Can I participate remotely?
- Some assignments may support telework participation when mission requirements, supervision, security, and command approval allow it. Availability will be stated in each opportunity.
Do I receive pay from DOT?
- Participants generally remain on active duty and continue to receive military pay and benefits. DOT does not provide civilian salary for the SkillBridge assignment.
- Dual Compensation Policy: Federal law prohibits participants from receiving a civilian salary, stipend, or wages from DOT during their assignment.
How are participants matched?
- The DOT SkillBridge Team reviews experience, interests, availability, location, assignment needs, and supervisor capacity. Submission of interest does not guarantee placement.
What if I don't see an opportunity that matches my background?
- You are still encouraged to register for the DOT Military Community Network. Your information can help the DOT SkillBridge Team understand your experience, interests, availability, and preferred locations when considering potential opportunities across the Department.