What job opportunities are out there for retired E8's and E9's?

I am going to offer you the same advice I gave to someone asking a similar question as an officer, as the issues are the same. It is the same perspective. Here is what I said (with additional input):
"Understand exactly from where you are coming (I'm still there after 5 years). The civil sector does not know what to do with retirees. The do not understand nor value the managerial and leadership experience. Unless you have a sure hook in the government sector, you won't get in to the GS13-15 positions that match the military experiences of an LTC (E7-E9 either). In the private sector, they have no idea as they are ignorant of the skill sets of most military (I say this academically, not provocatively).
For those retiring, I offer this advice I wish I did. You do not need a job right away. You are blessed in having the retirement and won't starve or lose a house (though personal variables differ). Take the time to learn what you want to do for the rest of your next career. If you take a job because you need or think you need it, that will be the industry in which you will be labeled (i.e. I took a gov't job as a QA Specialist, that was my label until I worked for a bank in Bus Continuity; that became my label.)
Networking is the other key. Meet civilians and find some of their networking groups. As a lot of question; do informational interviews. You may find someone who served who will take a chance.
The transition is not easy for most. In my mind, the goal is to find what you want to do rather than need (unless you truly do need)."

I chose to pursue a non-executive position. After over 25 years of leading soldiers, I had no desire to be in leadership.

My response to this question arises from my personal experience after retiring from the Air Force an E-7 and then looking towards the government civilian sector for a second career opportunity. I started my job search at least 9 months out from my terminal leave date and narrowing my opportunities to those jobs that could be closely related to the technical expertise that I developed while in the military; knowing that it would be these unique skills that I could and would offer an employer to help secure a position within the Federal Government. Though my resume was outlined with numerous leadership positions and highlighted with academic successes, I knew that getting my foot in the door would be my first priority and from there my career advancement would come at my own determination. I have found for the most part that there aren’t too many Federal Government positions that are available for retired or former military members at the higher GS levels (13-15). Most government agencies try to promote from within and there are many civil service employees that have been in the system for years (10-20-30) and they want to advance in their careers just like everyone else and many of them are former military members as well. So, thinking that I would jump to the top was just unrealistic, no matter what I could offer them in the leadership arena. I started my Federal career as a GS-9 just 3 months after my military retirement date and within a year I was a GS-11. Two years later I was a GS-12 and now just 7 years after retirement I’m a GS-13. For each promotion I had to compete for the position against all those who wanted the job and promotion as well, to include former senior NCOs and Officers. I have no doubt that the leadership skills I had developed while in the service contributed to my selections for those positions and promotions, but they were not the only factor. Therefore, I would highly recommend that for those E-7s, 8s and 9s that are looking towards the civil service sector for a second career opportunity, to focus on your technical skills as the primary attractor to a potential employer and then utilize your leadership abilities to advance forward.