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.

There are some very good responses to the question. One that must be asnwered is what level of comfort or discomfort do you want from your job after you retire? There is bureaucracy that you have to deal with. The higher up you are, then the more you'll deal with. Are you looking for job satisfaction or a paycheck? Most notably, your rank is irrelevant. I'm Robert, not "Chief!" That's a chapter in the story of your life, but there is life after the military. I have co-workers that range from junior enlisted to field grade officers and senior non-commisisoned officers. We all have the same objectives. We do our jobs to the best of our ability and take home a check and nice compensation in return for it. For those of you who don't know, a master's degree gets you into the federal door as a GS-9 and a PhD gets you in as a GS-11. But beware of which agency you join because some are not as well funded as others as far as job security is concerned. Go do some volunteer work. Take the kids to school if you have them. Take a mid -afternoon nap. Enjoy a vacation or two. If your spouse is working, take care of the household stuff. You'll find out that all of these things are rewarding to retirees. Then go look for a job you'll enjoy.

Asking the question in this manner makes you appear that you think you are entitled to a job just because you are a retired E8/E9. That will not get you a civilian job. However, if you look at the situation as "what career opportunities are available for a mid-level supervisor with 25+ of experience working in (pick one) Human Resources, Logistics, Operations, etc." and you'll likely be more successful with your employment search. Civilian employers want to know what abilities and capabilities you bring to a company. Frame your search and your pitch in what you can provide to the company based on your military experience, not what rank you earned, and I'd bet you'll find there are career opportunities for someone with an E8/E9's experience. Side note, be prepared to move where the opportunities are, not necessarily where you want to settle like in your hometown. Those who are willing to move, will find more opportunities. Good luck and thanks for serving.

I know of several prior E8-E9’s that moved into executive management following their military career, Each achieved a degree before leaving the service and started communications with the companies that had the positions they were interested in. Upon finding the desired position they corresponded with the those executive managers in like positions they were interested in and began developing a post military transition plan ensuring they had:
• The right education
• Developed a study plan and finance plan to achieve certifications need for their future job
• Understanding company needs and how they could fill those needs
• Developed peer reviewed resumes and cover letters that reflected their careers removing military jargon.
• Researched and established location desires so they could direct their post military job search
• Researched the companies to understand the salaries being offered
• Researched and practice for interviews
Enlisted and officer have shared strengths and weaknesses entering the work force most work off an established budget and do not have to develop a strategic budget, when you show up to an interview the interview does not see the rank and awards that people recognize in the military as an achievement. They have to sell themselves and what they can do for the company bottom line.
Senior enlisted must understand the best time to plan isn’t after discharge—it’s right now. Get the needed education or certifications and research the markets they want to enter and find a career mentor.

The first thing you need to do to successfully transition from the service and into an executive role is to have AT LEAST a 4-year degree and preferably a Master's Degree...these educational credentials are the ones most officers possess when they retire from the service. Next, dive into your network. Get on LinkedIn, post a well-worded resume on as many sites as possible, buy a NICE suit and tie, and go to job fairs dressed like that. You will be amazed at the outfits some people wear to job fairs. If you attend a job fair, be social with the people around you, with the people at the tables, and know which companies you want to talk to BEFORE you get there. I've been in executive positions for all 8 years of my retirement (E9)...I did this by following my own advice...and preparing for my transition to civilian life well ahead of the event. I wish you EVERY success!

A retired AF CMSgt I know is an HR director in DC of a defense contract company. But, he got his HR degrees. Most E8s and E9s will not walk right into executive leadership...nor will a Top Secret mean much other than getting you into the door of applying. I was a defense contract recruiter for a while when I first retired. E8s and E9s have quick wakeup calls that they aren't quite the hot commodity they thought they were. Be willing to take something less and there are great opportunities.

Start your own business. This is far simpler for Senior Enlisted then you can imagine. If you got to E-8 or -E-9, you already possess the success skills to succeed in your own business. Notice I did not say leadership or management those are different skill sets and the civilian world looks at college education for those skills. But what you can't get in college is success skill. Success skills are what E-8 and E-9 possess. Success skills are things like ability to focus, persistence, setting goal, developing a plan, and not quitting until you succeed. The biggest problem with senior enlisted vets is their fair of the unknown associated with starting your own business, however, this is why you get a business coach or success coach. I operate or have operated a successful radio show, professional speaking business, life coaching business, leadership development company, a nationwide network of health and wellness coaching business, and wrote two books. Now I'm thinking of starting a Senior Enlisted Small Business Startup Success Coaching Practice. Hummm

Find a way to work for yourself. Entrepreneurship is the way to make things happen for your family. Remember, a restaurant is the quickest way to poverty. Couple friends proved that statement.