All this statement proves is that you don't know what a "great engineer" looks like. Do you think any of the kernel developers at Microsoft, Apple, or Google do

All this statement proves is that you don't know what a "great engineer" looks like. Do you think any of the kernel developers at Microsoft, Apple, or Google don't have hardcore degrees? They all do, and there's a reason for it. In addition, it's hilarious that you point this out specifically for a job at the White House. There are so many non-engineering factors that go into succeeding at such a job, most of which are learned in college. In summary, while I would never make such a degree an absolute requirement, I would be shocked to find someone who could work at the US Digital Service who doesn't have a college degree.