Chief Engineering Advisor

About the role

The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) advises the Commission on technical and engineering matters; develops and administers FCC decisions regarding spectrum allocations; grants equipment authorizations, experimental licenses, and special temporary operation authority; regulates the operation of unlicensed devices; and conducts engineering and technical studies.

What you will do

• The Chief Engineering Advisor provides authoritative engineering advice and consultation to OET leadership, and, as appropriate, the Chairman, Commissioners, Bureaus and Offices, and other senior Commission officials on matters involving advanced communications technologies, radiofrequency spectrum, wireless and electronic communications systems, interference, equipment and device technologies, technical standards, and other complex engineering issues within the Commission's jurisdiction.
• Job duties of the Chief Engineering Advisor include: Serving as a principal senior engineering advisor to OET leadership and other senior Commission officials on the most complex and consequential engineering and technology matters before the FCC.
• Providing authoritative professional engineering advice concerning radiofrequency spectrum, electromagnetic compatibility, interference, propagation, wireless and communications systems, electronic devices and equipment, advanced communications technologies, and other technical matters affecting Commission programs and regulatory responsibilities.
• Analyzing complex issues involving spectrum sharing, harmful interference, electromagnetic compatibility, propagation characteristics, transmitter and receiver performance, antenna systems, technical operating parameters, and related communications engineering matters.
• Providing expert engineering analysis and advice regarding the efficient and effective use of the radiofrequency spectrum and the technical characteristics of communications systems operating within spectrum regulated by the Commission.
• Assessing the engineering implications of new technologies, architectures, devices, and communications capabilities and advises Commission leadership regarding potential impacts on spectrum use, interference environments, technical rules, and regulatory policy.
• Reviewing and evaluating technical proposals, engineering studies, industry submissions, petitions, comments, standards, and other technical materials presented to the Commission.
• Consulting with nationally recognized engineers, scientists, technical experts, industry representatives, and government officials concerning highly complex communications and spectrum engineering matters.
• Providing technical leadership through expert consultation, mentoring, and professional guidance to engineers and other technical professionals throughout OET and the Commission.

How you will be evaluated

DEU The FCC determines the BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES based on the major job related competencies and evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities reflected in your application and supporting documents using the CATEGORY RATING PROCESS. Time in grade restrictions do not apply to DEU hiring procedures.

All eligible applicants under Delegated Examining (DEU) will be placed in one of the following three categories: 1. Highly Qualified (Score 90-100) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of major job related competencies and possession of all specialized experience criteria. 2.

Fully Qualified (Score 80-89) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of major job related competencies and possession of all specialized experience criteria. 3.

Minimally Qualified (Score of 70-79)- the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a minimum level of major job related competencies and possession of all specialized experience criteria.; and Application of Veterans Preference: The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category.

As this is a professional position above the GS-9 grade level, 10% or more disabled veterans float to the top of their respective category, they do not float to the top of the Highly Qualified category unless they receive a score of 90 or above. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy.
• Some positions require supplemental document(s).
• All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement.
• If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration.
• Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation.
• Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents.
• If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
• Merit Hiring Plan Resume Requirements In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length.
• The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement.
• Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below: Contact Information Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
• Relevant Work Experience Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions) Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022) The number of hours you worked per week Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications.
• Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
• Resumes must be formatted as outlined above.
• If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
• The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources: Applicant Guidance on the Two-Page Resume Limit USAjobs-How to Write a Federal Resume Current or Former Federal Employees ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.
• If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
• CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES-To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to *** ICTAP/CTAP Employees If you are an ICTAP or CTAP eligible employee you must submit (along with your resume): 1.
• Copy of separation SF-50 documenting ICTAP/CTAP eligibility 2.
• Copy of your final federal performance appraisal 3.
• Copy of official Reduction in Force (RIF) notice 4.
• Copy of any other document which documents your eligibility for CTAP or ICTAP

Benefits

The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including: Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting

What to expect next

Once the announcement has closed and the qualifications review process has been completed, the best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

Additional information

EEO Policy Statement Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement Veterans Information Legal and Regulatory Guidance - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.

The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed.

If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job. - If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year. - In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family.

If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position. In compliance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements, please be advised that candidates will not be evaluated, selected or hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Optional Four Essay Questions At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions. 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?

Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?

Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?

Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?

Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).

The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.