Electronics Engineer

About the role

This position is an Electronics Engineer in the Experimental Licensing Branch within the Electromagnetic Compatibility Division (Division) of the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET or Office) at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, DC.

RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.

THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

What you will do

• The incumbent serves as one of the Commission's principal engineering authorities on the most technically complex, novel, sensitive, controversial, and precedent-setting matters involving experimental radio operations.
• Assignments involve emerging technologies and proposed spectrum uses for which established engineering standards, technical precedents, propagation methodologies, interference criteria, or regulatory approaches may be incomplete, inapplicable, or nonexistent.
• The incumbent provides authoritative engineering advice to OET management, other FCC bureaus and offices, Commissioners and their staffs, other Federal agencies, industry representatives, engineers, attorneys, research institutions, equipment manufacturers, technology developers, and other stakeholders concerning experimental spectrum use and advanced communications technologies.
• The incumbent independently evaluates highly complex and unprecedented engineering issues, develops new analytical approaches and technical criteria, resolves significant spectrum compatibility and interference matters, and provides engineering recommendations that may establish Commission approaches or influence the development of future technical policies, rules, spectrum-management practices, and communications technologies.
• The incumbent serves as a senior technical authority and expert consultant to OET and the Commission on electronics engineering, radio frequency spectrum management, electromagnetic compatibility, propagation analysis, communications systems, interference analysis, and the experimental use of the radio spectrum.
• Provides authoritative engineering advice concerning novel, unconventional, exceptionally complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting experimental radio operations.
• Assignments frequently involve emerging or developmental technologies for which established technical standards, engineering precedents, propagation models, interference criteria, or regulatory practices do not adequately address the proposed operation.

Education

If applicable, see "Qualifications".

How you will be evaluated

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. In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction.

Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. 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. 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 80-100) - 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 75-79) - 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 70-74)- 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 80 or above.

Merit Promotion If you ask to be considered under Merit Promotion, you will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement. Time in grade restrictions apply. Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 80 or above in order to be deemed as Best Qualified.

Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively have to receive a score of 70 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 Other: - 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.