Electronics Engineer

Federal Communications Commission

Summary

This position is in located at various Bureaus/Offices at Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC.

RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.

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

SELECTED CANDIDATES MAY BE APPOINTED AT THE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU (WTB) OR THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (OET).

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Native Americans

Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens AND MERIT PROMOTION (MP) - STATUS CANDIDATES and NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBLES. MP candidates include Federal Employees, Agency Employees, competitive Reinstatement eligibles, VEOA, CTAP and ICTAP. Individuals eligible for non-competitive appointment under special appointing authorities may also apply for consideration (e.g. Individuals with Disabilities; Veterans [VRA, 30% Disabled]; former Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or Vista). Indicate how you wish to be considered.

Duties

Duties assigned involve a high level of responsibility; require a broad knowledge of technical engineering matters, legal requirements, FCC's mission, policy, and precedent actions; and ability to apply mature judgment, originality, and ingenuity to the resolution of problems.
Conducts broad and highly technical electronic engineering studies which are used as the basis for resolution of such issues as controversial applications, development of new or revised rules: testimony in enforcement actions, negotiation of treaties, and establishment of government and industry standards and agreements
Develops electronics engineering reports including factual data and recommendations, or as appropriate, presentation of alternatives.
Presents and discusses electronics engineering data and proposals representing the FCC's position and works toward mutually acceptable resolution of problems.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
US Citizenship.
May serve a one year probationary period (if applicable).
Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
If selected, a financial disclosure statement may be required.
Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade/status.
Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
Education-Transcripts Required

See "Qualifications".

Qualifications

Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees asking to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

To be deemed as qualified, candidates must meet the qualification criteria as listed in both Part A & Part B.

PART A. REQUIRED OPM EDUCATION

Candidates must meet the OPM educational qualification standards as listed here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

Applicants are required to submit transcripts (unofficial or official) to confirm attainment of the OPM educational requirements for this position. If transcripts are not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.

PART B. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

GS-11

A. Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

B. Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

1. Experience assisting senior engineers in conducting a broad range of radio frequency (RF) and broadband telecommunications engineering studies or special projects.
2. Experience preparing written summaries and analyses of electronics engineering data and/or developing recommendations for resolution of problems.

C. Combination of both education and specialized experience.

GS-12

Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

1. Experience conducting technical radio frequency (RF) and broadband telecommunications engineering studies.
2. Experience preparing written summaries and analyses of electronics engineering data and/or developing recommendations for resolution of problems regarding spectrum management.
3. Experience researching and obtaining information on electronics engineering equipment, practices, problems, and developments.

GS-13

Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

1. Experience conducting broad and highly technical radio frequency (RF) and broadband telecommunications engineering studies.
2. Experience preparing written summaries and analyses of electronics engineering data and/or developing recommendations for resolution of problems regarding spectrum management, including the evaluation of coverage and/or performance of telecommunications systems.
3. Experience researching and obtaining information on electronics engineering equipment, practices, problems, and developments.
4. Experience making recommendations on the types of electronics engineering equipment needed to carry out important electronics engineering functions and project support.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

SME REVIEW

Subject matter experts will be conducting a competency based, scored structured resume review and will be reviewing resumes to determine if candidates meet the required specialized experience criteria to determine which candidates are eligible to be referred for selection to the selecting official. Candidates must meet the required specialized experience criteria and receive a score of 93 or higher on the scored structured resume review to be eligible for referral to the selecting official.

COMPETENCIES

Ability to assist senior engineers for the purposes of conducting a broad range of radio frequency (RF) and broadband telecommunications engineering studies or special projects.
Skill preparing written summaries and analyses of electronics engineering data and/or skill developing recommendations for resolution of problems.
Skill researching and obtaining information on electronics engineering equipment, practices, problems, and developments.
Skill making recommendations on the types of electronics engineering equipment needed to carry out important electronics engineering functions and project support.

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.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Subject Matter Expert Review

All eligible applicants under Delegated Examining (DEU) will be placed in one of the following three categories:

1. Highly Qualified (Score 93-100) - 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 85-92) - 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 70-84)- 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 93 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 93 or above in order to be deemed as Best Qualified. Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively only have to receive a minimum score of 70.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

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 PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov

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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=FC00&k=Federal%20Communications%20Commission

Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process

As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements. If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Sollutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.

If applying as an ICTAP or CTAP candidate...

The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) are programs designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

To be eligible for consideration under CTAP you must meet all of the following criteria:

1) Be a current FCC employee who has received an official notice stating that your position is no longer needed, or that you will be separated by reduction in force (RIF);

2) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent as substantiated by the submitted/uploaded performance appraisal. This must be submitted with your application package;

3) Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;

4) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below your current grade level with no greater promotion potential than your current position;

5) Meet the application deadline in the announcement; and

6) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria.

To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP, you must be a displaced Federal employee and have a current duty station within the local commuting area of this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the appropriate documentation such as a RIF separation notice, a letter from OPM or your agency documenting your priority consideration status with your application package. The following categories of candidates are considered displaced Employees:

Current or former career or career-conditional (tenure group I or II) competitive service employees who:

Received a specific RIF separation notice; or
Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or
Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or
Upon receipt of a RIF separation notice retired on the effective date of the RIF and submits a Standard Form 50 that indicates "Retirement in lieu of RIF", or
Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or
Separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area.

The additional following types of candidates are considered displaced Employees:

Military/National Guard Technician--you were a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician and now receive a special OPM disability retirement annuity.

To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP you must:

1) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent;

2) Occupy (or have been separated from) a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;

3) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below the grade level you are being (or have been) separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position;

4) Meet the application deadline; and

5) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria.

Agency contact information

Kristin Young

Phone: 540-303-8108
Email: Kristin.Young@fcc.gov

Address: Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington DC, District of Columbia 20554
United States

Next steps

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.

Electronics Engineer Job in Washington, DC