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.
Candidates must meet all of the qualification criteria outlined below in order to be deemed as qualified.
QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
A. Education: Candidates must meet the following OPM basic requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/electronics-engineering-series-0855/.pdf
AND
B. Specialized Experience
GS-14
For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks:
1. Participating in the development of new hypotheses and theories concerning radiofrequency (RF) use and spectrum management;
2. Participating in studies of spectrum-sharing arrangements involving equipment authorization and RF use;
3. Performing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiofrequency exposure, and related compliance measurements to demonstrate conformance with technical requirements established by international regulatory agencies, industry organizations, or other federal agencies, including requirements involving Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC), Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and incident power density;
4. Providing technical advice on major research and analysis projects involving shared spectrum;
5. Participating in the development of EMC and equipment-authorization measurement procedures for evolving technologies, including 5G, 6 GHz Wi-Fi, UWB, geolocation technologies, radar and sensing systems, as well as multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and active antenna arrays, cellular and other licensed technologies.
6. Evaluating the RF, EMC, and spectrum-management implications of emerging wireless technologies and applications, including 5G systems, 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices, geolocation services, and radar and sensing technologies.
7. Experience in a working RF Laboratory such as an Accredited and FCC recognized test firm or other EMC laboratory
GS-15
For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks:
1. Leading the development of new hypotheses and theories concerning RF use and spectrum management;
2. Directing studies of spectrum-sharing arrangements involving equipment authorization and RF use;
3. Leading the development of EMC measurement procedures, technical requirements, and standards for evolving wireless technologies, including multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and active antenna arrays, 5G & 6G Cellular, Wi-Fi, D2D, NTN and other emerging technologies;
4. Overseeing and leading major technical research and analysis projects involving shared spectrum;
5. Performing or directing EMC and related measurements to demonstrate compliance with the technical requirements of international regulatory agencies, industry organizations, or other federal agencies;
6. Leading the development, evaluation, or implementation of international technical standards related to RF equipment authorization, electromagnetic compatibility, spectrum use, or wireless device compliance;
7. Providing technical leadership in the development, implementation, or administration of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and related international conformity-assessment arrangements; and
8. Directing or conducting technical and regulatory reviews involving test firm certification and ownership, including evaluating a test firm’s technical qualifications, organizational structure, independence, control, and eligibility to perform equipment-authorization testing.
9. Experience in equipment authorization oversight operation such as a Telecommunications certification Body.
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.
AND
GS-14 COMPETENCIES
- Ability to develop measurement techniques for determining multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), long term evolution (LTE), Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII), Wi-Fi, etc., of various devices including mobile/portable wireless user equipment and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices; and develop new hypotheses and theories on RF use and spectrum management.
- Skill in the use and application of RF emission measurements for fixed and mobile services and operations; will also serve as focal point for coordination of activities with industry organizations such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
- Ability to prepare bulletins, guidance documents and public notices, give speeches and serve on panels at public and industrial forums.
- Knowledge of the latest telecommunications and wireless network systems technology which includes testing and certification of devices.
- Knowledge of policies concerning equipment authorization and Radio Frequency (RF) use.
GS-15 COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of the latest telecommunications and wireless network systems technology which includes testing and certification of devices.
- Knowledge of policies concerning equipment authorization and Radio Frequency (RF) use.
- Ability to develop new hypotheses and theories on RF use and spectrum management.
- Skill in the use and application of RF emission measurements for fixed and mobile services and operations.
- Ability to serve as focal point for coordination of activities with industry organizations such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
- Ability to prepare bulletins, guidance documents and public notices, give speeches and serve on panels at public and industrial forums.
- Ability to develop measurement techniques for determining multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), long term evolution (LTE), Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII), Wi-Fi, etc. of various devices including mobile/portable wireless user equipment and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices.
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 in addition to the required competencies to determine which candidates are eligible to be referred for selection to the selecting official. Candidates must meet the required specialized experience criteria in addition to required competencies and receive a score of 90 or higher on the scored structured resume review to be eligible for referral to the selecting official.
Education
If applicable, see "Qualifications".
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.
As this position is being advertised under DEU and Merit Promotion hiring procedures, applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position using the hiring procedures outlined below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 90 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.
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:
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.