This position is in the Federal Communication Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau’s (PSHSB), Operations and Emergency Management Division (OEMD). The duty station for this position is co-located at the FCC’s Equipment Development Group (EDG) in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
Summary
This position is in the Federal Communication Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau’s (PSHSB), Operations and Emergency Management Division (OEMD). The duty station for this position is co-located at the FCC’s Equipment Development Group (EDG) in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
The incumbent serves as the Commission's senior technical authority for the design, integration, modernization, deployment, sustainment, and continuous improvement of highly specialized electronic systems supporting the nationwide HFDF program. The incumbent provides expert technical leadership for highly complex projects involving advanced radio frequency technologies, electronic system integration, communications networking, mechanical system design, software-controlled instrumentation, computer-aided manufacturing, and specialized fabrication techniques. Assignments routinely require developing original technical solutions where no established methods or precedents exist and resolving unprecedented technical issues affecting nationwide operations.
The incumbent independently leads the planning, design, development, testing, installation, modernization, and sustainment of mission-critical electronic systems that directly support Commission enforcement activities, national security missions, emergency communications, Continuity of Government operations, and interagency spectrum management initiatives. The incumbent serves as the principal technical advisor to Bureau leadership on matters involving the technical direction, modernization strategy, operational readiness, and lifecycle management of the nationwide HFDF program and routinely collaborates with senior technical officials throughout the Federal Government, contractors, equipment manufacturers, research organizations, and international partners.
The work performed directly affects the reliability, operational readiness, and technical capabilities of nationwide communications systems relied upon by the Commission and numerous Federal partners to protect critical communications infrastructure, support public safety operations, safeguard spectrum resources, and respond to national emergencies. The position requires the exercise of exceptional technical judgment, innovation, and independent decision-making in an environment where system reliability and operational availability are essential to accomplishing the Commission's public safety and homeland security mission. The incumbent reports directly to the HFDF Director.
Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
Drug Testing Required.
Security Clearance Required
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must:
-Currently be employed in the Federal Communications Commission in positions serving under career or career conditional appointments.
ALL 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. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
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 must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
GS-14
In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must have have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as follows:
1. Experience providing expert technical leadership for highly complex projects involving advanced radio frequency technologies, electronic system integration, communications networking, mechanical system design, software-controlled instrumentation, computer-aided manufacturing, and/or specialized fabrication techniques. 2. Experience independently leading the planning, design, development, testing, installation, modernization, and sustainment of mission-critical electronic systems. 3. Experience developing original hardware configurations, custom electronic assemblies, embedded control systems, mechanical components, instrumentation, and/or integrated subsystems that frequently require adaptation of advanced technologies to meet unique operational requirements. 4. Experience utilizing computer-aided design (CAD), three-dimensional modeling, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, additive manufacturing, precision machining, and other advanced manufacturing techniques.
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 review your application to determine if you meet the following required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):
Mastery of advanced electronics technology and an expert practical knowledge of the theories, principles, concepts, and practices governing the design, integration, fabrication, testing, modernization, deployment, operation, and lifecycle management of highly specialized electronic and electromechanical systems supporting the Commission's nationwide High Frequency Direction Finding (HFDF) program.
Expert knowledge of radio frequency theory, antenna systems, digital and analog circuitry, embedded electronics, communications networking, software-controlled instrumentation, signal processing, computer-controlled manufacturing, mechanical design, precision fabrication, advanced machining technologies, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), additive manufacturing, systems integration, and complex diagnostic methodologies to conceive, develop, and implement innovative technical solutions for highly specialized systems that are unavailable through commercial sources.
Mastery of advanced diagnostic and analytical techniques to resolve unprecedented technical problems involving multiple integrated electronic, mechanical, communications, software, and infrastructure components operating in geographically dispersed mission-critical environments. Assignments routinely require developing original technical approaches where accepted practices, precedents, or commercially available technologies are inadequate to accomplish mission objectives.
Ability to demonstrate exceptional skills communicating highly technical information orally and in writing to senior Commission leadership, technical experts, contractors, manufacturers, partner Federal agencies, and international organizations, including the preparation of technical analyses, engineering documentation, technical standards, acquisition documentation, operational procedures, modernization strategies, and authoritative technical recommendations.
If you are deemed to be qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration. Alternatively, if your application is not deemed as qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will not be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
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.
All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position. An automated score is administered based on the on-line application process used. Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the job specific questions for this position.
There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:
1. the core questions 2. the vacancy questions 3. supplemental documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, SF-15, transcripts), if applicable; and 4. your resume.
Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume. For more information, please click on Rating Process
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.
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:
ALL SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
Supplement Documents Required: 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.
ALL 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. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
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.
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
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 Solutions 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.
Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts to determine the validity of on-line question.
The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) is designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified, internal FCC employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee. To be eligible for consideration under CTAP, you must 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). 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:
1. Received a specific RIF separation notice; or
2. Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or
3. Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or
4. 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
5. Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or
6. Was separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area.
In addition, the following categories of candidates are also considered displaced Employees:
• Former Military Reserve or National Guard Technicians who are receiving a special Office of Personnel Management (OPM) disability retirement annuity under section 337 (h) or 8456 of title 5 United States Code.
• Be applying for a position at or below the grade level of the position from which you have been separated. The position must not have a greater promotion potential than the position from which you were separated.
• Have a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent. This must be submitted with your application package. (This requirement does not apply to candidates who are eligible due to compensable injury or disability retirement.
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.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L St NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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:
ALL SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
Supplement Documents Required: 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.
ALL 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. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
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.
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
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 Solutions 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.
Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts to determine the validity of on-line question.
The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) is designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified, internal FCC employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee. To be eligible for consideration under CTAP, you must 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). 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:
1. Received a specific RIF separation notice; or
2. Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or
3. Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or
4. 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
5. Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or
6. Was separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area.
In addition, the following categories of candidates are also considered displaced Employees:
• Former Military Reserve or National Guard Technicians who are receiving a special Office of Personnel Management (OPM) disability retirement annuity under section 337 (h) or 8456 of title 5 United States Code.
• Be applying for a position at or below the grade level of the position from which you have been separated. The position must not have a greater promotion potential than the position from which you were separated.
• Have a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent. This must be submitted with your application package. (This requirement does not apply to candidates who are eligible due to compensable injury or disability retirement.
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.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L St NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
