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Supervisory IT Specialist (AI Systems Manager) (Deputy Division Chief)

Federal Communications Commission

Summary

This position is in the Laboratory Division (Division), Office of Engineering and Technology (OET or Office), Federal Communications Commission located in Columbia, MD.

RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.  

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

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$169,279 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Promotion potential
15 - This position is at the full performance level.
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position. Work schedules, including telework, are at the discretion of the supervisor, consistent with agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes - Financial disclosure agreement required.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DHA-OET-2026-001
Control number
880175600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - Open to all U.S. Citizens. Individuals who typically apply for positions under other authorities may also apply competitively to this position. (e.g. VRA, Schedule A, Peace Corps, Students, Recent Graduates, Military Spouses, National Guard, Indian Preference, Land Management, Family of Overseas Employees, Federal Employees, Agency Employees, ICTAP) Non-citizens may be eligible for this excepted service position under certain circumstances.

Duties

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This position will provide executive level leadership and authoritative technical direction for OET’s information technology (IT) and AI/ML infrastructure, high volume data processing environments, enterprise compute systems supporting spectrum related analytics, and modernization of authorization/laboratory systems. The position is responsible for leading OET’s modernization of IT and specifically AI enabling technical systems, including the Equipment Authorization System (EAS) database, APIs, analytics infrastructure, and associated compliance and marketplace support tools. Modernization of EAS is a critical national security, supply chain, and commerce support mission, required due to legacy, end of life components and structural deficiencies. EAS modernization has been repeatedly identified as essential to support AI enabled risk detection, analytics, platform integrations, and automated compliance capabilities.

The incumbent serves as Deputy Division Chief and is responsible for managing a team of engineers in a deadline-driven, customer-facing role that has direct impact on the FCC’s regulation and authorizations of nearly all consumer WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G wireless mobile carrier, wireless medical devices. This includes planning, directing and evaluating the work of the Division’s Customer Service Branch, Technical Research Branch and the Equipment Authorization and Compliance Branch; designating and managing CORs within the Division; and provides technical and managerial oversight of the Division with responsibility for: (a) developing goals and objectives; (b) developing and (c) implementing policies and procedures. He/she reports directly to the Associate Chief and Lab Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology and maintains the Equipment Authorization Program; and supports OET Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, including in a devolution scenario during emergency events affecting the Commission’s mission essential functions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship.
  • Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
  • Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • Financial disclosure statement may be required upon assuming the position.
  • Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
  • Security Clearance Required
  • Drug Testing Required.
  • Must upload accomplishment record which addresses the required competencies

Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions.  Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.

****ALL CANDIDATES MUST UPLOAD AN ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD OF NO MORE THAN 5 PAGES AND WHICH ADDRESSES ALL REQUIRED COMPETENCIES LISTED IN THE "QUALIFICATIONS" SECTION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IF APPLICANTS DO NOT SUBMIT THE ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD, THE APPLICATION WILL BE RATED AS INELIGIBLE.****

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.  Time in grade restrictions do not apply to Direct Hire procedures.

Qualification Requirements

1. In order to be deemed as qualified, candidate's resumes must demonstrate the required OPM GS-2210 competencies. Candidates must first receive a minimally eligible score of 75.56 as a result of the scored resume review conducted by subject matter experts.

2. For candidates who receive an initial minimally eligible score of 75.56 or above, a second, scored subject matter expert review will be conducted. Subject matter experts will review accomplishment records which applicants are required to submit by the closing date of the announcement. Accomplishment records must be no longer than 5 pages in length. The accomplishment record review conducted by subject matter experts will determine if candidate's resumes demonstrate each of the required competencies (A through E) listed below. As a result of the scored accomplishment review, candidates must receive a score of at least 92.50 to be referred to the selecting official for hiring consideration.

****ALL CANDIDATES MUST UPLOAD AN ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD OF NO MORE THAN 5 PAGES AND WHICH ADDRESSES ALL REQUIRED COMPETENCIES LISTED IN THE "QUALIFICATIONS" SECTION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IF APPLICANTS DO NOT SUBMIT THE ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD, THE APPLICATION WILL BE RATED AS INELIGIBLE.****

OPM GS-2210 Competencies

A. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
B. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
C. Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
D. Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations
E. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
F. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations
G. Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
H. Technical Competence – Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. 
I. Cyber-Expert knowledge of Federal cyber and cybersecurity policy, procedures, and guidelines, cyber and cybersecurity concepts, terms, and technical aspects.
J. Advice-Expert ability to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to senior management on critical policy issues; make decisions or recommendations that significantly influence important Commission IT and Cybersecurity policies or programs.
K. IT Principles-Skill in applying advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices sufficient to accomplish assignments such as develop and interpret policies, procedures, and strategies governing the planning and delivery of IT services throughout the agency.

Accomplishment Record-Required Competencies

A. Ability to Identify and Resolve Technical Issues with Precision and Follow‑Through: This competency measures a candidate’s attention to detail, analytical rigor, and ability to drive technical work to completion.  
B. Enterprise Architecture Delivery, and Communication: This competency evaluates a candidate’s ability to support users, teams, or stakeholders throughout large‑scale architectural initiatives — from initial design through production deployment — while maintaining schedule and budget discipline. It also assesses the candidate’s skill in clearly communicating technical approaches and outcomes to business unit owners. 
C. Data Engineering and AI‑Systems Support: This competency evaluates a candidate’s ability to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot complex IT systems — specifically cloud‑native and AI/ML infrastructure, including data pipelines, compute environments, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers — in high‑transaction environments such as systems operating above one million TPS/QPS. 
D. Problem Solving — Leading Technical Root Cause Analyses in AI/ML Environments: This competency assesses a candidate’s ability to lead technically complex IT and AI/ML root cause analyses (RCA) for major incidents, including executive‑level post‑mortem reviews. It focuses on diagnostic rigor, cross‑system analytical skill, and the ability to produce resolutions that withstand scrutiny and drive organizational learning.
E: Leadership, Enterprise Architecture, and Stakeholder Engagement :This competency evaluates a candidate’s ability to lead teams in architecting complex IT solutions—specifically cloud‑native, AI/ML‑enabled, enterprise‑level infrastructure. It emphasizes strategic leadership, architectural judgment, cross‑organizational coordination, and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across technical and business domains.  

Education

n/a

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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

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.

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.

****ALL CANDIDATES MUST UPLOAD AN ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD OF NO MORE THAN 5 PAGES AND WHICH ADDRESSES ALL REQUIRED COMPETENCIES LISTED IN THE "QUALIFICATIONS" SECTION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IF APPLICANTS DO NOT SUBMIT THE ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD, THE APPLICATION WILL BE RATED AS INELIGIBLE.****


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Federal Communications Commission

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.

Agency contact information

Kristin Young
Phone
540-303-8108
Email
Kristin.Young@fcc.gov
Address
Federal Communications Commission
45 L St NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States

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