The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) advises the Commission on technical and engineering matters; develops and administers FCC decisions regarding spectrum allocations; grants equipment authorizations, experimental licenses, and special temporary operation authority; regulates the operation of unlicensed devices; and conducts engineering and technical studies.
Summary
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) advises the Commission on technical and engineering matters; develops and administers FCC decisions regarding spectrum allocations; grants equipment authorizations, experimental licenses, and special temporary operation authority; regulates the operation of unlicensed devices; and conducts engineering and technical studies.
The Chief Engineering Advisor provides authoritative engineering advice and consultation to OET leadership, and, as appropriate, the Chairman, Commissioners, Bureaus and Offices, and other senior Commission officials on matters involving advanced communications technologies, radiofrequency spectrum, wireless and electronic communications systems, interference, equipment and device technologies, technical standards, and other complex engineering issues within the Commission's jurisdiction.
Job duties of the Chief Engineering Advisor include:
Serving as a principal senior engineering advisor to OET leadership and other senior Commission officials on the most complex and consequential engineering and technology matters before the FCC.
Providing authoritative professional engineering advice concerning radiofrequency spectrum, electromagnetic compatibility, interference, propagation, wireless and communications systems, electronic devices and equipment, advanced communications technologies, and other technical matters affecting Commission programs and regulatory responsibilities.
Analyzing complex issues involving spectrum sharing, harmful interference, electromagnetic compatibility, propagation characteristics, transmitter and receiver performance, antenna systems, technical operating parameters, and related communications engineering matters.
Providing expert engineering analysis and advice regarding the efficient and effective use of the radiofrequency spectrum and the technical characteristics of communications systems operating within spectrum regulated by the Commission.
Assessing the engineering implications of new technologies, architectures, devices, and communications capabilities and advises Commission leadership regarding potential impacts on spectrum use, interference environments, technical rules, and regulatory policy.
Reviewing and evaluating technical proposals, engineering studies, industry submissions, petitions, comments, standards, and other technical materials presented to the Commission.
Consulting with nationally recognized engineers, scientists, technical experts, industry representatives, and government officials concerning highly complex communications and spectrum engineering matters.
Providing technical leadership through expert consultation, mentoring, and professional guidance to engineers and other technical professionals throughout OET and the Commission.
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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to receive credit towards qualifications. Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
PART B. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Specialized Experience
1. Providing authoritative engineering advice and technical expertise on highly complex communications and electronics engineering matters involving areas such as radio frequency spectrum, wireless communications systems, electromagnetic compatibility, interference analysis, propagation, or advanced communications technologies. 2. Evaluating and resolving complex or precedent-setting engineering issues involving communications technologies, spectrum use, electronic systems, or emerging technologies, including assessing technical studies, engineering analyses, standards, models, or other technical evidence and developing technically supportable recommendations for senior decision-makers. 3. Advising senior officials and engaging with technical stakeholders on significant engineering and technology matters, including communicating complex technical concepts and recommendations to senior leadership, government officials, industry representatives, standards organizations, academia, or other technical experts.
Electronics, Communications, and Spectrum Engineering-Ability to demonstrate expertise applying advanced electronics and communications engineering principles to exceptionally complex matters involving radiofrequency spectrum, wireless communications systems, electromagnetic compatibility, interference, propagation, electronic equipment, or related technologies.
Complex Engineering Analysis and Technical Judgement-Ability to evaluate and resolve novel, highly complex, or precedent-setting engineering issues and develop authoritative technical recommendations based upon engineering analyses, studies, standards, models, measurements, or other technical evidence.
Senior Technical Advice and Influence-Skill providing authoritative engineering advice to senior decision-makers and communicating complex technical issues and recommendations to senior officials and external technical stakeholders.
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 and the required competencies listed above to determine which candidates are eligible to be referred for selection to the selecting official. Candidates must meet the required specialized experience along with the 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, 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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
