Duties

As an Electronics Engineer, the incumbent performs a wide variety of duties including, but not limited to, any or all of the following:

Conducts broad and highly technical 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. Within specified objectives, determines the scope of studies; identifies information needed; researches FCC and industry sources to obtain information on equipment, practices, problems, and developments. Analyzes and evaluates information which frequently includes non engineering matters and involves compromises.

Develops reports including factual data and recommendations, or as appropriate, presentation of alternatives. Determines whether application falls within FCC precedents with respect to public interest, convenience or necessity. Coordinates studies with engineering staff or other organizations within the FCC.

Collaborates with FCC attorneys regarding the need for hearings as a result of engineering determinations; formulates, from an engineering standpoint, appropriate hearing issues; prepares engineering studies and exhibits required for proceedings; recommends alternate procedures and course of action to resolve problems informally; evaluates engineering aspects of competing applications.

Recommends action to waive FCC Rules, considering policy impact of such action.

Represents the organization in meetings with such groups as government committees, government/industry working groups, and international study groups. Such groups are established for the interchange of information, keeping up with technical developments, developing standards and guidelines, and planning for new or changed services.

Presents and discusses technical data and proposals representing the FCC's position and works toward mutually acceptable resolution of problems.

Carries out all preparatory work including obtaining necessary clearances.

Prepares correspondence and collaborates with other engineers in the preparation of correspondence on interrelated cases. This involves interpretation of FCC rules and regulations, explanation of pertinent practices, policies, and procedures of the FCC.

Confers with applicants and their legal or engineering representative on matters pertaining to applications; attends conferences with members of other government agencies and other FCC personnel on engineering related matters.

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.
• Education-Transcripts Required

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.

Qualifications

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 specialized experience requirements outlined below in order to be deemed as qualified.

A. Education

Degree Professional Engineering. To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

If you are qualifying based on positive education, please provide a copy of your college transcript. The transcript may be unofficial or photocopy at time of application, but MUST provide the original if selected. Candidates who do not submit a transcript will be deemed 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

All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

AND

B. Specialized Experience and/or Educational Requirements

GS-7

To qualify at the GS-7 grade level you may qualify by virtue of specialized experience, education or a combination of both education and specialized experience.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 in the Federal service.

For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Assisting more experienced engineers

Conducting and analyzing basic engineering studies

Performing computer-based projects using various software applications

OR

Education: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement

Definition of Superior Academic Achievement: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree that is fully qualifying for the position which meets the eligibility requirements under the Superior Academic Achievement provision. Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 1. Class Standing: A standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. 2. Grade-point average: a. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or b. a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field of study or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. 3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (other than freshman societies) that meet the requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Transcripts must include complete GPA information

OR

Combination of both education and experience

GS-9

To qualify at the GS-9 grade level you may qualify by virtue of specialized experience, education or a combination of both education and specialized experience.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 in the Federal service.

For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Determining, obtaining, and analyzing engineering data for phases of larger assignments

Applying standard engineering practices, methods, and techniques for relatively limited assignments

Recommending solutions to problems to higher-graded engineers

OR

Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

OR

Combination of both education and experience

GS-11

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level you may qualify by virtue of specialized experience, education or a combination of both education and specialized experience.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 in the Federal service.

For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Assisting in and conducting a broad range of technical radio frequency (RF) engineering studies and special projects

Preparing written summaries and analyses of engineering facts and develops recommendations for resolution of problems

Analyzing and evaluating RF engineering and technical data

OR

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

OR

Combination of both education and experience

GS-12

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level you may qualify by virtue of specialized experience only. There is no substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience.


Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service.

For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Applying and interpreting rules and regulations related to spectrum management

Performing engineering analysis and conducting a broad range of technical radio frequency (RF) engineering studies and special projects

Writing documents and communicating ideas and technical information in a clear and concise manner

GS-13

To qualify at the GS-13 grade level you may qualify by virtue of specialized experience only. There is no substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience.


Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service.

Applying and interpreting rules and regulations related to spectrum management

Performing engineering analysis and conducting a broad range of technical radio frequency (RF) engineering studies and special projects

Writing documents and communicating ideas and technical information in a clear and concise manner

Justifying and defending an organization or agency on critical engineering matters.

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.

Education

Please refer the educational requirements listed within the Qualifications section of the vacancy announcement.

Additional information

EEO Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

Veterans Information

Legal and Regulatory Guidance

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.


Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

*NOTE-This position is in the bargaining unit. The exclusive representative is NTEU Chapter 209.


All candidates are required to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to conduct engineering studies which are used as the basis for resolution of controversial engineering issues
• Ability to develop engineering reports, recommendations or alternatives to engineering issues
• Ability to determine need for legal action based upon information uncovered while conducting engineering research
• Ability to defend and justify engineering decisions on behalf of an agency or an organization
• Ability to communicate complex engineering information both orally and in writing