Supervisory Electronics Engineer (Chief)

Summary

This position is at the Technical Rules Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Office of Engineering & Technology (OET), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

Duties

As the Chief of the Technical Rules Branch and as senior professional engineering expert, the incumbent has responsibility for: (a) managing a professional staff involved in planning and conducting complex engineering studies, projects and (b) Branch activities to ensure compliance with major Commission policy decisions. Plans and directs highly complex electronic equipment and systems research studies and projects to obtain data and technical information used in the promulgation of rules, regulations, and standards having major impact on the telecommunications industry. Studies result in procedures and methods for more efficient spectrum utilization of proposed new communications technologies, and for support of major Commission policy decisions. Oversees preparation and provides engineering and scientific research direction covering all aspects of spectrum usage for communications equipment and systems. Originates, plans and supervises the development of highly advanced technical information studies and provides recommendations on policy and rules related to spectrum allocation issues, and technical and engineering standards concerning Part 15 and 18 of the Commission's rules to ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum. Determines the need for, originates, plans and supervises the maintenance of technical reports published by OET. The incumbent plans, supervises, and directs all Branch activities, interprets Commission policies, objectives, and goals as they relate to the operation of the Branch, and establishes individual and organizational priorities, deadlines, and objectives. Assigns work based on complexity of the work, and capabilities of the staff. Evaluates the quality and timeliness of completed work against stated goals. Responsible for the technical accuracy of the work performed by the Branch personnel. Performs day-to-day supervisory functions including the establishment of performance standards, the review of work performance against performance expectations, and initiation of action for promotions, reassignments, disciplinary action, and awards. Requirements

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. GS-15 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA Candidates must meet all of the following qualification criteria in order to be deemed as qualified: A. Education B. Specialized Experience C. Competencies 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 Transcripts must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. If transcripts are not submitted the application will be rated as ineligible. AND B. Specialized Experience 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. Experience overseeing, directing, supervising or managing a subordinate staff. 2. Planning and administering highly complex projects and proceedings of major policy and technical significance related to frequency use or other policy matters. 3. Providing guidance and advice to management regarding engineering and policy issues. 4. Experience providing technical expertise on potential interference issues. 5. Experience utilizing cutting edge RF propagation models as part of computer simulations used to improve efficient use of radio spectrum and identify the potential for interference occurring. 6. Developing and implementing improved analytical techniques, models and designs applicable to spectrum engineering. 7. Writing detailed and complex technical procedures for engineering and technical policies and procedures. 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-15 COMPETENCIES Knowledge of potential interference issues. Knowledge of technical aspects of radio equipment performance. Ability to coordinate representation on various private sector or government/industry committees on electronics engineering matters. Ability to effectively communicate technical matters to non-technical individuals in both oral and written form. 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 80 or higher on the scored structured resume review to be eligible for referral to the selecting official.

Education

If applicable, see "Qualifications". How You Will Be Evaluated

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. In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. 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 80-100) - 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 75-79) - 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 70-74)- 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 80 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 80 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. 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 Other 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. 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.