Electronics Engineer

Summary

This position is located in the Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, Laboratory Division, Technical Research Branch in Columbia, MD. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

Duties

Serves as a senior engineer, expert consultant, and special project director on telecommunications and wireless communications engineering. Incumbent will need to ensure new technologies are compliant with the Commission's rules. Performs highly technical analyses and research, studies, projects in support of the Commission's rulemaking and policy. Applies a mastery of engineering principles and practices (e.g., electro-magnetic compatibility measurement principles; Radio Frequency propagation -models, mathematical principles, radiated field measurements, conducted emission measurements, computer networking practices, various wireless communications technologies and cognitive radio developments) to the study of technical problems and issues accompanying rule making proceedings. Leads and/or actively participates as a member of agency and interagency program planning panels, committee teams and meetings, to determine possibilities for development of comparative wireless network activities. Directs advanced telecommunications and wireless network systems research projects and technology research teams in developing test plans and diverse procedures. Advises the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) on developing new telecommunications and related technologies (e.g., wireless local area networks, measurement procedures for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, and Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO)) and determining interference risks and technical operating parameters to develop technical standards. Advises the Branch Chiefs and the Division and Deputy Chiefs on Part 2 rules for equipment authorization and marketing, Part 15 and 18 rules for unlicensed radio frequency devices and other technical rules for approval of licensed devices. Provides advanced technical support for the compliance guidance to manufacturers, test laboratories and the Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs) on the equipment authorization program; and development of test procedures for devices to comply with the Commission's technical rules. Performs other duties as assigned. 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. Candidates must meet all of the qualification criteria outlined below in order to be deemed as qualified. QUALIFICATION CRITERIA 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 AND B. Specialized Experience GS-14 For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks: 1. Participating in the development of new hypotheses and theories concerning radiofrequency (RF) use and spectrum management; 2. Participating in studies of spectrum-sharing arrangements involving equipment authorization and RF use; 3. Performing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiofrequency exposure, and related compliance measurements to demonstrate conformance with technical requirements established by international regulatory agencies, industry organizations, or other federal agencies, including requirements involving Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC), Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and incident power density; 4. Providing technical advice on major research and analysis projects involving shared spectrum; 5. Participating in the development of EMC and equipment-authorization measurement procedures for evolving technologies, including 5G, 6 GHz Wi-Fi, UWB, geolocation technologies, radar and sensing systems, as well as multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and active antenna arrays, cellular and other licensed technologies. 6. Evaluating the RF, EMC, and spectrum-management implications of emerging wireless technologies and applications, including 5G systems, 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices, geolocation services, and radar and sensing technologies. 7. Experience in a working RF Laboratory such as an Accredited and FCC recognized test firm or other EMC laboratory 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. Leading the development of new hypotheses and theories concerning RF use and spectrum management; 2. Directing studies of spectrum-sharing arrangements involving equipment authorization and RF use; 3. Leading the development of EMC measurement procedures, technical requirements, and standards for evolving wireless technologies, including multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and active antenna arrays, 5G & 6G Cellular, Wi-Fi, D2D, NTN and other emerging technologies; 4. Overseeing and leading major technical research and analysis projects involving shared spectrum; 5. Performing or directing EMC and related measurements to demonstrate compliance with the technical requirements of international regulatory agencies, industry organizations, or other federal agencies; 6. Leading the development, evaluation, or implementation of international technical standards related to RF equipment authorization, electromagnetic compatibility, spectrum use, or wireless device compliance; 7. Providing technical leadership in the development, implementation, or administration of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and related international conformity-assessment arrangements; and 8. Directing or conducting technical and regulatory reviews involving test firm certification and ownership, including evaluating a test firm's technical qualifications, organizational structure, independence, control, and eligibility to perform equipment-authorization testing. 9. Experience in equipment authorization oversight operation such as a Telecommunications certification Body. 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-14 COMPETENCIES Ability to develop measurement techniques for determining multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), long term evolution (LTE), Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII), Wi-Fi, etc., of various devices including mobile/portable wireless user equipment and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices; and develop new hypotheses and theories on RF use and spectrum management. Skill in the use and application of RF emission measurements for fixed and mobile services and operations; will also serve as focal point for coordination of activities with industry organizations such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Ability to prepare bulletins, guidance documents and public notices, give speeches and serve on panels at public and industrial forums. Knowledge of the latest telecommunications and wireless network systems technology which includes testing and certification of devices. Knowledge of policies concerning equipment authorization and Radio Frequency (RF) use. GS-15 COMPETENCIES Knowledge of the latest telecommunications and wireless network systems technology which includes testing and certification of devices. Knowledge of policies concerning equipment authorization and Radio Frequency (RF) use. Ability to develop new hypotheses and theories on RF use and spectrum management. Skill in the use and application of RF emission measurements for fixed and mobile services and operations. Ability to serve as focal point for coordination of activities with industry organizations such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Ability to prepare bulletins, guidance documents and public notices, give speeches and serve on panels at public and industrial forums. Ability to develop measurement techniques for determining multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), long term evolution (LTE), Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII), Wi-Fi, etc. of various devices including mobile/portable wireless user equipment and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices. 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 90 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. 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. 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. 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 90 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. 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. 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.