General Engineer

National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Washington, DC

JobSummary

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Office of Spectrum Management (OSM). OSM is responsible for managing and analyzing the radio frequency (RF) spectrum used by federal government departments and agencies and advising the President on spectrum-related matters.

LowGrade

15

HighGrade

15

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Office of Spectrum Management (OSM)

OrganizationCodes

CM/CM61

Relocation

False

HiringPath

  • fed-transition
  • public
  • mspouse

MCOTags

  • 07

TotalOpenings

3

AgencyMarketingStatement

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), located within the Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible by law for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth. These goals are critical to America's competitiveness in the 21st-century global economy and to addressing many of the nation's most pressing needs, such as improving education, health care, and public safety

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

  • This position serves as a critical technical resource for enabling national and international spectrum strategies, protecting mission-critical federal systems, and supporting global U.S. leadership in wireless technology innovation. This includes applying RF engineering principles to ensure spectrum-dependent systems are planned, coordinated, and operated efficiently, without harmful interference. These principles may include the analysis of communications, radar, and radionavigation systems; computational simulation and modeling of RF systems and electromagnetic compatibility and interference scenarios; and the development, testing, and evaluation of RF sensors, radionavigation systems, and defense systems. It provides a unique career path for engineers at the intersection of policy, science, and advanced telecommunications systems. As a General Engineer, you will: Serve as an RF engineering expert for OSM and advisor for the technical assessment and analysis of federal views for domestic and international spectrum regulatory and policy development by providing technical leadership, advice, and assistance on complex, controversial, or precedent-setting matters with high-level officials. Lead technical analyses to support the development and assessment of domestic and international spectrum policy and regulations including for spectrum repurposing activities, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemakings, and NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Radio Frequency Management (Redbook). Assist in the establishment of overarching methodologies and processes for conducting RF analyses and measurements across OSM. Conduct or assess high-level analyses of RF propagation, link budgets, modulation schemes, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based systems. Conduct or assess technical impact evaluations of new and proposed systems on shared and adjacent bands, ensuring protection of critical federal systems (e.g., communications, radar, satellite, aviation). Work closely with other Federal agencies and the private sector to identify opportunities for cooperation on domestic and international initiatives related to identifying new and managing existing spectrum resources. Apply knowledge of the statutory and regulatory frameworks that serve as the basis for spectrum management policy domestically and internationally, especially the NTIA Redbook and ITU Radio Regulations. Serve as a subject matter expert to the Technical Panel assessing requests by the Federal agencies to access the Spectrum Relocation Fund. Represent NTIA and the U.S. government on interagency or intergovernmental working groups, committees, or conferences relating to technical and policy issues domestically and internationally. Serve as a principal speaker or panel member in a wide variety of workshops, seminars, and conferences. This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill otherGeneral Engineer GS-0801-15 positions within the Department of Commerce in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Education

There is a positive education requirement for this position. This position requires proof of higher education. See Qualifications Above. Additionally, if you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information. NOTE: Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of coursework and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course-by-course listing, along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. This position requires a SECRET CLEARANCE: Any required investigations and clearances must be completed before the selectee can be placed in the position. You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. A probationary period may be required. Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/). If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Bargaining Unit Position: No Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): No Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: Will not be paid License required: No Drug Test Required: Yes - This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter. Recruitment Incentive may be offered (New Federal employees only) Relocation Incentive may be offered (Current Federal employees only)

Evaluations

Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA), rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply. While veterans' preference does not apply in DHA, preference elig ibles are encouraged to submit their supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.). You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the Structured Interview required for this position. Structured Interview: A structured interview is an assessment method designed to measure job-related competencies of candidates by systematically inquiring about their behavior in past experiences and/or their proposed behavior in hypothetical situations. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements, defined in the job opportunity announcement, will be referred for consideration. For Certain Military Spouses: All applicants who meet the qualification requirements and military spouse noncompetitive eligibility requirements (see "Additional Information" section above) will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration on a separate referral list. While veterans' preference is not a consideration when filling positions under the military spouse non-competitive hiring authority, preference eligibles are encouraged to submit their supporting documentation (DD-214, stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.). Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. The technical assessment will evaluate you on the following competencies (DO NOT PROVIDE A SEPARATE WRITTEN RESPONSE): Technical Competence (General Engineering) Oral Communication Strategic Thinking Influencing/Negotiating Critical Thinking Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume/application. If any are included, you will be deemed INELIGIBLE for consideration. Classified or government-sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. To preview the questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12921210

HowToApply

Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply button and follow the prompts to register/sign-in into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply to continue. For instructions on submitting your application in an alternate format, please contact the Agency Contact listed in this vacancy announcement.

WhatToExpectNext

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are: Application Received or Application Incomplete Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met; Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Ineligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected. By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).

RequiredDocuments

A complete application consists of the following: Resume. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week, if less than 40. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the qualifications/assessments. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Refer to the "How you will be Evaluated' section for types of information not to include in your resume/application. Veterans' Preference documentation. Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please go to: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/vets/ Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable. CTAP or ICTAP applicant(s), MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice); or notice of disability annuity termination; or certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; or a copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc; Any documentation from your agency that shows your latest performance appraisal rating; AND Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. Education. If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information. Certain Military Spouses: Spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty:A copy of the service member's active duty orders specifying they are currently on active duty, AND documentation verifying marriage to the member of the armed forces. Spouse of service member who incurred a 100% disability: A copy of the service member's DD-214 showing the service member retired or was released or discharged from active duty, a copy of a VA letter indicating the service member has a disability rating of 100 percent or more due to a service-connected disability, AND documentation verifying marriage to the member of the armed forces. Un-remarried widow or widower of a service member killed while performing active duty:A copy of the service member's DD-214 showing the service member was released or discharged from active duty due to their death while on active duty; documentation verifying the service member was killed performing active duty (DD 1300); documentation verifying marriage to the service member at the time the service member is killed while on active duty; AND a statement certifying you are the un-married widow or widower of the service member. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and Beginning and ending dates of appointment. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Failure to provide such documents when requested may result in lost consideration. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: See Note in Education Section for additional information.

Benefits

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. 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.

BenefitsUrl

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/Federal-Employees/

OtherInformation

The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that do not fall under competitive examining procedures; however, they may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Military Spouse Non-Competitive Hiring Authority ICTAP and CTAP Eligibles: CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: Employee Guide to Career Transition Military Spouse The spouse of a member of the armed forces seeking eligibility under the non-competitive hiring authority of certain military spouse MUST submit various required documentation by the closing date of the announcement in accordance with one of the three below eligibilities: 1.) Spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty, 2.) Spouse of service member who incurred a 100% disability, or 3.) Un-remarried widow or widower of a service member killed while performing active duty. Please review the "Required Documents" Section for specific documents pertaining to each of the above eligibilities that MUST be included with your application, if you are applying as a Military Spouse. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

01

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

sblain1@doc.gov

SecurityClearance

Secret

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

AdjudicationType

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness
  • National security
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