Interdisciplinary Engineer

Western Area Power Administration
Lakewood, CO

HowToApply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date. You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

ServiceType

01

HiringPath

  • fed-transition
  • mspouse
  • public
  • vet

AgencyMarketingStatement

Join the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Team - Discover Your Next Professional Adventure! At WAPA, we do more than keep the lights on. As part of the Department of Energy, we are a collective of compassionate innovators and problem-solvers dedicated to delivering clean, renewable, and reliable federal hydroelectric power. Why WAPA? We provide reliable and cost-effective hydropower and transmission services, operating across 15 states with over 17,000 miles of transmission lines. Our mission is to ensure that 40 million people have access to power. We lead in renewable resources, energy efficiency, and advanced technology with our strategic plan, Power Forward 2030. Our priority is your career growth and development, with comprehensive training and professional opportunities in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive salaries, a robust retirement plan, health benefits, flexible schedules, and a work-life balance that values your well-being. Power Your Career with WAPA Ready to be part of our dynamic team? Apply to our current openings and take the first step towards a rewarding career that empowers both the West and your future. Your skills. Our legacy. A shared Future. Are you in? Learn more about WAPA Learn more about WAPA careers Read our Strategic Plan - Power Forward 2030

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated. You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings. You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Security clearance and associated requirements - Moderate. When in the field, the incumbent is required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, Arc Rated protective clothing is required when in proximity to exposed energized circuits. This position requires the ability to operate a government vehicle. The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain a Defensive Driver's certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.

LowGrade

12

HighGrade

13

SubAgencyName

Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Design, System Control (A7930)

Relocation

False

TotalOpenings

2

DetailStatusUrl

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

DrugTestRequired

False

PositionSensitivitiy

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

PromotionPotential

13

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

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

MajorDuties

  • As an Interdisciplinary Engineer, you will: Serve as a designated telecommunications specialist for WAPA's facilities. Be responsible for the planning and design of major multi-state microwave and mobile radio systems, telephony, and fiber optic systems necessary for power operations within WAPA. Provide detailed technical analysis of unusual problems that arise in the design, procurement, and modification of complex telecommunication systems required for operation, maintenance, and construction of power facilities; prepare and review designs, drawings, interfaces, and quantity estimates. Prepare solicitations for procurement of telecommunications equipment and material, and specifications for construction and implementation contracts. Reviews contractor furnished drawings and data for compliance with specifications and notifies contractors of required design revisions. Prepare and direct studies, evaluations, recommendations, and analysis of telecommunication needs, costs, and alternatives for system expansion, replacement, security, and improvements; perform microwave and fixed radio system path profile analysis; mobile radio propagation modeling and coverage plotting. Provide design consultation and coordination with other Federal agencies, as required, to obtain DOE and other required agency approvals for operating spectrum-based telecommunication systems necessary for WAPA's power operations. Prepare and recommend policy, procedures, guidelines, and standards for the design, installation, operations, and maintenance of telecommunication systems. Provide for the implementation and management of a WAPA-wide radio spectrum program, including radio frequency authorizations (RFA) for all radio telecommunications equipment operated by WAPA. Utilize software and automatic data processing (ADP) programs for gathering, assembling, and producing data relating to RFA requests and assignments. Performs frequency interference and intermodulation analysis in determining frequency selection and mitigating harmful interference issues utilizing specified databases, software, and ADP required in the execution of WAPA's spectrum management program. Provide technical expertise and coordination with manufacturers, suppliers, telecommunication services providers, and others concerning telecommunications and integrated control facilities or equipment. Administer the WAPA HQ telephony and related systems, including but not limited to, voice mail, audio conferencing, call accounting, and voice firewall. Coordinate corporate operations and strategies with information technology, security, and telecommunications personnel. Provide technical direction to contractors and federal staff in conjunction with daily operations of the HQ telecommunications systems. Evaluate, develop, and implement new technology, enhancements and upgrades for WAPA's corporate voice and data systems.

CommuteDistance

0

AnnouncementClosingType

01

OrganizationCodes

DN/DNWP

OtherInformation

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov. Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. Promotion Potential: This position's Full Performance Level is a GS13. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

MCOTags

Education

This vacancy specifically states that certain educational requirements must be met (also known as a "positive educational requirement"), you must provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. 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.

Evaluations

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the SME Resume Review rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who Score above a predefined cut score will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred. Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent). Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Electronics Engineering Infrastructure Design Telecommunications Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified". You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (05/26/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12957498.

Benefits

JobSummary

As an Interdisciplinary Engineer, you will provide for the planning, design, review, liaison, and coordination of major telecommunication and integrated control systems that may include digital microwave radio, fiber optics, satellite communications, land and air mobile radio, telephony, and telemetry. ***This is not a remote position. You will have to physically report to the Lakewood, CO or Salt Lake City, UT duty location(s).***

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. If applicable: Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition. Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

AgencyContactEmail

[email protected]

SecurityClearance

Not Required

AdjudicationType

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness
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