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. 

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.
• Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade/status.
• Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
• Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
• Education-Transcripts Required

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.