The Spectrum Engineering Group is responsible for securing, managing, and protecting all civil aviation radio frequency spectrum resources to ensure interference-free operation of all radio frequency-dependent communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems within the National Airspace System (NAS).
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BELOW IN THE EDUCATION SECTION: To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-G, FG/GS-11 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience testing frequencies, bandwidths, emissions, and equipment to provide a qualitative assessment of the effects on aeronautical systems. AND Experience using technical software and programs such as Lab Windows, LabView, and Microsoft Visual Studio to create automated radio frequency electronic test scenarios. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. *Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. * Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA. *All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. * NOTE: AFSCME Interview Criteria: Article 42, Section 13 states: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best-qualified list through a comparative process, then the best-qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. If it is determined that interviews are required and telephone interviews are not utilized, travel expenses incidental to these interviews will be paid in accordance with the Agency's travel regulations and this Agreement.
This position serves as an Electronics Engineer who applies a depth of knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts, and principles of electronic circuits, radio frequency propagation, and equipment to test and analyze radio frequencies and equipment. This position is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. The Electronics Engineer applies experience testing frequencies, bandwidths, emissions, and equipment to provide a qualitative assessment of the effects on aeronautical systems. Using established test plans and procedures, he/she participates as a team member in projects designed to ensure that spectrum engineering requirements for new civil aviation communications, navigation, and surveillance systems and functions are satisfied. Assists team members collecting and analyzing data, performing trend analyses, testing, and writing technical reports. Applies experience and detailed knowledge of the theories, concepts and principles of electronic circuits, radio frequency propagation, and equipment. He/she applies skills and experience operating spectrum engineering test equipment & tools such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers to perform a variety of radio frequency measurements and electromagnetic compatibility studies. Applies experience using software development environments such as Lab Windows, LabView, and Microsoft Visual Studio to create automated test scenarios. Uses programming languages such as C#, Visual Basic, and Objective-C in support of existing and future spectrum engineering applications. Applies experience and detailed knowledge of spectrum engineering criteria, and guidelines such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policies and manuals to perform radio frequency analysis and assessment. He/she collaborates with other teams within the Group on issues related to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), frequency assignments, and NAS Operations. He/she refers to senior management and Service Area Frequency Management Officers (FMO) on difficult frequency assignment issues on NAS systems. Contacts are primarily internal to the Spectrum Engineering Services Group and other lines of business or staff offices within the FAA, although there may be some contact with external entities such as FCC, NTIA, and the General Public. Contacts are typically intended to share information, provide data and/or written analyses, and/or discuss the status of assignments. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow some discretion to select the most appropriate approach. Typically receives guidance on selecting approaches from a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced engineer. May provide recommendations to improve work processes. Demonstrates some independence in planning time and using assigned resources to accomplish assignments and small projects. Work is reviewed periodically during assignments and at completion to ensure timeliness and technical compliance with the requirements of the project or other work activity.