FCC Looks for a Few Good Engineers

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The FCC is opening an application window under its Honors Engineer Program that began in 2018. During this period, the program is open to recent graduates with an engineering degree and current students who will graduate this spring. 

“Engineers play a critical and essential role in the work of the FCC, and our recent Honors Engineers, in particular, have already made an important contribution to the agency’s mission,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

Most of the high-profile issues on the agency’s plate require the input of engineers, he explained, “so there is no better time” for those new to the profession to embark on careers at the Commission. 

The agency says: “This is an opportunity for individuals to gain public-sector experience at the beginning of their careers through a valuable one-year career-development program.” At the end of one year, Honors Program engineers will be eligible for consideration for continued employment at the agency. 

Areas of work at the FCC requiring engineering expertise may involve, among other things: 

  • Enabling the introduction of new communications technologies and services such as 5G, the Internet of Things, next-generation TV broadcasting, and new broadband satellite systems, among others;
  • Facilitating the deployment of broadband services throughout the nation, including to rural and underserved areas;
  • Identifying technologies to improve access to communications services for all Americans, especially those with disabilities;
  • Supporting the introduction of communications technologies that are vitally important for public safety and homeland security as well as various market sectors such as health care, energy, education, and transportation; and
  • Developing policies that encourage innovation and investment in new communications devices and services that will support job creation and economic growth.

Selection for the Honors Engineer Program is highly competitive, and the Commission will review many facets of a candidate’s background, including academic achievement, technical skills, engineering and extracurricular activities, and demonstrated interest in government service and/or the communications sector.  

Interested candidates should review the recruitment announcement and apply online. The application deadline is February 20. 

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