Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SEEKS ENGINEERS FOR HONORS PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, January 16, 2020—The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is opening a window for applications under its Honors Engineer Program that was launched in 2018.  During this window, 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 Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.  “Most of the high-profile issues on the FCC’s plate require the input of engineers, so there is no better time for new engineers to embark on careers here that promise to be tremendously rewarding.”

The Commission continues to seek new engineering talent to work on cutting-edge issues in communications and technology.  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 FCC.  

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 Criteria

Selection for the Honors Engineer Program is highly competitive, and the FCC 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.


How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the recruitment announcement and apply online at 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/556213000.  The deadline for applications is February 20, 2020.


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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).