Telecommunications Specialist.

Defense Logistics Agency; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Logistics Agency seeks a Telecommunications Specialist to serve as the primary SME for SATCOM systems (Ku-band and LEO) and to lead operation and maintenance of multiple Ground Entry Points. You will oversee RF equipment (HF/VHF/UHF) and integration of RF over fiber, ensuring secure, mission-critical communications.

The role requires coordinating IT and information management system administration in deployed environments, developing budgets, and providing resilient

Qualifications

• Specialized Experience with telecommunications, including SATCOM systems, data comms, and emergency capabilities.
• Experience leading system engineering and telecommunication projects; briefing senior leadership on capabilities.
• Ability to manage RF networks, GEPs, and IT/system administration in mission-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for fixed and mobile SATCOM (Ku-band, LEO) systems.
• Lead technicians for operation/maintenance of multiple SATCOM GEPs.
• Oversee RF, HF/VHF/UHF radio systems and network transport gateways.
• Provide contingency/ emergency comms capabilities across environments.
• Forecast telecom budgets for O&M and lifecycle sustainment.

Skills

SATCOM systems

GEP operation

RF maintenance

Emergency communs

System administration

Tools

Radio equipment

GEP hardware

RF over fiber

Job description

Duties

• Serves as the primary technical subject matter expert (SME) for all TFSO fixed and mobile Broadband SATCOM systems including Ku-band Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems.


• Lead technician responsible for the operation and maintenance of multiple SATCOM Ground Entry Points (GEPs) within TFSO.


• Serves as the primary technical subject matter expert (SME) and leads IT and Information Management system administration as the TFSO Deployed Communications Trip Lead.


• Responsible for maintaining and managing radio equipment, including High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) systems.


• Leads setup, configuration, operation, and maintenance of satellite communications network and global positioning equipment, integration of Radio Frequency (RF) over fiber optic cabling.


• Integrates network transport gateways that connect diverse communication paths, such as high frequency radio (for data), fixed wireless networks, cellular data, and satellite Ground Entry Point (GEP) connectivity.


• Provides primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency communications capabilities in all environments.


• Oversees resolution of hardware and software issues and ensures operational readiness of information management systems critical to National Security Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP).


• Provides guidance on RF network security to include configurations and input on design analysis and support for the review of existing and future multi-node ground stations and operational systems.


• Participates in developing and forecasting telecommunication budgets for annual and long-range projections to ensure implementation, Operations and Maintenance (O and M), and lifecycle sustainment of the enterprise architecture.
  

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen


• Tour of Duty: Set Schedule


• Security Requirements: (Special Sensitive/SCI).


• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.


• Required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAPs); including submitting to background checks as a condition of employment and/ or continued access to Special Access Programs.


• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt


• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.


• Bargaining Unit Status: No


• Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized


• Selectees are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents to access certain federal facilities. See https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for more information.


• Expeditionary Civilian (EC): Non-Combat Essential (See Qualifications section for more info)
  

Qualifications

To qualify for a Telecommunications Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-13 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:


• Experience working with telecommunication systems supporting telecommunications, preparedness and special mission requirements.


• Experience functioning as technical authority in assignments requiring the application of new theories, concepts, and developments to communication problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, technology, or procedures.


• Leading teams responsible for system engineering and oversight of telecommunication projects. Briefing senior leadership on system capabilities and limitations.
  

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.

To be found well-qualified as an ICTAP applicant, candidates must have specialized experience including: Displaying expert knowledge of specialized telecommunications systems that includes data communications, frequency management, deployment planning, network switching, and advanced strategic/tactical communications systems operations; In-depth understanding of emergency communications systems used in both government and private sectors and their application to disaster and contingency requirements; applies sound management and administrative principles to review, analyze, and resolve complex telecommunications problems; and possess strong written and oral communication skills to manage programs, interpret policies, and prepare authoritative guidance and documentation.

Experience working with telecommunication systems supporting telecommunications, preparedness and special mission requirements; Experience functioning as technical authority in assignments requiring the application of new theories, concepts, and developments to communication problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, technology, or procedures; Leading teams responsible for system engineering and oversight of telecommunication projects. Briefing senior leadership on system capabilities and limitations.

This is an Emergency Essential (EE) position. The incumbent will be designated Non-Combat Essential (NCE). In the event of a crisis, the incumbent may be required to deploy, within CONUS only, via temporary reassignment or be required to stay in place to support contingency operations. The incumbent may be required to take part in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively; therefore, the position requires the incumbent to be screened from military recall. Military Reservists selected for an EE position must arrange for a military deployment waiver from the Reserve Unit, which will remain in effect while assigned to the EE position. This requirement must be met prior to placement in an EE position. An NCE employee could be deployed to support emergency operations, humanitarian missions, disaster relief, or other expeditionary missions in the continental United States that are not considered "combat" locations. Deployment will be via Temporary Duty (TDY) orders. Deployment may entitle the employee to additional monetary compensation dependent upon the deployment location.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

As required by 5 C.F.R.

• 302.106, DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R.


• 1194).
  

For Important General Applicant Information And Definitions Go To

Reemployed Annuitants: This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at:

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace. All DLA employees are required to refrain from illegal drug use on and off duty. DLA conducts pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing.

Applicants tentatively selected for employment in testing designated positions will undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and a six-month denial of employment with DLA from the date of the drug test. Employees in drug testing designated positions are subject to random drug testing. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a \"Drug Test Statement of Understanding\" if you are selected for this position.

The DLA drug testing panel tests for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and opioids.

ADVISORY: Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana. DLA employees are subject to Federal law and under Federal law, Marijuana is illegal

Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at:

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.