Telecommunications Specialist (SATCOM).

Defense Logistics Agency; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Logistics Agency in Sterling, VA seeks a Telecommunications Specialist (SATCOM) to manage Ku-band and LEO satellite systems and oversee related contracts. The role supports NS/EP and COOP missions, ensuring robust satellite and radio networks, RF and cellular systems, and long-range telecom forecasts.

The incumbent will serve as SATCOM manager and trip lead, advise on emerging technologies, and implement telecom plans, SLAs, and contingency procedures for federal operations.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience designing, integrating, and managing wide-area communications networks using commercial and DoD SATCOM platforms.
• Experience managing HF, VHF, UHF, RF-over-fiber, cellular and terrestrial radio networks.
• Developing and implementing telecommunications plans, lifecycle strategies, SLAs, contingency plans, and operational procedures.

Responsibilities

• Incumbent serves as the SATCOM Manager and Trip Lead for local and remote emergency operations.
• Manages Ku-band SATCOM and LEO satellite systems and oversees related contracts for satellite services.
• Oversee HF, VHF, UHF, RF-over-fiber, cellular and terrestrial radio networks in support of NS/EP and contingency plans.
• Maintains responsibility for satellite RF communications for IT transport and terrestrial networks.
• Performs bandwidth studies, gap analyses, and long-range telecommunications forecasts.
• Advises senior managers on emerging technologies and program enhancements.

Skills

SATCOM management

Wide-area networks

HF/VHF/UHF radio

RF-over-fiber

Contingency planning

SLAs

Job description

• Incumbent serves as the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Manager and Trip Lead for the entire spectrum of local and remote emergency operations.
• Manages all Ku-band SATCOM and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, managing and configuring these platforms to support mission requirements including management and oversight of all TFSO contracts related to Ku-band and LEO satellite services.
• Oversee High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF), and cellular communications systems in support of National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) and contingency plans.
• Maintains overall responsibility for matters relating to the implementation of satellite Radio Frequency (RF) communications for IT transport and terrestrial radio networks.
• Performs bandwidth studies, gap analyses, and long-range telecommunications forecasts.
• Advises senior managers on emerging technologies and program enhancements.

Duties

• Incumbent serves as the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Manager and Trip Lead for the entire spectrum of local and remote emergency operations.
• Manages all Ku-band SATCOM and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, managing and configuring these platforms to support mission requirements including management and oversight of all TFSO contracts related to Ku-band and LEO satellite services.
• Oversee High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF), and cellular communications systems in support of National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) and contingency plans.
• Maintains overall responsibility for matters relating to the implementation of satellite Radio Frequency (RF) communications for IT transport and terrestrial radio networks.
• Performs bandwidth studies, gap analyses, and long-range telecommunications forecasts.
• Advises senior managers on emerging technologies and program enhancements.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
• Security Requirements: Non-Critical Sensitive with Secret Access
• 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.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Bargaining Unit Status: No
• 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 additional details)

Qualifications

To qualify for a Telecommunications Specialist (SATCOM), your resume and supporting documentation must support: 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.

• 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-14 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 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:
• Designing, integrating, and managing wide-area communications networks using commercial and DoD SATCOM platforms, including Ku-band, LEO systems, and Ground Entry Points (GEPs).
• Managing and configuring HF, VHF, UHF, RF-over-fiber, cellular, and terrestrial radio networks to support COOP/NSEP missions.
• Developing and implementing telecommunications plans, lifecycle strategies, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), contingency communication plans, and operational procedures.

To be found well-qualified as an ICTAP applicant, individuals need to demonstrate experience such as: Experience designing, integrating, and managing wide-area communications networks using commercial and DoD SATCOM platforms, including Ku-band, LEO systems, and Ground Entry Points (GEPs). Experience managing and configuring HF, VHF, UHF, RF-over-fiber, cellular, and terrestrial radio networks to support COOP/NSEP missions. Experience developing and implementing telecommunications plans, lifecycle strategies, SLAs, contingency communication plans, and operational procedures.

This is an Expeditionary Civilian/Emergency Essential (EC/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.

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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.