Bonneville Power Administration

Electronics Engineer.

No longer accepting applications

Duties

As An Electronics Engineer, You Will

  • Be responsible for assigned planning of communications, control and data systems for network transmission, network interconnections, customer service, sustain & expand program projects. These projects could include, but are not limited to: testing next generation microwave systems, planning new fiber systems and upgrades, planning next generation mobile radio technology, planning telecom expansion to control the BES, interfacing with customers and other utilities to develop a telecom plan of service to support a generation interconnection, line and load interconnection, balancing authority move, telecommunication to support remedial action schemes (RAS) and protection requirements, telecommunication systems to carry voice and data requirements.
  • Perform long-range studies of the telecommunications system composed of radio and fiber for adequacy of capacity. This position will need to plan, scope, work to fund projects to expand or sustain BPA's Operational telecommunication system. An expert understanding of microwave propagation and/or an expert knowledge of fiber optic characteristics is strongly desired.
  • Develop, negotiate, and provide input to Communications agreements with other utilities and Power Business Line entities. Works as the Subject Matter Expert for telecommunication agreements such as: Joint Use Agreements, Cooperative Agreements, Shared Use Agreements, Commercial Leased Fiber Agreements, Interconnection Agreements, etc.
  • Provide technical knowledge and expertise as a Subject Matter Expert to internal and external working groups. Such groups may include: WECC RAS-RS Group, Operational Telecommunications Team (OTT), PSC Functional Team, multiple equipment testing groups, FACTS Standards Steering Committee, Wireless Standard Team, Fiber Team, various Telecom Project teams, etc.
  • Mentor less experienced engineers and participate in knowledge transfer. Expected to teach students and new engineers area of expertise.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 3 days per pay period
  • A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
  • The salary is based on a Special Rate Table, Number 0754: https://apps.opm.gov/SpecialRates/

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

  • Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
  • OR-
  • Combination of Education and Experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Professional Registration or Licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. -OR-
  • Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. -OR-
  • Specified Academic Courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.-OR-
  • Related Curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

For more information on how to meet the Basic Requirements please visit:

In addition to the meeting the basic requirement, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience.

Specialized Experience Requirements

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-12] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Applying electronics engineering theories, principles, practices, and techniques to the planning communications, control, and data systems for network transmission, network interconnections, customer service projects, and telecommunications capital improvements for the organization.

There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-13 grade level.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Physical Demands: The work is sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required in stooping, kneeling, bending, etc.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the

In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".

Additional information

This announcement has been amended as follows: The closing date has been extended to 02-JUL-2024.

About The Position - Vancouver

This position is located in Vancouver, WA, a splendid place to live because of its picturesque downtown area full of trendy shops, delicious restaurants, and exclusive breweries. There are several breathtaking nature parks, miles of bike trails, and amazing panoramic mountain views! Vancouver is the perfect place for anyone who loves to be outdoors and really enjoys nature!

Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form

  • The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit:
  • Information on how to create a federal resume

EEO Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy:

Veterans Information

Telework: www.telework.gov

Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors

We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.

  • 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.
  • Seniority level

    Not Applicable
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Engineering and Information Technology
  • Industries

    Strategic Management Services and Government Administration

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