Leading National Security at the FCC: Supervisory Attorney Advisor
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently hiring for a high-impact leadership role: the Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security). This position is ideal for experienced legal professionals who are passionate about national security, telecommunications policy, and the rule of law. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and influence how America regulates its communications infrastructure, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant Division Chief, you will perform high-level legal work to prevent unsecure equipment from entering the U.S. market. Responsibilities include:
- Modernizing rules to address supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Overseeing Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs) and Test Labs.
- Providing expert legal counsel on RF equipment authorization.
- Leading staff in the development of complex policy frameworks.
Comparison of Role Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Professional Law Degree (J.D./LL.B./LL.M) |
| Experience | 4+ years of professional law experience |
| Specialization | 1+ year of GS-14 level equivalent work |
| Clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) |
Requirements
Success in this role requires more than just legal credentials. You must be able to translate complex technical issues into effective regulatory policy. You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date, including time-in-grade for current federal employees and mandatory submission of a two-page resume.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering a competitive annual salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year.
Benefits
Employees of the FCC enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Generous paid time off.
- Support for professional growth and telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: The FCC enforces a strict two-page resume limit. Failure to adhere to this will disqualify your application.
- SF-50: If you are a current employee, your SF-50 is your most critical document.
- Essay Authenticity: The hiring committee reviews your personal voice. Be authentic when answering the essay questions.
Serving as a Supervisory Attorney Advisor at the FCC is a career-defining opportunity to merge legal expertise with critical national security initiatives. If you meet the qualifications, prepare your application carefully and apply before the September 3, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief) Job Matters
Shape the future of national security and telecommunications regulation at the Federal Communications Commission as a Supervisory Attorney Advisor.
Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief) Job Overview
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Attorney Advisor to serve as an Assistant Division Chief within the Spectrum Policy Branch of the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). This pivotal role focuses on the legal and policy frameworks surrounding RF equipment supply chain security, telecommunications infrastructure, and equipment authorization. The selected candidate will provide expert guidance to senior leadership, manage legal staff, and ensure that FCC policies effectively mitigate national security risks in the U.S. communications market.
Requirements for Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Professional law degree (J.D., LL.B., or LL.M.).
- Active bar membership (documentation required upon selection).
- At least four years of professional law experience.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages, formatted according to FCC guidelines.
- Successful completion of a background investigation and suitability determination.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Submission of an SF-50 for current or former federal employees verifying time-in-grade.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief)
- Deep expertise in telecommunications law, wireless spectrum policy, and Internet governance.
- Demonstrated experience in supply-chain security and mitigating risks associated with foreign adversaries.
- Proven track record of managing, leading, or supervising legal teams.
- Experience providing strategic legal advice on complex intergovernmental and regulatory matters.
- Advanced communication skills for negotiating and defending legal positions before senior stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Federal retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
- ✓Generous paid holiday and leave accrual.
- ✓Transit benefit programs.
- ✓Telecommuting and alternative work schedule options.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Attorney Advisor (National Security) (Assistant Division Chief) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and follows the required formatting.
- Gather supporting documents, including your J.D. transcripts, proof of bar membership, and a relevant writing sample.
- If you are a current federal employee, ensure you have a current SF-50 reflecting your highest grade held.
- Log into the FCC's online portal to submit your application by the closing date.
- Complete the optional (but recommended) essay questions to further demonstrate your alignment with FCC priorities.
- Monitor your application status through the online portal following the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience in the format requested by the FCC.
- Use your own words for the essay questions; do not use AI or professional writing services.
- Double-check your SF-50 submission if you are a current employee, as omission is a frequent cause for ineligible ratings.
- Contact the HR help desk early if you encounter any technical difficulties during the upload process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses will not be paid for this vacancy.
What is the security clearance level required?
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance due to the nature of the national security work involved.
Can I use AI to help draft my application essays?
No, applicants are required to certify that they used their own words and did not use consultants or large language models to generate their responses.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on legal and policy expertise regarding the security of the RF equipment supply chain and FCC regulatory compliance.
Is this a remote role?
This is a full-time position in Washington, D.C., with telework options subject to supervisor discretion.
Job from Federal Communications Commission
The FCC serves as the primary regulatory body for interstate and international communications in the United States. Since the Communications Act of 1934, the agency has been responsible for overseeing radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable communications. This role sits within the Office of Engineering and Technology, the branch tasked with the technical and policy oversight of critical spectrum issues.