Launch Your Career: Electronics Technician at the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Are you looking for a role that bridges the gap between hands-on technical work and high-level national policy? The Department of Commerce is currently hiring an Electronics Technician to work at the prestigious Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) in Boulder, Colorado. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical research in radiofrequency, microwave, and radar technologies.
Job Responsibilities
As an Electronics Technician, you will be the backbone of laboratory and field operations. Key duties include:
- Technical Support: Operating and maintaining equipment for microwave, radar, and related technologies.
- Instrumentation Science: Designing, calibrating, and repairing complex electronic measurement systems.
- Equipment Lifecycle: Assembling circuit boards and ensuring proper maintenance of field site equipment.
- Advisory Role: Working alongside engineers to develop new solutions and adapt existing systems to meet research demands.
- Compliance: Ensuring site activities at the Table Mountain field site adhere to federal regulations.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Background: Successful completion of a federal background check.
- Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the ZT-3 or GS-9 grade level.
Grade Comparison Table
| Pay System | Equivalent GS Grade |
|---|---|
| ZT-3 | GS-9 |
| ZT-4 (This Position) | GS-11 / GS-12 |
| ZT-5 | GS-13 / GS-14 |
Salary Overview
The ZT-4 pay band offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $83,265 to $129,742 per year, depending on qualifications and performance.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits suite, including:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- Flexible leave and work-life balance options.
Application Tips
- Resume Focus: Use only two pages. Use bullets to highlight your technical successes.
- Assessment Prep: You will need to take the USA Hire assessment. Use the resources on the OPM website to practice beforehand.
- Documentation: Organize your SF-50s and other supporting documents early to avoid last-minute issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, relocation expenses are not paid for this position.
Q: What is the security clearance level? A: This position is classified as non-sensitive/low risk and does not require a security clearance.
If you have the technical skills to handle advanced RF testing and a desire to serve the public, this position at the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences is your next move. Apply through the official federal portal before the deadline to ensure your materials are considered by our hiring team.
Why This Electronics Technician Job Matters
Launch your technical career with the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and help shape the future of American broadband and spectrum policy.
Electronics Technician Job Overview
The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), the research arm of the NTIA, is seeking a skilled Electronics Technician to join its dedicated team in Boulder, Colorado. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-level technical support in microwave and radar technologies while contributing to critical national telecommunications research. If you are passionate about instrumentation design, measurement science, and hands-on electronic systems maintenance, this ZT-4 position provides a pathway to meaningful federal service within the Department of Commerce.
Requirements for Electronics Technician
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must register for Selective Service.
- Must complete the online application and all mandatory assessments.
- Must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the ZT-3 or GS-9 level.
Preferred Qualifications for Electronics Technician
- Expertise in operating radiofrequency test and measurement equipment.
- Strong proficiency in antenna systems maintenance and installation.
- Demonstrated ability to advise mid-level engineers on equipment adaptation.
- Practical experience in electronic circuit board assembly and instrumentation repair.
- Capability to manage property records and ensure site regulatory compliance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave programs.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Flexible telework opportunities where applicable.
- ✓Professional development and career advancement resources.
💡 How to Apply Electronics Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Electronics Technician Job
- Create or sign into your USAJOBS account.
- Read the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume focusing on your technical achievements (max 2 pages).
- Submit your online application including the questionnaire.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments via the provided link.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS track feature.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume focused; SMEs will only review the first two pages.
- Ensure your resume includes detailed dates (mm/dd/yy) and hours worked per week.
- Do not include personal information like SSN, photos, or date of birth on your resume.
- Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessments to ensure you aren't rushed.
- Upload all required supporting documents (like SF-50s or DD-214s) before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equivalent GS grade for this position?
The ZT-4 pay band is equivalent to the GS-11/12 grade levels.
Is a degree required for this role?
No, there is no positive education requirement for this position. The focus is on specialized technical experience.
Can I update my application after I have submitted it?
Yes, you may edit your application and supporting documentation through your USAJOBS account until the announcement closes at 11:59 PM ET.
Job from National Telecommunications And Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the primary Executive Branch agency tasked with advising the President on telecommunications and information policy. The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) serves as its research arm, focusing on expanding broadband internet access, optimizing spectrum use, and fostering global economic innovation. Working here means supporting the infrastructure that keeps America competitive in the 21st century.