Federal
Electronics Engineer - CES Recent Graduate
Defense Information Systems Agency ยท Department of Defense
About This Position
The recent graduates program targets individuals who have graduated recently from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within 2 years of degree or certificate completion, except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligations, who will have up to 6 years after degree or certificate completion. Successful applicants will be placed in a dynamic, career development program.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the three requirements described below. Eligibility, Individual Occupation Requirement, and Qualifying Experience. Eligibility Requirement Individuals who have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years. OR Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who were unable to apply within 2 years of obtaining a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution due to their military service obligation. Veterans have a full 2-year eligibility period to apply upon his/her release or discharge from active duty. The eligibility period for veterans must be within 6 years of degree completion. You MUST provide your DD-214 to support this claim. Individual Occupation Requirement: This position has a positive education requirement. Applicants must meet the basic educations requirements in order to be found minimally qualified for the position. A. An Engineering Degree. 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 B. 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: 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 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. 3. 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. 4. 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.) In addition to the Individual Occupation Requirement above, you must also meet the following: Qualifying Experience: For the GG-07 qualifying experience is defined as planning or managing or scheduling programs or projects for which innovation or original devise methods and procedures are used. For the GG-09 qualifying experience is defined as researching or developing activities or technological advances in order to incorporate into assignments using standard electronics engineering practices and design approaches. For the GG-11 qualifying experience is defined as the analyzing engineering projects or modification of major systems to meet performance requirements; or planning and conducting advanced work in areas with large blocks of data that is controversial or unknown. Candidates must describe how they meet the qualifying experience and/or selective placement factor(s) within the body of their resume. STUDENTS MAY APPLY IF THEY ARE WITHIN 90 DAYS OF GRADUATING FROM THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
Major Duties
Performs professional electronics engineering duties, coordinating assignments with those of engineers or specialists in other disciplines.
Makes critical analyses and evaluations of the ramifications, advisability, and impact of large engineering projects.
Plans and conducts advanced work in areas in which large blocks of data are controversial or unknown.
Thoroughly evaluates the various alternatives for meeting an objective, with adequate consideration of peripheral as well as technical factors, and recommends the best option.
Makes critical analyses and evaluations of the ramifications, advisability, and impact of large engineering projects.
Plans and conducts advanced work in areas in which large blocks of data are controversial or unknown.
Thoroughly evaluates the various alternatives for meeting an objective, with adequate consideration of peripheral as well as technical factors, and recommends the best option.
Education
Substitution of education for experience GS-7 Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education or eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision after completing a bachelor's degree. GS-9 Completion of 2 academic years of graduate level education or completion of all requirements for a master's degree or equivalent degree GS-11 Completion of all requirements for a PhD or equivalent degree If you are using education to qualify for this position you will need to submit your unofficial/official transcripts with your application. Failure to provide transcripts, or a determination that you do not possess the education requirement, will result in objection to your qualifications, and removal from consideration in accordance with competitive examining procedures. Qualifying Education Institution: Any of the following educational institutions or curricula that have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services . APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF DEGREE CONFERRAL PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT
How You Will Be Evaluated
How You Will Be Evaluated: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the applicant questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12878491 Competencies Telecommunications Analysis Telecommunication Systems Installation Telecommunications Planning, System Design, and Integration Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ [email protected]
Additional Information
A three trial period may be required if you have not previously completed a trial or probationary period in the excepted or competitive service. Selectee of this recruitment will be required to sign a Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date. Salary plus Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is authorized. This rate is subject to change without notice. This position is covered under DoD Manual 8140 which will be subject to future Cyber Workforce requirements as defined by the Manual. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (to verify your registration status click here). The Department of Defense (DoD) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004 will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants. Because this position is in the Cyber Excepted Service, Veterans' Preference will be applied to preference eligible candidates, as defined by Section 2108 of the Title 5 U.S.C. in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 3005, "CES Employment and Placement." If you are a veteran claiming veteran's preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package. For more information on Cyber Excepted Service Personnel System, click here. For more information on veterans' preference, click here. For more information regarding qualifications requirements, click here. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance. If selected, the authorized rate of pay may exceed the stated maximum salary rate range under certain circumstances.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. Your Resume Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full- time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Read more about what should I include in my federal resume? at USAJOBS. DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; Social Security Number; Photos of yourself; Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what should I leave out of my resume? at USAJOBS. A complete Assessment Questionnaire Other required supporting documents: (SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS) Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Required Documents
FOR THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ . Learn more about the new resume requirements Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement. Transcripts (Required) - To be eligible for the Recent Graduates Program, you must submit official/unofficial transcripts. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating. Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification. Veterans Preference Documentation (If applicable):You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disabilityIf you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference. 3. Military Spouse Preference (if applicable): Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, marriage certificate/license, and a MILITARY SPOUSE PPP SELF-CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST are required to claim Military Spouse Preference. The Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist can be found here: To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/ Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 02/17/2026. WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on02/17/2026 , or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Electronics Engineer - CES Recent Graduate position at Defense Information Systems Agency?
The salary range for this position is $52,680 - $144,457/yr. This is a GG-7/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Electronics Engineer - CES Recent Graduate job located?
This position is located in Ford Island, Hawaii. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the three requirements described below. Eligibility, Individual Occupation Requirement, and Qualifying Experience. Eligibility Requirement Individuals who have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a ...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 17, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GG-7/11 mean?
GG-7/11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.