Bureau/Office - Office of Engineering and Technology
The Office of Engineering and Technology's (OET) mission is to manage spectrum and provide leadership to create new opportunities for competitive technologies and services for the American public. It maintains the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, manages the Experimental Licensing and Equipment Authorization programs, regulates the operation of unlicensed devices, and conducts engineering and technical studies. Interns are hosted in two of OET’s Divisions:
- The Electromagnetic Compatibility Division plans and conducts studies on radiowave propagation and communications systems characteristics and develops analytical techniques and models to improve spectrum utilization. It studies and advises the Commission on broadband and Internet technologies and networks and conducts studies to measure the performance of broadband services delivered by Internet service providers over a variety of platforms, including wireline, wireless, cable and satellite. The Division oversees the development of the Commission’s regulations and measurements for evaluating human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The Division also manages the Experimental Licensing program which promotes innovation in radio frequency technology and services.
- The Policy and Rules Division advises the Commission on technical and policy issues pertaining to spectrum allocation and use; prepares and coordinates Commission rulemaking items and public notices of inquiry pertaining to changes in the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations; administers and formulates rules and general policies for Part 2 of the Rules and related frequency allocation activities; and administers and formulates rules, technical standards, and general policies for Parts 15 and 18 of the Rules. The Division also reviews proposed rule changes and Commission agenda items pertaining to technical aspects of Commission functions and provides FCC representation and interagency coordination by participating in the work of national/international committees, technical bodies, and government agencies.
Office of Engineering and Technology - Engineering Internship
- Internship Period(s)
Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
- General Duties
Engineering/computer science interns will work with senior agency staff on a wide range of issues, which in the past have included mobile and fixed broadband network technologies and deployment, broadband network performance, broadband wireless service development and regulation, RF interference and safety issues, and spectrum propagation modeling. Tasks may involve research on new technologies as well as assisting staff in the drafting of Commission documents (e.g., orders, public notices, staff reports and memoranda). Interns have had the opportunity to attend and participate in meetings with Commission personnel and outside parties and to take advantage of Commission training and educational programs as appropriate.
- Selection Criteria
Engineering/computer science undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this internship position. The ideal candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, and an interest in communications technologies and policy. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be considered. The FCC provides internship opportunities to students who are supported by fellowship or stipend funding or are receiving credit from the educational institution.
- Send Application to: OETInfo@fcc.gov
- Application Information
Resume (including documentation of relevant coursework and skills), cover letter indicating why are you interested in this internship and highlighting relevant skills and availability (tentative start and end dates, days/hours per week).- Please confirm you are a U.S. Citizen when you submit your application materials via e-mail. Non-US citizens are not eligible for OET’s internships.
- Please note that we may request an academic or professional reference after we complete the interview phase of the internship application process.
- Additional Information
Openings are for unpaid internships. Academic credit may be available—please check with your school.
- Application Deadline
While we do not have a formal deadline, we encourage applicants to submit their materials before the following dates for each semester for full consideration:- March 15 for Summer Internships (Starting in May or June)
- July 1 for Fall Internships (Starting in August or September)
- October 15 for Spring Internships (Starting in January)
Office of Engineering and Technology - Legal Internship
- Internship Period(s)
Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
- General Duties
Legal interns will work with attorneys, engineers and economists on a wide variety of issues relating to spectrum use and new technologies. Past interns have performed legal research and assisted in the preparation of legal memoranda and related Commission documents, and have worked with the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council (TAC) to support its work in exploring important areas of technology innovation. OET’s interns typically leave with at least one quality writing sample and valuable exposure to the administrative rule process. A technical engineering background is not required for this internship.
- Selection Criteria
First- second- and third-year law students with strong analytical, research, and writing skills are encouraged to apply. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be considered. The FCC provides internship opportunities to students who are supported by fellowship or stipend funding or are receiving credit from the educational institution.
- Send Application to: OETInfo@fcc.gov
- Application Information
Resume (including documentation of relevant coursework and skills), cover letter indicating why are you interested in this internship and highlighting relevant skills and availability (tentative start and end dates, days/hours per week).- Please confirm you are a U.S. Citizen when you submit your application materials via e-mail. Non-US citizens are not eligible for OET’s internships.
- Please note that we may request an academic or professional reference after we complete the interview phase of the internship application process.
- Additional Information
Openings are for unpaid internships. Academic credit may be available—please check with your school.
- Application Deadline
While we do not have a formal deadline, we encourage applicants to submit their materials before the following dates for each semester for full consideration:- March 15 for Summer Internships (Starting in May or June)
- July 1 for Fall Internships (Starting in August or September)
- October 15 for Spring Internships (Starting in January)