Summer Internship at the FCC (U.S. Federal Communications Commission)

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.

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.

General Duties

Engineering/computer science interns will work with senior agency staff on a wide range of issues: matters in mobile and fixed broadband network technologies and performance—related to the Broadband Data Collection program, the Measuring Broadband America program, wireless broadband standard and regulation, Internet policy, cyber security, network resiliency, RF propagation modeling, RF interference and safety issues, AI/ML, and other aspects of topics related to spectrum management. Tasks may involve research on new standards/technologies, assistance in drafting of Commission documents (e.g., Orders, public notices, staff reports, and memoranda), and a diverse set of technical tasks related to spectrum sharing among various technologies and services, exploratory data science and traditional statistical analysis, and other software related tasks. Interns will have 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.

Application Information

Resume (including documentation of relevant coursework and skills), academic transcript (unofficial), and 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. Non-US citizens are not eligible for OET’s internships.

Additional Information

Openings are for unpaid full- and part-time internships for Summer starting in May or June. Academic credit may be available—please check with your school.