Honors STEM Program

From transforming the nation’s broadband future to strengthening next-generation network security, you can launch your STEM career with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and help shape the future of the U.S. communications. The FCC is seeking applicants for its one-year Honors STEM Program, a highly competitive career-development opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of STEM professionals for meaningful public service. The Honors STEM Program looks to expand the FCC’s long-standing the successful Honors Engineer Program, which has long served as a pathway to impactful careers within the FCC and across the federal government. Participants will work on some of the Commission’s highest-priority initiatives, which may include, but not be limited to, drones, satellites, artificial intelligence, wireless devices, radio frequency studies, laboratory analysis, geographic information systems, economic analysis of the telecommunications industry and emerging technologies and national security. This is an entry-level developmental program which provides recent graduates an opportunity to obtain a permanent position in the Federal Government after successfully completing one year of employment. Throughout the Program, participants receive technical and professional development training across a wide range of telecommunications and technology topics and alongside their Honors STEM peers. You will engage with experts across the Commission and gain exposure to engineering, science, and/or policy principles that guide the rapidly evolving communications landscape. This immersive experience is designed to position successful participants for continued career advancement at the FCC. The FCC is now accepting applications from recent graduates, and from students graduating in May 2026, in the Electronics Engineer, Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Information Technology Specialist, and Economist fields. The FCC also anticipates offering other opportunities for additional STEM positions to meet its mission needs. What is the Honors STEM Program and How Do I Apply? The Honors STEM Program offers federal career opportunities to recent graduates who have attended accredited colleges and universities. These opportunities are posted on USAJOBS as part of the Pathways Recent Graduate Program . Individual vacancy announcements advertise different Honors STEM positions. Applicants must apply to each vacancy announcement for which they are interested. To qualify as a “Recent Graduate” you must have obtained a qualifying associate, bachelors, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from an accredited institution within the previous two years from the date the Honors STEM vacancy announcement was posted on USAJOBS . Each vacancy announcement will also specify if applications are being accepted for future graduates, and the applicable timeframe for completion of academic requirements, which cannot exceed nine months from the date of the vacancy announcement. In support of Veteran recruitment, eligible veterans may apply up to six years after degree or certification. Where Do I Find the Qualification Requirements for Honors STEM Positions? Please refer to the “Qualifications” section of the vacancy announcement posted on USAJOBS , which contains critical information, including the required qualifications criteria. Should you have any questions regarding qualification requirements, you may contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Communications Commission