Senior

aps•Deer Valley, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

At APS, the IT Field Communications Specialist plays a vital role in keeping our enterprise and field‑based systems connected, resilient, and operational. This role ensures that critical communications assets are properly installed, maintained, and improved so energy services remain reliable—even during disruptions. By supporting disaster recovery efforts and addressing design challenges directly in the field, this position helps APS continue delivering dependable power to communities across Arizona.

Requirements

Experience installing and maintaining enterprise or field‑based communications systems
Ability to identify design deficiencies and develop practical redesigns in real‑world environments
Hands‑on troubleshooting skills with a focus on restoring service and reliability
Experience coordinating with third‑party or vendor support teams during escalations
A self‑directed, dependable professional who works well independently and in collaboration with others
Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS two (2) years related experience troubleshooting and repairing metering and control systems (for IT Field Communications Specialist II)
Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS five (5) years related experience troubleshooting and repairing metering and control systems (for IT Field Communications Specialist III)
Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS seven (7) years related experience troubleshooting and repairing metering and control systems (for IT Field Communications Specialist Senior)
Proven experience working on all types of supervisory equipment used by APS.
Experience in designing, installing, configuring, and implementing public safety microwave radio systems and implementing large scale complex IP networks.
Knowledge of the functionality of control schematics.
Demonstrated experience in substation design concepts/practices relating to substation control.
A thorough understanding of protection, metering, and control concepts.
Familiarity with electronic circuit fundamentals.
Demonstrated personal computer skills including working knowledge of both hardware fundamentals and software applications.
Ability to travel statewide, work outdoors, and work overtime.
Must be a U.S. person (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee) due to potential access to information subject to U.S. Export Control Laws.
Must obtain and maintain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.
Must pass a full seven (7) year criminal history background check for CIP access.

Responsibilities

Install, maintain, and support enterprise and field‑based communications equipment to ensure reliable service delivery
Identify design gaps in the field and modify or redesign solutions to improve performance and reliability
Maintain and troubleshoot technical assets, restoring services quickly when issues arise
Support disaster recovery efforts by redesigning traffic routing to restore communications and minimize downtime
Coordinate and direct third‑party vendors or partners when escalated support is needed
Install, assemble, design repairs, adjust, test, and maintain telecommunications equipment such as wired and wireless telecommunications systems devices, microwave, IP Networks, Radio Frequency (RF) Communications systems, Voice & Data communications, VoIP, Cameras, Wi-Fi, fiber optics, WAN/FAN/LAN technologies, all of which make up the Next Generation Network.
Troubleshoots and design repairs on a wide variety of computer aided telecommunications devices such as Portable/Mobile and Radio Repeaters, radio dispatch consoles, electronic and electro-mechanical equipment, SCADA systems, Fiber, DWDM, telemetry and GPS systems, wired and wireless network equipment.
Regularly use diagnostic software for localizing equipment and system problems, specialized testing equipment such as communications analyzers, digital oscilloscopes, Radio Service Monitors, digital multimeters, cable verifier, spectrum analyzers, frequency counters and RF power meters.
Performs remote/Centralized management of systems through Management software.
Install, repair and maintain Carrier Class Digital Microwave (MW), and Radio Frequency (RF) Data Link equipment.
Coordinate and provide direct oversite to Vendor and 3rd part support and other activities within their area of responsibility (AOR).
Train and mentor junior level staffing, they must be the SME of all equipment that resides within their AOR.
Work 24/7 in support of Enterprise Network systems and Public Safety Communication Systems, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Display a mastery of knowledge of AC/DC Power/Amperage and understand the safety aspects of working in high voltage environments.
Work alone and with team members as well as customer departments to design highly reliable and timely solutions. The type of work will include working on ladders, and lift platforms. Installing microwave radios, network switches, routers, and the use of power and hand tools.