Network-Device Engineering Apprentice

Citadel•Tamuning, GU

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Network-Device Engineering Apprentice supports the Network-Device Engineering team in researching, sourcing, testing, validating, and accepting mobile-network devices and related equipment, including user equipment (UE), customer premises equipment (CPE), and network infrastructure devices. Under the guidance of a designated journeyman or technical subject-matter expert, the apprentice learns and assists with device development lifecycles, network-device evaluation testing, conformance testing, regression testing, performance benchmarking, and regulatory or vendor compliance activities. The role works closely with engineering, network operations, roaming, sales, and other internal teams to help ensure devices perform reliably and meet IT&E's technical, operational, and customer-experience requirements. The apprentice may support one or more device development programs, including Apple, Samsung, and other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturer (ODM) programs. This position requires completion of assigned industry and specialized certifications, including Apple Carrier Development Certification, within timelines established by the Company as a condition of continued employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must provide a High School diploma or equivalent.
Must be a US citizen or resident alien.
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Must be a resident of Guam for a period not less than three (3) consecutive years before entry into the program.
Mayor's Verification must be submitted upon hire.
Must be able to attend a minimum of two (2) classes per semester as identified by program coordinator, while working forty (40) hours per week with IT&E.
Must be able to obtain required industry and manufacturer certifications within established timelines.
Must obtain Apple Carrier Development Certification as required by the Company.
Valid passport required or the ability to obtain one, as domestic and international travel may be required.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Mobile-device acceptance testing and network-device evaluation practices.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Wireless telecommunications concepts, including mobile-network performance, interoperability, roaming, SIM/UICC functionality, and device configuration.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Basic Android and iOS device functionality and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Device testing, root-cause analysis, and technical documentation practices.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, and Access.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Recordkeeping, inventory control, report preparation, and file management.
Knowledge of or ability to learn: Applicable safety, regulatory, vendor, and quality requirements.
Ability to learn and apply technical testing procedures with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to analyze test results, identify issues, and escalate findings appropriately.
Ability to operate computers, testing equipment, office equipment, and telecommunications tools.
Ability to manage time, organize multiple assignments, and meet established deadlines.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen actively, ask appropriate technical questions, and follow direction from the journeyman or technical lead.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, customers, and the public.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally when required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in telecommunications, electronics, information technology, computer science, or a related field is helpful but not required.
No prior telecommunications experience is required for entry into the apprenticeship.
Prior experience or coursework involving wireless networks, mobile-device troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, Android/iOS platforms, electronics, or technical support is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Know and uphold IT&E's mission, policies and procedures, department objectives, quality standards, and safety requirements.
Assist with coordinating the delivery, inventory, and scheduling of test and sample devices from infrastructure partners, OEMs, ODMs, CPE vendors, and other suppliers for network interoperability, inter-island conformance, validation, and acceptance testing.
Assist in performing Network Device Evaluation Testing (NDET) and other industry-standard device tests in accordance with applicable 3GPP, GSMA, manufacturer, and IT&E network requirements.
Conduct supervised lab, field, and drive testing to support device conformance, acceptance, benchmarking, and best-practice validation.
Support regression and non-regression testing related to network maintenance, software upgrades, new network features, device interaction, and end-user quality of service/quality of experience (QoS/QoE).
Learn to operate and maintain device and network protocol-analysis tools in lab and field environments, including Qualcomm QXDM, XCAL, XCAP, NEMO, COMPRION, and other approved testing platforms.
Assist with device benchmarking and comparative testing, including throughput, latency, signal capture and retention, interoperability, SIM-card behavior, processor performance, handover sensitivity, network-mode performance, roaming restrictions, carrier aggregation, dual-SIM/dual-band functionality, and audio and video quality.
Assist with the administration and operation of over-the-air (OTA) systems used to distribute approved network settings to production SIM/UICC cards.
Support verification of Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements and coordinate findings or exceptions with the designated technical lead and Regulatory Officer.
Assist in preparing device technical guidance, testing results, release notes, and support materials for frontline teams, Sales, Customer Care, and other internal stakeholders.
Provide supervised Tier 2 device support to frontline teams for devices within IT&E's approved portfolio.
Support technical communications and project coordination with OEMs, ODMs, infrastructure partners, and other vendors.
Assist with auditing, documentation, and escalation support for FCC-related programs and radio-frequency operational compliance, including CBRS requirements, as assigned.
Support the Roaming team with requested device implementation testing and participate in Global Roaming Quality (GRQ) testing in Guam, CNMI, and other operating markets as needed.
Maintain accurate records of test devices, results, inventory, technical documentation, and assigned equipment.
Participate in internal training, cross-training, and knowledge-sharing activities to build technical capability and support team continuity.
Assist other employees and functional areas, as needed, and perform other related duties or tasks as assigned.