Radio Communications Engineer

County of Monterey•Salinas, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of Monterey Information Technology Department (ITD) is seeking a Radio Communications Engineer to join its Radio Communications team. This team provides comprehensive radio communications services to regional public safety agencies and operates the microwave backhaul infrastructure that supports the County's radio and network communications systems. The ideal candidate will have experience designing, implementing, and supporting complex analog and P25 digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) public safety communications systems and be familiar with emerging wireless technologies, integration between LMR and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communications, and modern telecommunications infrastructure. Experience with cloud-integrated communications environments, networking, cybersecurity principles related to communications infrastructure, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or site planning tools, and project budgeting is desirable. The successful candidate will also possess strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and technical training skills and be able to collaborate effectively with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

Working Knowledge of: Design, engineering, configuration, installation, maintenance and monitoring methods and techniques related to microwave and radio systems and equipment.
Principles pertaining to radio frequencies, radio wave propagation and wavelength delineation.
Components of communication systems including their purposes and operating characteristics.
Techniques and methods of microwave and radio system evaluation, implementation, and documentation.
Cloud based infrastructure services and technologies.
Computer operating system platforms.
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area(s) of responsibility.
Principles and practices of project management.
Established Monterey County radio communications architecture plans and directions.
Effectively analyze, identify, and diagnose microwave and radio related problems of varying complexity and take corrective measures or make recommendations that lead to a problem resolution.
Research, learn and apply new technologies to the County radio communications infrastructure.
Plan, design, implement and coordinate technology projects of varying complexity, and perform complex technical support functions for assigned systems.
Understand the impact of organizational, administrative, and personnel aspects of communication system designs.
Produce and assemble technical documentation of site surveys, project plans, system diagrams, and wiring schemes consistent with standards and procedures.
Gather, organize, and evaluate complex data, draw logical conclusions, and make effective recommendations.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with technical and non-technical audiences.
Maintain strict confidentiality of data and information processed.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
Assist with the effort of working with IT Managers and County department leaders to understand business requirements and help them understand how technology impacts business efficiency.
Work independently at various and remote sites throughout the County.
Possession of a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, IT Communications, Computer Science or a closely related field; AND Two (2) years of professional experience performing radio communications engineering, design, installation, repair, maintenance, and/or construction work.
Successfully pass a background investigation including but not limited to a fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
Possess and maintain a valid California Class "C" driver's license with a satisfactory driving record or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
Be available to work outside of normal business hours as needed, including on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays and during times of emergency and/or disaster.

Nice To Haves

Some knowledge and/or experience with cloud-integrated communications environments, networking, cybersecurity principles related to communications infrastructure, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or site planning tools, and project budgeting is desirable.
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
L3Harris Master Technician/Certified Technician
Motorola Solutions Master Technician or equivalent factory certification
P25/LMR system certifications
APCO/NPSTC or NENA certifications
RF engineering certifications
Related manufacturer-specific certifications in public-safety radio systems, infrastructure, and subscriber equipment.

Responsibilities

Plans, designs, analyzes, troubleshoots and maintains County microwave and radio systems, including public safety communications systems such as P25 public safety radio systems and RF communications equipment.
Works with contractors and internal and external teams to coordinate projects of varying complexity for the design or construction of microwave and radio systems, including telecommunications infrastructure and LTE technologies; prepares work instructions and equipment lists; develops and recommends standard operating procedures and policies; prepares Requests for Proposals and evaluates the feasibility and compatibility of modifications on existing or new systems; evaluates technical problems and performs specialized test procedures from manufacturers; reviews specifications to determine operational capabilities and verifies system specifications.
Installs, maintains, and repairs FM 2-way radio systems including base stations, mobile radios, portable radios, and paging receivers; diagnoses and isolates defects in radio equipment using schematic diagrams and electronic testing equipment; adjusts and maintains radio systems to ensure efficient operation and compliance with FCC regulations.
Installs, maintains and repairs radio microwave systems, including digital and analog communications systems, associated multiplex equipment, switching equipment, and alarm systems; troubleshoots, diagnoses isolated defects using schematic diagrams and electronic testing equipment; performs system maintenance including checking power output, reflective power, and performance degradation; interfaces microwave systems to radio, telephone, data and telemetry equipment.
Reviews project team deliverables to ensure defined technical requirements are met.
Coordinates new technology evaluation, and development of long-term and short-term radio infrastructure technology plans.
Researches and provides recommendations for tools, supplies, and parts from a variety of sources.
Maintains and monitors inventory levels of supplies and equipment; orders, receives, and maintains adequate inventory levels; researches, evaluates, and confers with vendors concerning systems, hardware, software and peripherals.
Develops guidelines and support documentation on system maintenance, performance criteria, problem identification, fault isolation and system restoration to achieve high availability, reliability and integrity for County’s microwave radio system, including testing methodologies and troubleshooting procedures.
Communicates and coordinates with customers, vendors, and other departmental staff to work collaboratively on projects, solutions and support.
Documents microwave radio system requirements, configurations, operations, and procedures.