RF Field Engineer

Airtower Network Solutions • Washington, DC

31d • $100,000 - $125,000 • Remote

About The Position

Airtower Networks delivers total managed services and mobile connectivity for the commercial real estate and enterprise sector. We design, deploy, own and operate in-building cellular and public safety networks that tenants, first responders, and building owners rely on every day. The RF Field Engineer owns the hands-on technical delivery of large in-building DAS and managed networks, from first site survey to commissioning, close-out, and ongoing performance. This role is centered on field execution rather than design ownership. You will validate that what was designed is what gets built, prove it with test data, and keep it performing to carrier KPIs and client SLAs.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on field experience with cellular or public safety DAS (installation, commissioning, troubleshooting)
• Solid grasp of RF propagation and antenna theory, with working RF math: link budgets, power sharing, noise figure, and uplink/downlink balancing
• Proven commissioning and optimization experience on at least two of: JMA, SOLiD ADRF, Andrew, Comba, Fiplex, Nextivity, SOLiD, Airspan
• Proficiency with spectrum analyzers, cable/antenna analyzers, PIM testers, OTDR, CW signal generators, and RF scanners
• Ability to read construction drawings, iBwave designs, and RF schematics
• Basic networking and LAN configuration for DAS management and remote monitoring
• Experience wiring DC power plants and low-voltage circuits
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting results to clients, carriers, and inspectors
• Ability to work independently, travel regularly, and hold a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (equivalent field experience considered)
• Experience on both cellular and public safety networks
• OEM certifications (e.g., CommScope, JMA, SOLiD, ADRF) or industry credentials such as NICET, iBwave, or FCC GROL
• Familiarity with NFPA 1221/1225, IFC 510, and local AHJ requirements for ERCES
• Experience with carrier integration and LTE/5G NR KPIs on large venues or neutral-host systems
• Exposure to small cells, private LTE/5G (CBRS), or Wi-Fi
• Experience mentoring or leading field technicians

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-contract RF site surveys and benchmark data collection (walk testing, scanner and UE data)
• Join site walks and pre-construction meetings as the primary technical resource
• Review construction drawings, iBwave designs, and RF schematics against site conditions; flag gaps to design engineering early
• Act as liaison between design engineering and deployment teams so networks are built as designed
• Validate installation of DAS head-ends, remotes, RF sources (BDA, eNB/gNB, small cell), DC power plants, and low-voltage circuits
• Perform CW testing, spectrum analysis, segment and system sweep testing, PIM, and OTDR testing
• Use small hand tools for minor installation tasks, rack-and-stack, and cable terminations
• Lead commissioning, integration, and optimization of cellular and public safety DAS, including uplink/downlink link balancing and power sharing
• Prepare systems for carrier integration and acceptance against carrier KPIs
• Lead public safety ERCES commissioning and oversee AHJ inspections and third-party testing for code compliance (NFPA 1225 / IFC 510)
• Monitor systems remotely and respond to trouble tickets, onsite or remote, to meet client SLAs
• Perform fault analysis, interference mitigation, preventive maintenance, and annual public safety retesting
• Execute system modifications, expansions, and upgrades with project managers and design
• Produce commissioning reports, test results, as-builts, and close-out packages
• Communicate status and findings clearly to clients, carriers, contractors, and internal teams
• Follow industry safety standards, local codes, and Airtower safety protocols on every site

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement, phone, and test equipment
• Paid OEM training and certifications, with a clear path to Senior RF Field Engineer and beyond
• Bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance metrics

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree