RF Systems Engineer

VELCO•Rutland, VT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

VELCO is hiring an RF Systems Engineer at the Associate or Engineer level to support its statewide wireless network and related fiber and microwave backhaul infrastructure. Based in Rutland, Vermont, the role contributes to the design, planning, integration, operation, and maintenance of a radio communications network that supports safe and reliable electric-grid operations. VELCO is investing in a new DMR system to upgrade its communications capabilities for voice, data, and electric-grid information systems. The Associate Engineer is an entry-level role in which the employee learns the technical aspects of VELCO’s radio frequency network, processes, tools, and system attributes while completing engineering assignments under direct supervision. The experienced Engineer level is intended for a practicing engineer, typically with 2–7 years of experience, who understands VELCO’s network, standards, and procedures and can complete assignments with general oversight. Both levels support network design, planning, integration, troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging, and problem solving. The position may help manage complex technical projects with oversight and requires strong organization and time management. The role supports VELCO’s trunked radio, microwave, and optical transport networks; provides technical support to field personnel at radio sites, distribution utilities, and substations throughout Vermont; monitors radio traffic patterns; and uses RF propagation analysis software. The work takes place in a collaborative, cross-functional, open-office environment and includes travel to project sites. Compensation is listed as $68,744–$110,656, with a midpoint of $89,700. Individual offers depend on factors including qualifications, education, skills, competencies, and experience. The position may also include comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and potential incentive compensation.

Requirements

Associate Engineer level: BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Experienced Engineer level: BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
Digital Mobile Radio experience is required.
Experienced Engineer level is typically for a practicing engineer with 2–7 years of experience.
Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to be both creative and analytical.
Extremely detail-oriented and accurate.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Must be able to travel to various project sites.
Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to work additional hours when necessary.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Wireless/radio frequency technology experience with mission-critical digital mobile communication systems, including trunked radio systems, DMR, and microwave.
Tait Technologies experience.
FCC general class commercial radio operator experience.
Experience operating complex trunked radio networks, microwave backhaul networks, complex serial and Ethernet data networks, optical transport networks, Ethernet networking, and DACS.
Proficiency in planning, designing, implementing, and managing carrier-class statistical (IP) and TDM networking with consideration of traffic loading and bandwidth allocation.

Responsibilities

Support the management of VELCO’s trunked radio system, microwave, and optical transport networks.
Follow policies and industry-standard practices to test and certify equipment commissioning, maintenance, and operation.
Help develop end-user training plans.
Provide engineering and technical support to field personnel at radio sites, distribution utilities, and substations throughout Vermont.
Monitor and identify radio traffic patterns to ensure high availability.
Utilize radio frequency propagation analysis software.
Perform new and repair service requests.
Adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) communication-related standards.
Participate in network design, planning, and integration support, including troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging, and problem solving.
Help manage complex technical projects with oversight.