Systems Engineer / Radio Coordinator

Beacon Technologies•Madison, WI

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves supporting, configuring, maintaining, and installing radio systems and related technologies, specifically the EF Johnson Radio Coordinator. The position requires assisting in the development and implementation of standards for radio systems, including hardware, software, and network components. Key responsibilities include conducting fleet mapping, maintenance, and audits of Code Plug data for programmable radios, as well as maintaining an inventory of radio equipment and coordinating purchases to ensure compatibility and cost-effectiveness. The role also involves analysis and review for compliance of new and existing radio systems, optimizing radio resource usage through performance data analysis, and advising institutions on their radio communication needs. Additionally, the position contributes to department radio communications planning, standardization of operating procedures, securing and administering FCC radio frequency licenses, and maintaining tower licenses and FAA approvals. Coordination with outside agencies for frequency use, mutual aid, and emergency response is crucial, along with developing Memorandums of Understanding. The role requires partnering with vendors to ensure systems align with industry standards and assisting in the development and installation of state-wide radio communication systems. Consultation on the acquisition of new systems, reviews of service levels, and quality control of the DOC Fleet Map are also key duties. Maintaining inventory, databases, and drawings of radio systems, as well as conducting on-site analysis of radio programming, are essential. The role includes configuring networking equipment and workstations for IT-integrated radio systems, performing on-site radio asset management, and acting as a point of contact for emergency backup resources. Analysis and evaluation of the Communication Trunking System and maintaining consistent talk groups are required. The position provides consultation and technical assistance department-wide, maintaining knowledge of current and emerging technologies, and assisting with studies for budget planning. Responsibilities include preparing project reports, acting as a liaison between users and vendors, and assisting with the development of purchase requests. Training institution staff on radio systems, including developing training plans and supervising delivery, is also a significant part of the role.

Requirements

1-2+ years of experience in supporting, configuring, maintaining, and installing radio systems and the encompassing technologies - EF Johnson Radio Coordinator.
Assist in developing, recommending, and implementing standards for radio systems included but not limited to hardware, software and network standards.
Conducting fleet mapping, maintenance and audits of Code Plug data for programmable radios.
Maintaining inventory of radio equipment and coordinating purchase of equipment to ensure compatibility and cost effectiveness.
Must be a WI resident or willing to relocate.

Nice To Haves

Network topology and troubleshooting skills
Advanced PC skills
Microsoft Visio or other documentation software experience

Responsibilities

Analysis and review to ensure compliance for new and existing radio systems.
Analyze performance data related to radio systems with the development of techniques to optimize the use of radio resources.
Assist and advise institutions and centers on providing the necessary data to account for their radio communications needs for the upcoming biennium and provide recommendations on improvements to their plans and implementation strategies.
Assist with the development of department radio communications planning for the better use of existing services and consideration of new services and technologies.
Assist with standardization of operating procedures for all DOC institutions and centers to follow.
Assist with securing and administering FCC radio frequency licenses including filing applications with the FCC on a timely basis, with necessary input from the installation vendors, to ensure that the systems can be operational when needed.
Assist with maintaining Tower Licenses and FAA approval for towers located near airports.
Coordinate with outside agencies the analysis of frequency use for Mutual Aide and Emergency response.
Assist with developing Memorandums of Understanding for authorized use of such frequencies or written authorization to apply for licenses for said use when appropriate.
Attend Emergency Response meetings and apply findings to DOC radio systems.
Partner with vendors to build relationships, analyze processes and technology to ensure system aligns with industry standards in all areas of radio technology, including but not limited to, network, PC & cabling standards.
Assist with development and installation of radio communications systems for the department on a state-wide basis.
Assist the installation and implementation of all new services and systems with the involved vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, departmental users and other agencies, ensuring that installations meet all DOC and state standards.
Assist in implementation of radio installs with DET & DOC BTM with regards to network connectivity and ensuring all systems are consistent with BTM standards.
Provide consultation at the appropriate office, unit, institution, division or department level on the acquisition of new radio communication systems, both under current consideration and for budgetary purposes.
Assist in planning and conducting reviews of service levels and equipment performance to make recommendations for the improvement of efficiencies and cost controls, responding to program changes and user needs.
Assist in implementing and ensuring quality control of DOC Fleet Map – identification of all radios, talk groups available and identification of which radios have access to specific talk groups.
Assist in maintaining inventory & databases reflecting the DOC Fleet Map and inventory of all radio equipment.
Maintain drawings of connectivity & key hardware items with regards to the DOC radio systems.
Maintain inventory of all Code Plugs (electronic file that contains features and programming for a specific radio) for programmable radio in the fleet.
Conduct periodic onsite analysis of radio programming of fleet radios and compare to code plug date on file to assure standardization and reliability.
Assist configuring networking equipment to include switches and other network apparatus used in radio systems and connectivity to existing state networks.
Install, configure and backup workstations used in any IT-integrated facility-based radio systems.
Assist with on-site radio asset management.
Assist with the scheduling, planning and implementation of site surveys to review existing radio communication systems and services aimed at identifying problems and needs for recommending changes either in current operations, for budgetary purposes or to effectively communicate in emergency situations.
Assist as point of contact for emergency back-up resources in event of a systems failure.
Assist with analyzing and evaluating all DOC institution and center’s Communication Trunking System, a computerized frequency management system that handles multiple frequencies.
Assist in maintaining consistent talk groups within the department.
Provision of consultation and technical assistance for all radio communications systems and equipment, department-wide.
Maintain a working knowledge of radio communications systems, services, and equipment to provide consulting service and recommendations to all department users and facilities.
Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with other industry professional, vendors, equipment manufacturers and service providers to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
Assist with studies (feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis etc.) on radio systems, equipment and services for divisional and departmental budget planning.
Respond to requests for information and advice by providing technical expertise on radio communication operations, services and equipment.
Assist with preparation of formal project reports, respond to questionnaires and surveys as assigned or requested and present progress to management, key stakeholders.
Act as liaison between department users and vendor/service providers in all areas of radio communications.
Assist in providing standards and other guidance material to assist institutions and offices of the department in establishing disaster recovery plans and services.
Communicate and assist Purchasing agent in the development of Request for Purchase for radio equipment and systems.
Maintain liaison with other agencies to share information on common problems and to take advantage of available expertise.
Train Institution staff on Radio Systems.
Direct and in some cases develop the training plans and supervise the delivery of training to departmental employees on the use of radio communications equipment and services to assure consistency to all DOC institutions and centers.