Radio Communications Engineer

Radio Communications Engineer

Be part of a team that is committed to promoting innovative technology that transforms government and its ability to service constituents. The County of Monterey Information Technology Department (ITD), a team of diverse and skilled professionals, is at the forefront of delivering essential technology solutions that are vital to meeting the County's evolving and complex business needs. ITD's mission is to keep the County seamlessly connected, by managing and optimizing the County's critical technology framework while pioneering resilient, secure, reliable and competitive solutions.

The ITD Infrastructure & Operations Division serves as the backbone of the County's technology landscape by delivering critical technology services that support County operations, including network, voice, video, data center, public safety radio, and microwave services. The Division is seeking a Radio Communications Engineer to join its Radio Communications team, which 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 possesses experience designing, implementing, and supporting complex analog and P25 digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) public safety communications systems and demonstrates familiarity with emerging wireless technologies, integration between LMR and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communications, and modern telecommunications infrastructure. 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.

The successful candidate will also possess strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and technical training skills and have the ability to effectively collaborate with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

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,…