Senior RF Communications Engineer (Radio, Microwave)

Peoplebank; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personalised attention

Online timesheet & payroll support

Contractor options tailored to you

Weekly payroll

Supportive client relationships

Job summary

Peoplebank is seeking a Senior RF Communications Engineer (Radio, Microwave & SATCOM) for a Federal Government ECN project in Canberra, ACT. This 12-month contract includes two 12-month extensions and onsite work five days per week.

The role requires 5+ years in radio communications engineering, strong RF/microwave knowledge, and NV2 security clearance. Travel to remote sites may be required, with technical leadership and documentation duties.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in radio communications engineering.
• Experience with RF/microwave systems design, testing, troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Provide input into RF, microwave and SATCOM solutions in ECN project.
• Assist with requirements gathering, design, integration, installation and commissioning.
• Tune, calibrate and test RF devices and systems.
• Integrate hardware/firmware modifications in line with standards.
• Diagnose RF system faults using test equipment.
• Maintain communications capability during outages.
• Support RF device selection and integration into larger systems.
• Monitor performance and propose upgrades and maintenance changes.
• Support deployments across dispersed and remote locations.
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation.

Skills

Radio engineering

RF & microwave systems

Fault diagnosis & testing

Technical documentation

Field travel readiness

NV2 clearance

Education

Engineering qualifications

Job description

Senior RF Communications Engineer (Radio, Microwave)

About Peoplebank: Peoplebank, part of RGF Staffing ANZ, is a leading talent solutions provider. We place the brightest IT & digital professionals into some of the region’s top employers. We are expert recruiters who have been placing IT & digital specialists with some of the most dynamic and recognised organisations in the Asia Pacific region for over 34 years.

About the Role: Our Federal Government Client is seeking a Senior RF Communications Engineer (Radio, Microwave & SATCOM) to support a major Emergency Communications Network (ECN) project and the ongoing delivery of reliable communications capabilities across geographically dispersed locations. This is a long-term 12-month contract with two 12-month extension options, located in Canberra, ACT, working onsite 5 days per week.

As the selected candidate, you will:

• Provide technical input into the identification, development, installation and modification of RF, microwave and satellite communications solutions.
• Assist with RF requirements gathering, solution design, integration, installation and commissioning.
• Scope, design, configure, tune, calibrate and conduct functional testing of RF devices, systems and associated software.
• Integrate hardware and firmware modifications and implement communications systems in accordance with relevant standards.
• Diagnose and resolve RF system faults and performance issues using a range of diagnostic tools and test equipment.
• Reconfigure equipment and systems to maintain communications capability during temporary outages.
• Support the selection and integration of RF devices and subsystems into larger communications systems.
• Monitor system performance and recommend equipment upgrades, modifications and improvements to operating and maintenance procedures.
• Support equipment upgrades, modifications and associated approvals.
• Evaluate emerging RF technologies, industry developments, relevant standards, protocols and regulations.
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including high-level designs and maintenance plans.
• Support the deployment, installation, integration and maintenance of communications systems across geographically dispersed and remote locations.
• Work with antennas, transmitters, receivers, readers and other RF communications equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineers and field technicians as required.

To be successful in this role you should have:

• 5+ years' demonstrated experience in radio communications engineering.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with RF and microwave communications systems, including design, testing, troubleshooting and optimisation.
• Demonstrated experience scoping, configuring, commissioning, tuning and maintaining RF communications equipment and systems.
• Experience diagnosing complex RF/system faults using appropriate test equipment and diagnostic techniques.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, including high-level designs, technical documentation and maintenance plans.
• Ability to work effectively in a field-based environment and undertake regular travel to geographically dispersed locations and remote sites as required.
• Active NV2 security clearance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work independently in a senior technical capacity.

It is desirable if you have:

• Experience supporting government satellite communications projects.
• Experience working with Australian Government sites or overseas locations.
• Experience with SATCOM, microwave links and/or other specialised RF communications infrastructure.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior engineers or field technicians.
• Relevant engineering or telecommunications qualifications.

Due to security clearance requirements for this role, candidates must be Australian citizens with an active Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) security clearance.

Benefits of being a Peoplebank candidate:

• Personalised Attention: You’ll be assigned a dedicated Account Manager to support your unique needs.
• User-Friendly Services and Ongoing Support: Easy online timesheet lodgement, plus full access to contractor care, payroll, and admin support throughout your contract.
• Choice and Flexibility: A wide variety of contracting options tailored to your preferences and circumstances.
• Industry-Leading Payroll Services: Enjoy the reliability of accurate, on-time weekly payments.
• Contractor Satisfaction Focus: Our goal is to be your top choice for IT contracting and permanent roles—with your success at the centre of everything we do.

Applications close: 14 October 2026 Please note: Only candidates that meet the above criteria will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the position.

Peoplebank and Leaders IT are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you need adjustments to the recruitment process due to your circumstances, please let us know—we’re here to support you.