Telecom Technician - Northampton

National Grid; Leeds; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking an Entry-Level Telecommunications Technician to kickstart your career in cutting-edge technology. You will gain hands-on experience in telecommunications, performing tasks like installing and maintaining two-way radios and working with vital equipment at communication towers. This role offers a structured career progression with ongoing training and support, contributing to vital communication and energy solutions. Ideal for candidates eager to learn and adapt to various working conditions.

Benefits

Continuous training and mentorship

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to troubleshoot using schematics and logic diagrams.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude for fine work.
• Provide an acceptable means of off-hour contact.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain two-way radios in commercial vehicles.
• Ensure compliance with FCC guidelines.
• Work with SCADA systems and perform fiber optic splicing.

Skills

Troubleshooting using test equipment

Mechanical aptitude

Effective communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

Launch Your Career as a Telecommunications Technician

Are you ready to kickstart an exciting career in cutting‑edge technology and communications? As an Entry‑Level Telecommunications Technician (Testman 80), you’ll embark on a journey to develop a wide range of skills while working with state‑of‑the‑art systems that keep our operations running smoothly.

What You’ll Do

Gain hands‑on experience in telecommunications, starting with installation and maintenance of two‑way radios in commercial vehicles, ensuring compliance with FCC guidelines. Work on vital equipment at company‑owned and leased radio towers. Over time, expand your expertise to include advanced tasks like:

• Wholesale meter testing and installation.
• Reading and modifying electrical construction prints.
• Working with SCADA systems.
• Fiber optic splicing, testing, and configuration of routers and multiplexers.
• Microwave communication systems.
• Networking technology, including IP fundamentals and configuration.
• RTU configurations and updates using complex testing equipment.

Your Career Journey

This role is part of a structured progression program spanning approximately 7 years, designed to help you develop expertise in a variety of technical areas. You’ll grow your skills step‑by‑step, with training and support to help you thrive.

Why Join Us

Adventure Awaits: This isn’t your typical desk job, you’ll drive company vehicles to remote locations year‑round, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, playing a critical role in storm restoration efforts.

Continuous Learning: Whether you’re a recent graduate or switching careers, you’ll receive the training and mentorship needed to succeed and grow.

Impactful Work: Be part of a team that keeps critical systems running, directly contributing to our mission of providing reliable communication and energy solutions.

Are You Ready to Take the Leap? If you’re safety‑conscious, eager to learn, and looking for a dynamic and rewarding career, this is your chance to start in the telecommunications field. No two days are the same, and the opportunities for growth are limitless!

Key Accountabilities

• Must be able to work in a safe and responsible manner under various working conditions.
• Safely and effectively use all tools/equipment assigned or required.
• Must actively participate in formal and informal safety and technical training.
• Required to work a reasonable amount of planned and emergency overtime.
• Required to work in all types of weather.
• Accept and satisfactorily complete training in various types of electronic systems and equipment including wireless (radio/microwave), SCADA, control and metering.
• Install, construct, modify, operate and maintain various types of electronic systems and equipment including wireless (radio/microwave), SCADA, control, and metering.
• Interpret technical diagrams and instructions; maintain legible, complete, accurate records and documentation.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties assigned by the supervisor or lead technician.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in electrical or Electronics Engineering, Electromechanical or Electrical Sciences. A minimum of 10 years of verifiable, relevant telecommunications industry experience may substitute for the degree.
• Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot using simple and complex test equipment, schematics, logic diagrams and instruction manuals.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude for fine work.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Provide an acceptable means of off‑hour contact by personal or company issued telephone.
• Required to be on‑call.
• Possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle operator’s license. Have or obtain a DOT medical certificate and a complete Driver Qualification File. (DOT requirement currently does not apply to North Andover postings)

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders; may be required to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, or squat for extended periods of time.
• May be required to lift and carry items up to fifty (50) pounds.
• May be required to work at heights exceeding 100ft.
• Must pass Hands‑on Field Assessment test.
• Must be in good physical condition to drive and work in all weather conditions.

Progression

• Progression to Technician 3/C is required within a 6‑to‑12‑month time frame from date of entry.
• Candidates will be given guidance and time, on‑the‑job, to work toward achieving a technical certification (e.g., FCC General Class License; PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate; CET Journeyman Certificate with Communications endorsement, or equivalent) within 12 months of their start date. Our team is committed to providing the guidance and resources needed to help you succeed in achieving this milestone.
• Pass a practical progression assessment. Progress to the next level of classification during the designated time frames. Progression is defined in the Automatic Progression Agreement.
• Be willing and able to advance to the position of Senior Technician.

More Information

Location: Northampton, MA – Pay Rate: $39.54

Please be advised that due to the nature of this position, incumbents are subject to federal Drug & Alcohol safety regulations governing US Department of Transportation (“DOT”) covered positions, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA). As such, the Company’s testing programs and policies regarding the use of federally prohibited drugs or alcohol, for recreational or medical purposes, will remain in effect for these safety‑sensitive, DOT covered positions.

Many of the terms and conditions of employment for this position are defined by a collective bargaining agreement that the Company has with a local union. Newly hired employees are bound by the terms of the collective bargaining agreement as well as other agreements between the Company and the local union.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience, and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.