Microwave System Specialist

Oregon Department of Transportation; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 64,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligib

Equal pay assessment

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem seeks an experienced Microwave System Specialist to oversee, operate, and maintain the state digital microwave system that supports critical radio communications. You will help design new systems, coordinate with IT teams and vendors, and ensure system reliability in a multi-site environment.

This role requires hands-on technical expertise, ability to travel statewide, and a commitment to safety as you work with towers and high-voltage equipment.

Qualifications

• Four years of information systems experience in wireless systems (i.e., two-way radio, microwave).
• Associate degree or two-year IT training with related experience.
• Bachelor's degree may substitute for all above.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical expert in microwave system administration, implementation, and maintenance.
• Manage backend applications, network and database tools, and user-facing systems; diagnose complex problems.
• Develop and distribute software modification documents for other specialists.
• Establish operating procedures and coordinate problem-solving with IT teams and vendors.
• Monitor data integrity and ensure relational integrity across systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot the digital microwave network applications.
• Maintain systems and equipment to ensure peak operating condition.
• Travel statewide as required; perform field repairs and remote access duties.
• Email for position description: [e-mail].

Skills

Wireless systems experience

Microwave systems knowledge

Education

Associate degree in computer science / information technology or related field

Two-year accredited vocational IT program

Bachelor's degree may substitute for all above

Job description

Job Description

Information Systems Specialist 5 – Microwave System Specialist

Salem

The Role

Join our Wireless Communications Section in Salem as a microwave system specialist! In this role you will oversee, operate and maintain the state digital microwave system that supports critical radio communications. You will oversee the new State Radion System’s (SRS) digital microwave system that carries the State Radio Project (SRP) development and existing analog microwave systems that maintains our current operations. Not only will you oversee the implementation and planning of all our communication systems, but you will also have an impact on the design of new systems with our existing infrastructure.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Initial Posting Date

10/14/2026

Application Deadline

10/28/2026

Agency

Department of Transportation

Salary Range

$5,779 - $8,738

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Microwave System Specialist

A Day In The Life

• Act as the technical expert in microwave system administration, implementation, and maintenance.
• Manage the backend application, network, and database tools, as well as the user-facing systems, diagnose complex problems across multiple domains and conduct in-depth research to find solutions where none exist.
• Develop, produce and distribute software modification documents for other specialists.
• Establish operating procedures for lower-level staff and coordinate problem-solving efforts with IT teams and vendors.
• Monitor data integrity, correct data corruption and ensure database relational integrity by considering data constraints, linked tables and consistency.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot the digital microwave network's applications.
• Evaluate situations and resolve questions or customer inquiries.
• Identify, diagnose, track and report problems and determine repair or replacement priorities.
• Contact multiple equipment vendors to obtain technical information and request repair or upgrades.
• Maintain systems and equipment to ensure peak operating condition.
• Operate a Sno-Cat or UTV (utility task vehicle) in inclement weather or rough conditions to gain access to remote locations to repair, install and provide emergency restoration of equipment or systems.
• Climb and work on towers and antenna structures up to 180 feet above ground and work with high voltages.
• Considerable region-wide or statewide travel in all weather conditions and time of day required.
• Move or lift heavy objects excess of 70 pounds following safety procedures.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s In It For You

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of information systems experience in wireless systems (i.e., two-way radio, microwave);
• An associate's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field, OR completion of a two (2) year accredited vocational training program in information technology or related field; AND two (2) years of information systems experience in wireless systems (i.e., two-way radio, microwave);
• A bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or related field may substitute for all of the above.

Special Qualifications

• Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.
• This position requires a maximum 60 minute response time to 455 Airport Rd SE Building C, Salem, OR 97301 for emergency call-outs.

What We’d Like To See

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Broad knowledge of wireless communications technology field including applications, data and technology.
• Extensive knowledge of microwave and network infrastructure system operations.
• Proven experience working both independently and within a team.
• Proven customer service experience including handling difficult interactions with empathy and tact.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills with co-workers, customers and managers.

Additional Information

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based and fingerprint-based criminal background checks on final candidates under consideration for this position. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiantive Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Microwave, MPLS, Aviat, Towers.