RADIO COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER

County of Monterey, CA; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Monterey seeks a Radio Communications Engineer to design, implement, and maintain complex microwave and radio systems for public safety. The ideal candidate will work with vendors and cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, FCC-compliant communications infrastructure and explore cloud-enabled solutions.

The role requires knowledge of P25, radio frequencies, and system integration with LTE technologies, along with strong analytical and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Design, engineering, configuration, installation, maintenance and monitoring of microwave and radio systems.
• Knowledge of radio frequencies, wave propagation and wavelengths.
• Experience with P25 public safety radio systems and RF equipment.
• Familiar with cloud-based infrastructure services and IT platforms.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, analyze, troubleshoot and maintain microwave and radio systems.
• Coordinate projects, prepare work instructions, evaluate proposals and modify existing systems.
• Install, maintain and repair FM 2-way radio and paging systems.
• Manage microwave systems integration with radio, phone, data and telemetry gear.
• Develop technical documentation such as site surveys, diagrams and wiring schemes.
• Communicate with customers, vendors and staff to deliver solutions.

Skills

Radio comms design

P25 systems

LTE integration

FCC requirements

Cloud infra

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

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. View ITD services here.

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, vendors, and other departmental staff to work collaboratively on projects, solutions and support.
• Documents microwave radio system requirements, configurations, operations, and procedures.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the county of Monterey website: Radio Communications Engineer.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Working Knowledge of

• Design, engineering, configuration, installation, maintenance and monitoring methods and techniques related to microwave and radio systems and equipment.
• Principles pertaining to radio frequencies, radio wave propagation and wavelength delineation.
• Components of communication systems including their purposes and operating characteristics.
• Techniques and methods of microwave and radio system evaluation, implementation, and documentation.
• Cloud based infrastructure services and technologies.
• Computer operating system platforms.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area(s) of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Established Monterey County radio communications architecture plans and directions.

Skill and Ability to

• Effectively analyze, identify, and diagnose microwave and radio related problems of varying complexity and take corrective measures or make recommendations that lead to a problem resolution.
• Research, learn and apply new technologies to the County radio communications infrastructure.
• Plan, design, implement and coordinate technology projects of varying complexity, and perform complex technical support functions for assigned systems.
• Understand the impact of organizational, administrative, and personnel aspects of communication system designs.
• Produce and assemble technical documentation of site surveys, project plans, system diagrams, and wiring schemes consistent with standards and procedures.
• Gather, organize, and evaluate complex data, draw logical conclusions, and make effective recommendations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of data and information processed.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Assist with the effort of working with IT Managers and County department leaders to understand business requirements and help them understand how technology impacts business efficiency.
• Work independently at various and remote sites throughout the County.

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, IT Communications, Computer Science or a closely related field;

Experience:

Two (2) years of professional experience performing radio communications engineering, design, installation, repair, maintenance, and/or construction work.

Licenses/Certifications

Examples of desirable licenses and certifications for a Radio Communications Engineer include FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), L3Harris Master Technician/Certified Technician, Motorola Solutions Master Technician or equivalent factory certification, P25/LMR system certifications, APCO/NPSTC or NENA certifications, RF engineering certifications, and related manufacturer-specific certifications in public-safety radio systems, infrastructure, and subscriber equipment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successfully pass a background investigation including but not limited to a fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class "C" driver's license with a satisfactory driving record or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work outside of normal business hours as needed, including on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays and during times of emergency and/or disaster.

THE PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION:

Some positions require the mobility to work in the field at various remote sites throughout Monterey County; complete telecommunications tower training in accordance with OSHA standards; and possess strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend ladders and towers up to 200 feet.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit "J" Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug‑free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Suzanne Paluck, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 759‑6984, or [e-mail].