Radio Engineer

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Transportation in Saint Cloud manages statewide ARMER radio communications and RWIS systems from the MnDOT St. Cloud shop.

The Telecommunications Specialist maintains and improves the ARMER system serving public safety professionals and supports RWIS infrastructure. Daily tasks include installation, maintenance and repair of radio transmitters, site controllers, microwave links and related equipment; plus installation of mobile radios and upkeep of network backhaul.

Qualifications

• One year of electronics experience OR a certificate in Electronic Technology, Signal Support-Radio Operations or equivalent.
• Skills in identifying and troubleshooting sensitive electronic equipment; knowledge of analog and digital communication system concepts.
• Knowledge of IT networks, including WAN/LAN; ability to interpret detailed technical information for installation and repair.
• Must have a valid Class D Driver's license; FCC GROL or APCO license required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs on transmitters, receivers, site controllers, antennas, digital microwave, and related equipment.
• Install and support mobile two-way radios and portables.
• Maintain network backhaul equipment including routers, switches, and multiplexers; update inventory records.
• Occasional in-state travel for training, possibly with overnight stays.

Skills

Electronics troubleshooting

Radio systems installation

Network concepts

Inventory & documentation

Education

Certificate in Electronic Technology

Electronics-related certificate or equivalent

Job description

Servicing the Southwest area out of the MnDOT St. Cloud - Statewide Radio Communication Radio Shop.

As a Telecommunications Specialist, provide statewide radio communication services for the Southwest area of Minnesota. This position works in both a team environment and independently to maintain and improve the State of Minnesota’s Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system. The ARMER system is one of the largest P25 Motorola trunking systems in the world serving over 90,000 public safety professionals. The position also maintains and improves MnDOT’s Road Weather Information System (RWIS) that provides real time road and weather information from 160 statewide monitoring sites.

Daily work includes:

• Performing installation, preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs on a variety of equipment and sensors, such as transmitters, receivers, site controllers, combiners, antenna systems, digital microwave, etc.
• Installing and supporting mobile two-way radios and portables.
• Maintaining network backhaul equipment including routers, switches, and multiplexers.
• Maintaining equipment inventory and database records.

Occasional instate travel for training may include several overnight stays.

Please note: MnDOT does not sponsor applicants for visas or Optional Practical Exam for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment. Why MnDOT?

We offer excellent employee benefits, such as low-cost health and dental insurance, and affordable dependent coverage. Other benefits include:

• 12 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Defined pension plan
• Paid life insurance
• Paid parental leave available
• And more!

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of electronics experience OR a certificate in Electronic Technology, Signal Support-Radio Operations or equivalent that demonstrates the following:

• Skills in identifying and troubleshooting sensitive electronic equipment;
• Application of analog and digital communication system concepts;
• Knowledge of information technology networks, including wide-area and local-area networks;
• Interpret detailed technical information sufficient to install, maintain, and repair electronic communication equipment; AND
• A valid Class D Driver's license.

Please note: A general class FCC Radio-Telephone Operator License (GROL), or an Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) license is required within six (6) months of the hire date.