Systems Engineer

VIVA; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VIVA USA Inc is seeking a Systems Engineer III – Radio Coordinator to support, configure, and maintain P25 digital trunking radio systems across client facilities. The role requires hands-on field work, collaboration with vendors, and adherence to state network standards.

The incumbent will manage fleet maps, code plugs, inventory, and FCC licensing, with extensive travel to client institutions. A strong background in radio technology and network integration is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized technical support, consultation, and training for P25 digital trunking radio systems.
• Configure, maintain, install, and troubleshoot radio systems and related network components.
• Develop and implement standards for radio systems across client institutions (prisons, adult/juvenile centers).
• Manage fleet mapping, code plug data, inventory of radios, and coordinate equipment purchases for cost effectiveness.
• Assist in FCC license administration and FAA tower approvals; coordinate with vendors and state networks.
• Conduct site surveys, vendor guidance, and lifecycle management of radio-based systems; ensure disaster recovery readiness.

Job description

Hybrid Schedule with WFH, and on-location at prisons as needed.

The client is looking for a Systems Engineer III – Radio Coordinator.

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Technical Services Supervisor & client Radio Coordinator, this position provides specialized technical and comprehensive support, consultation, and training services for client staff on P25 digital trunking radio systems. The primary responsibility and expertise are to support, configure, maintain, and install radio systems and the encompassing technologies. This position will assist in developing, recommending, and implementing standards for radio systems within all client institutions (adult institutions, correctional centers and juvenile institutions) included but not limited to hardware, software and network standards for these systems. The position will assist in managing client radio systems including fleet mapping, maintenance and audit of Code Plug data for programmable radios, maintaining inventory of radio equipment, coordinating purchase of equipment to ensure compatibility and cost effectiveness, coordinate with outside clientinteroperability of radio equipment and frequencies, assist purchasing agent in development of requests for purchase for radio systems and equipment, and assist in administration of FCC frequencies licensed to client . This position will assist in connecting these systems to existing state networks and stay up to date with networking & I.T. principles in line with client . Extensive field work and travel are incorporated in this position with "hands on" work in installing and maintaining these systems. This position will work closely with client and other facilities, client facilities management, and vendors in lifecycle management of radio-based systems. The person assigned to this position will be required to assist in directing vendors in installation and maintenance of these systems.

This position shall comply with the client's administrative rules and the client's policies and procedures including those related to the Department's overall Reentry philosophy of using evidence-based strategies, practices and programs which target an offender’s individual criminogenic needs and risk level.

Goals and Work Activities:

Analysis and review to ensure compliance for new and existing radio systems

Analyze performance data related to radio systems with the development of techniques to optimize the use of radio resources. Assist and advise institutions and centers on providing the necessary data to account for their radio communications needs for the upcoming biennium and provide recommendations on improvements to their plans and implementation strategies.

Assist with the development of department radio communications planning for the better use of existing services and consideration of new services and technologies.

Assist with standardization of operating procedures for all client institutions and centers to follow. This would include a client Communications Plan, Security Internal Management Procedures (SIMPs), policies and procedures as required by Security and Internal management, and establishing disaster recovery plans and services.

Assist with securing and administering FCC radio frequency licenses including filing applications with the FCC on a timely basis, with necessary input from the installation vendors, to ensure that the systems can be operational when needed.

Assist with maintaining Tower Licenses and FAA approval for towers located near airports.

Coordinate with outside agencies the analysis of frequency use for Mutual Aide and Emergency response. Assist with developing Memorandums of Understanding for authorized use of such frequencies or written authorization to apply for licenses for said use when appropriate. Attend Emergency Response meetings and apply findings to DOC radio systems.

Partner with vendors to build relationships, analyze processes and technology to ensure system aligns with industry standards in all areas of radio technology, including but not limited to, network, PC & cabling standards.

Assist with development and installation of radio communications systems for the department on a state-wide basis

Assist the installation and implementation of all new services and systems with the involved vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, departmental users and other agencies, ensuring that installations meet all client standards.

Assist in implementation of radio installs with client with regards to network connectivity and ensuring all systems are consistent with client standards.

Provide consultation at the appropriate office, unit, institution, division or department level on the acquisition of new radio communication systems, both under current consideration and for budgetary purposes.

Assist in planning and conducting reviews of service levels and equipment performance to make recommendations for the improvement of efficiencies and cost controls, responding to program changes and user needs.

Assist in implementing and ensuring quality control of client Fleet Map – identification of all radios, talk groups available and identification of which radios have access to specific talk groups.

Assist in maintaining inventory & databases reflecting the client Fleet Map and inventory of all radio equipment. Maintain drawings of connectivity & key hardware items with regards to the client radio systems.

Maintain inventory of all Code Plugs (electronic file that contains features and programming for a specific radio) for programmable radio in the fleet. Conduct periodic onsite analysis of radio programming of fleet radios and compare to code plug date on file to assure standardization and reliability.

Assist configuring networking equipment to include switches and other network apparatus used in radio systems and connectivity to existing clientnetworks.

Install, configure and backup workstations used in any IT-integrated facility-based radio systems.

Assist with on-site radio asset management

Assist with the scheduling, planning and implementation of site surveys to review existing radio communication systems and services aimed at identifying problems and needs for recommending changes either in current operations, for budgetary purposes or to effectively communicate in emergency situations.

Assist as point of contact for emergency back-up resources in event of a systems failure.

Assist with analyzing and evaluating all client institution and center’s Communication Trunking System, a computerized frequency management system that handles multiple frequencies.

Assist in maintaining consistent talk groups within the department.

Provision of consultation and technical assistance for all radio communications systems and equipment, department-wide

Maintain a working knowledge of radio communications systems, services, and equipment to provide consulting service and recommendations to all clientusers and facilities.

Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with other industry professional, vendors, equipment manufacturers and service providers to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.

Assist with studies (feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis etc.) on radio systems, equipment and services for divisional and departmental budget planning.

Respond to requests for information and advice by providing technical expertise on radio communication operations, services and equipment.

Assist with preparation of formal project reports, respond to questionnaires and surveys as assigned or requested and present progress to management, key stakeholders.

Act as liaison betweenclient users and vendor/service providers in all areas of radio communications.

Assist in providing standards and other guidance material to assist institutions and