Radio Systems/Wireless RF Engineer (Network/Telecom Analyst III)

The Department of Information Technology (DIT) Radio Services Center (RSC) plays a critical role in supporting Fairfax County's public safety, government agencies, and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) with cutting-edge wireless communication technologies. These include Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Enhanced Push-to-Talk (ePTT), and mobile data environments.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated RF Engineer who will work under the general supervision of the Radio and Wireless Services Branch Manager to assist in managing and administering the county's wireless and broadband wireless networks. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the support and maintenance of essential services, including radio communication systems, preventive maintenance on core infrastructure components at radio sites including UPS, generators, HVAC, fire suppression and alerting systems, antennas, transmission lines, and other equipment. The RF Engineer will work with the other RF Engineer, Interoperability Manager, and Radio Services Shop Supervisor to coordinate with various agencies to maintain a robust communication infrastructure that supports public safety and general County operations.

• Serves as senior expert wireless communications/RF engineer, responsible to manage and administer the county's wireless and broadband wireless networks; maintains software and configuration data at the core (master/prime) and other wireless sites, associated IP gateways, routers, switches, servers, workstations, and devices.
• Maintains county LMR systems; provides the technical support for the diagnosis and resolution of hardware and software problems at the radio network sites and towers. Tests wireless coverage, talk in/out audio quality tests, interference analysis, and other coverage and system use, performance tests and analyses. Conducts ongoing wireless system coverage studies and signal levels.
• Participates in resource planning to ensure capacity and service levels are maintained. Works with Fairfax County agencies in the determination, coordination, and planning of bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) and distributed antenna systems (DAS) in existing and new construction. Works with vendors to facilitate design, installation, testing and commissioning of DAS and BDAs.
• Helps to ensure Fairfax County is in compliance with FCC rules and regulations concerning voice and data wireless communications systems. Writes FCC applications, provides comments on new rule making, and represents the county on federal, state, and regional conferences and meetings.
• Administers Fairfax County's RF exposure safety program to ensure compliance with FCC and OSHA Regulations.
• Responds to county emergency events and EOC activations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Possession of an associate's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field; plus four years' network and/or telecommunications experience; or a bachelor's degree in such fields; plus two years' experience in network or telecommunications system design, analysis, installation, and troubleshooting.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible hands-on experience in large multi-agency environment for radio and wireless enterprise networks.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices, terminology and of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and services, network management and coordination.
• Knowledge and understanding of FCC policies and procedures.
• At least three years of experience working with other local, state, federal and DoD agencies as it pertains to interoperable communications strategies.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.