Communications Engineer

Description

The position involves planning, coordinating, and performing a variety of specialized communications engineering duties, including technical research and design, implementation, and support of state-of-the-art voice and data communications systems.

• Plans, develops, designs, modifies, implements, supports, and maintains specialized public safety communications systems, including microwave, fiber-optic, and metallic cable infrastructure.
• Develops equipment lists, conceptual drawings, facility layouts, floor plans, and radio frequency tower layouts, as well as plans for installation for assigned projects.
• Prepares work methodologies to enhance or expand existing communications systems while minimizing or eliminating impact on end users.
• Performs and manages tasks related to FCC licensing for Santa Clara County and partner agencies' Land Mobile Radio systems, microwave systems, and other radio frequency systems, providing interpretation, consultation, and compliance support as needed.
• Performs communications engineering tasks related to the development, acquisition, implementation, support, maintenance, and repair of emergency and non-emergency voice and data radio systems, including but not limited to regional multi-site, multi-channel Simulcast Trunked Radio Systems, Conventional Simulcast Systems, mobile data radio systems, Emergency Dispatch Communications Networks, microwave transmission systems, and other large, advanced telecommunications systems.
• Confers with county departments, partnering agencies, and contracting agencies to assess, advise, and address current and future communication needs and requirements.
• Participates in studies to evaluate alternative systems or enhancements to existing systems, ensuring they meet specific user needs and requirements.
• May collaborate with technical staff to provide assistance and advice on communications-related systems.
• Conducts research and prepares specialized studies and reports that include recommendations to enhance the efficiency and performance of communications systems, computerized systems, equipment, and facilities.
• Researches, recommends, and advises technical management on advanced technology, techniques, equipment, supplies, and materials for voice and data communication systems.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required.

Education and Experience

• Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
• Training and experience equivalent to the possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering and Three (3) years of full-time experience designing, planning, repairing, modifying, operating and maintaining radio frequency communications and electronic equipment.
• Four (4) years of full-time experience designing, planning, repairing, modifying, operating and maintaining radio frequency communications and electronic equipment.

Certifications

• One of the following certifications within one year of appointment and once obtained, maintain for the duration of employment in the classification:
• General Radio Telephone Operator License (GROL) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (preferred).
• Electronics Technician Association, International (ETA).
• International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians (ISCET).
• National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. (NARTE).
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
• Network Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER).
• Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (SBE).
• Associated Public Safety Communications Officers, Inc. (APCO).

Special Requirements

• Pass a background check.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.