Communications Engineer

Job Title

Under general supervision, to plan, coordinate, and perform a wide variety of specialized communications engineering duties that include technical research and design, implementation and support of state-of-the-art voice and data communications systems, fixed and land mobile radios, networks, microwave backhaul, and the related infrastructure that connect and sustain these systems.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Plans, develops, designs, modifies, implements, supports, and maintains specialized public safety communications systems, including but not limited to microwave, fiber-optic, and metallic cable infrastructure, as well as other facilities used for backhauling LAN/WAN networks, land mobile radio voice systems, paging systems, alarm systems, and other systems and facilities used to move information between locations;
• 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, such as Emergency Responders Radio Communications Systems (ERRCS);
• 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 advise 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 advance technology, techniques, equipment, supplies, and materials for voice and data communication systems;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

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 Note : The required knowledge and abilities are attained through 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.

OR

Training and experience equivalent to the possession of a Bachelor's Degree. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;

and

Four (4) years of full-time experience designing, planning, repairing, modifying, operating and maintaining radio frequency communications and electronic equipment.

Special Requirements :

• Attain 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);
• National Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER);
• Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (SBE);
• Associated Public Safety Communications Officers, Inc. (APCO).
• Must 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. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, terminology, and trends in communications engineering;
• Principles, theories, and best practices in the development, design, construction, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of voice and data communication systems. Proficiency in industry standards, operational requirements, tools, materials, and equipment essential to these systems and facilities;
• Operational and performance characteristics of communications equipment, automated control and network management systems, and transmission media, as well as the interdependencies among components within voice and data communication systems;
• Principles and theories of electrical, electronic, and computer hardware as they apply to the design, operation, installation, and maintenance of voice and data communication systems and facilities;
• Federal, state, and local regulations including National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Codes and Standards governing the development, construction, installation, and operation of voice and data communication systems;
• Techniques of project management, coordination, and principles of supervision;
• Practices and techniques of technical report writing;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to :

• Understand, interpret, and analyze the needs of communications users into system requirements that align with existing technology, policies, priorities, and available services;
• Evaluate and integrate operating practices, procedures, and technical requirements to design, implement, maintain, and optimize complex electronic communication systems;
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records, reports, correspondence, and other written documentation;
• Learn and effectively use computer-aided design/drafting and radio frequency modeling software to design and document integrated systems, facilities, tower elevations, and related electrical and electronic equipment spaces;
• Investigate and analyze communication system issues, provide consultation services, and develop implementation guidelines;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
• Use computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements

• Work irregular hours, work within a secured facility, and be subject to call 24 hours a day;
• May require prolonged standing and/or walking;
• Push, pull, and grasp;
• Climb, lift, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and/or reach.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (