Senior P25 Radio Communications Network Engineer

Senior P25 Radio Communications Network Engineer (Open)

The Office of the Chief Information Officer does not sponsor STEM or non-immigrant work visas for this position. The IT Operations Analyst III (Senior P25 Radio Communications Network Engineer) serves as a principal technical authority for Nebraska's Motorola P25 ASTRO Land Mobile Radio System. This mission-critical role is responsible for the architecting, technical stewardship, and 24/7 resilience of the statewide public safety network infrastructure. Subject to background investigation, finger printing and rotating on-call and after-hours call-outs.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job Duties:

• Designing and maintaining redundant statewide backhaul using EIGRP, configuring and optimizing complex components, including routers, switches, firewalls, dispatch consoles, and radio base stations.
• Developing SNMP alarm service frameworks in platforms like SolarWinds and creating Python or SQL scripts to automate network monitoring and reporting.
• Preventative Maintenance: Performing intricate technical troubleshooting for RF interference, antenna systems, and server/database issues while maintaining detailed "as-built" documentation.
• Managing critical supporting systems such as backup generators and HVAC units to maintain network power and cooling.
• Other duties as assigned and within the scope of the classification.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's or other similar two year technical degree in computer engineering/science, communications/electronic equipment, or related discipline of study AND three to five years of work experience strategic work planning, and conducting the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of equipment and components of a large communications network in addition to performing the analysis of network/electronics equipment and preparing related technical recommendations; three additional years of applicable work experience can be substituted for a degree. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCNA or Network + certification, or equivalent experience, particularly with large multi-site EIGRP, QoS engineering, and multicast design.
• P25 Radio Systems: Expert knowledge of the Motorola ASTRO 25 Digital Trunking System, including dispatch consoles and logging recording systems.
• Proficiency in SNMP/Python/SQL for automation or analytical tool development.
• Expertise in Radio Frequency systems, including transmitters, receivers, antenna networks, and various communication test equipment.

Other:

• Primarily onsite in Lincoln Nebraska, with occasional statewide travel with exposure to adverse weather and hazardous site conditions.
• Must participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation to meet emergency response expectations.
• The successful candidate will undergo a CJIS/Fingerprint background check.
• This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Networking Protocols: Deep understanding of LAN/WAN networking, specifically large multi-site EIGRP, Quality of Service (QoS) engineering, and multicast design.
• RF Systems: Comprehensive expertise in Radio Frequency systems, encompassing transmitters, receivers, antenna networks, and communication test equipment.
• Supporting Systems: Knowledge of critical infrastructure that ensures 24/7 resilience, such as backup generators and specialized HVAC systems.
• Server & Database Admin: Proficiency in administering Windows Servers and SQL databases, specifically for diagnosing complex system problems.
• Network Architecture: Ability to architect and maintain redundant statewide backhaul using circuit-weighted path selection.
• System Configuration: Skill in programming and optimizing switches, routers, firewalls, radio base stations, and portable/mobile radios.
• Automation & Scripting: Proficiency in using SNMP, Python, or SQL to develop automation scripts and analytical tools for measuring system performance.
• Monitoring & Analysis: Skill in designing alarm service frameworks and dashboards (e.g., SolarWinds, Tungsten) to diagnose and resolve network alerts.
• Troubleshooting: Expert-level ability to logically diagnose complex, non-obvious technical issues involving RF interference or network failures.
• Documentation: Meticulous skill in performing trend analysis and maintaining "as-built" technical documentation.
• Operational Grit: The ability to perform complex technical work independently under high-stress situations, adverse weather, or at remote, hazardous tower sites.
• Technical Stewardship: The ability to act as a principal technical authority, providing leadership and standards for statewide network planning.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex technical topics into understandable concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to mentor colleagues, provide guidance to teammates, and work closely with diverse state, local, and federal agencies.
• Emergency Response: The ability to participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation and respond to emergencies at any hour.