Communications Engineer

Salary : $157,245.92 - $191,149.92 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-K05-A
Department: Communications
Division: Engineering Svcs
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92


Description
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-stie, 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.

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


The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the 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 (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE : Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01


Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Experience must include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment (month/year to month/year), and hours worked per week. I understand that providing complete, detailed responses is required to determine whether I meet minimum qualifications and for competitive scoring.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered "Yes" to question # 2, please enter your field of study. Otherwise, enter "N/A".
04


If you do not possess a qualifying degree, do you have analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable, I possess a qualifying degree

05


If you answered "Yes" to question # 4, please describe your qualifying experience, including:Employer names(s)Job title(s)Dates of employment (month/year to month/year)Hours worked per weekDuties performed that meet the substitution definitionIf not applicable, enter "N/A"
06


How many years of full-time experience do you have designing, planning, repairing, modifying, operating and maintaining radio frequency (RF) communications and electronic equipment?

• 3-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7-9 years
• 10 or more years

07


Describe your experience designing, planning, repairing, modifying, operating and maintaining RF communications systems. Include:Employer name(s)Job title(s)Dates of employment (month/year to month/year)Hours worked per weekTypes of RF systems (e.g., P25, VHF/UHF, trunked, conventional)Specific equipment and technologies usedYears of experience per system typeYour specific responsibilitiesIf no experience, enter "N/A".
08


Describe your experience with microwave, backhaul, or fiber-optic systems. Include employers, titles, dates, and hours worked per week and any:Path analysisLink budgetsFiber testingSystem integrationTools/software usedIf none, enter "N/A".
09


Describe a communications engineering project that you led or played a major technical role in. Include: Project scope and objectivesTechnologies and system types involvedYour responsibilitiesTimeline managementTechnical challenges and solutionsProject outcomesInclude employer information and dates.
10


Please describe your hands-on experience with public-safety radio systems (e.g., P25, trunked, simulcast, conventional, and dispatch centers),Your response must include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment (in month/year to month/year format), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If you don't have this experience, please enter "N/A".
11


Describe your experience with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing, frequency coordination or management. Include a description of licenses you have prepared, modified, or maintained, and your role in ensuring regulatory compliance. Your response must include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment (in month/year to month/year format), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If you don't have this experience, please enter "N/A".
12


Please list any professional certifications you currently hold that are relevant to Rado Frequency (RF) communications, electronics, networking, or telecommunications (e.g., FCC GROL, ETA, CompTIA, Cisco, Motorola, Harris). Include certification numbers and expiration dates if applicable. If you don't possess any professional certifications, please enter "N/A".
13


I understand that I must successfully pass a background check prior to appointment.

• Yes
• No

14


Do you understand and agree to possess a valid California Driver's license prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Drivers Permit?

• Yes
• No

15


How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

16


If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job. If not applicable, type "N/A"
Required Question