Field Engineer Job DescriptionThe Field Engineer is responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, configuration, performance, and operational readiness of mission-critical communication systems. This position bridges system design, deployment, and long-term sustainment by turning engineered designs into fully commissioned and optimized systems supporting public safety, utilities, transportation, and other critical operations.
The Field Engineer provides hands-on system integration, configuration, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, optimization, and performance validation while working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Field Services, and local service teams. The position also serves as a technical escalation resource and helps mentor System Technicians supporting assigned systems.
This role is intended for an experienced technical professional capable of working across both RF and IP network environments and taking ownership of complex system-level technical issues.
LocationThis position may be based out of either Lacey, Washington or Spokane, Washington. The Field Engineer will support systems and customers throughout Washington and may periodically travel throughout the West Region for deployments, upgrades, troubleshooting, commissioning, training, and customer acceptance activities.
Responsibilities- Build, configure, stage, and commission radio communications systems, including P25, DMR, and analog networks.
- Perform end-to-end system testing, system acceptance, and performance validation against engineering specifications.
- Conduct RF coverage testing, site optimization, signal studies, and RF propagation verification.
- Integrate hardware, firmware, and software releases into new and existing communications infrastructure.
- Execute system upgrades, migrations, and cutovers while minimizing customer service impact.
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex RF and network issues.
- Support preventive maintenance, system sustainment, firmware management, and configuration management for assigned systems.
- Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, technical records, and performance logs.
- Serve as a technical escalation point for major system faults and customer-impacting events.
- Mentor System Technicians and assist Field Services leadership with technical training and knowledge transfer.
- Partner with Engineering, Project Management, and Service teams during system deployments and maintenance activities.
- Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and corrective actions clearly to customers and internal teams.
- Provide practical field feedback during system design and proposal reviews.
- Conduct site surveys and support interference identification and mitigation.
- Participate in an on-call rotation following appropriate system training to support mission-critical outages and service disruptions.
- Travel periodically for multi-site projects, system staging, commissioning, upgrades, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance testing.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Telecommunications, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent field experience demonstrating advanced system-level expertise.
- Hands-on experience with LMR communication systems, including P25, DMR, analog, or comparable mission-critical radio technologies.
- Strong RF and IP-network troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities.
- Experience using RF and network test equipment such as service monitors, spectrum analyzers, and protocol analyzers.
- Familiarity with communications platforms such as L3Harris, Tait, Zetron, Kenwood, or comparable manufacturers.
- Ability to read and interpret system schematics, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and RF design drawings.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex subjects to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with technicians, engineers, project managers, and customers.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Skills- Experience with simulcast radio systems and console integration.
- ETA, FCC GROL, or equivalent industry certifications.
- Advanced IP networking knowledge, including IP routing, VLAN management, and Radio-over-IP systems.
- Experience supporting public-safety, DoD, federal, utility, or other mission-critical communications environments.
- Experience with field service management and technical documentation tools.
- OSHA 10/30, tower safety, electrical safety, or similar formal safety training.
What Makes This Role DifferentThis is not simply an RF Technician position. The Field Engineer has greater system-level responsibility across configuration, staging, deployment, optimization, troubleshooting, and sustainment and works closely with Engineering, Project Management, and Field Services.
The Field Engineer is expected to become a trusted technical resource for assigned systems while helping build the capabilities of the technicians responsible for maintaining them.
Benefits We Can Offer You- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) and company match
- Annual performance review and associated bonus
- Paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and parental leave
- Ongoing technical and manufacturer training
- Advancement opportunities
- Company-provided uniforms and safety equipment
$90,000 - $120,000 a year
The expected salary range does not include bonus eligibility or other company benefits. Final compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, certifications, and assigned responsibilities.
