Telecommunications and Radio Frequency Engineer

Responsibilities

The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 established the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) as an independent authority within NTIA under the Department of Commerce, charging it with building, deploying, and operating a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). FirstNet provides emergency responders with a dedicated nationwide high-speed broadband network to increase collaboration between emergency responders, helping to save lives, solve crimes, and keep communities safer. The network fulfills a fundamental need of the public safety community and a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, enabling local, state, territory, tribal, and federal emergency responders to communicate during natural disasters, security threats, or other emergencies.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Telecommunications Lab Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the design, setup, maintenance, and operation of a wireless telecommunications test laboratory. This role will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a lab environment that enables accurate testing, measurement, analysis, and troubleshooting of 4G/5G radio frequency (RF) equipment and network components. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience with wireless telecommunications infrastructure, RF test equipment, and laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain wireless telecommunications test lab environments supporting 4G LTE and 5G technologies.

• Configure and support wireless telecommunications test benches for product validation, RF performance testing, and system integration.

• Perform installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of wireless telecommunications equipment, including:

• Remote Radio Head (RRH) Units

• Baseband Units (BBUs)

• Cell Site Routers

• Execute test plans, collect and analyze test data, and identify root causes of performance issues.

• Set up, calibrate, and maintain RF laboratory equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and audio quality test platforms.

• Support calibration schedules, preventative maintenance, and inventory management of laboratory capital equipment.

• Develop and maintain cabling diagrams, lab connectivity documentation, equipment configurations, and user manuals.

• Document laboratory procedures, equipment interconnections, and system configurations to ensure repeatability and operational consistency.

• Review test plans, validate test procedures, and analyze test results to ensure compliance with technical requirements.

• Troubleshoot RF, hardware, connectivity, and interoperability issues across laboratory environments.

• Collaborate with engineering and test teams to support product development, validation, and troubleshooting activities.

• Ensure laboratory equipment and testing environments meet quality, safety, and operational standards.

This position requires successful completion of a federal government suitability determination conducted by the US Federal Government's FirstNet Security Office. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a government-granted suitability clearance. This will include, though may not be limited to, identity verification, fingerprinting, background investigation.

Required Qualifications

• Education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (telecommunications, computer science, cybersecurity, or related discipline)

• Minimum 9 years experience in telecommunications engineering or related field.

• Substitutions:

• Associate's degree and 11 years experience

• Master's degree and 7 years experience

• Ph.D. and 5 years experience

• Strong knowledge of wireless telecommunications infrastructure and RF systems.

• Hands-on experience with:

• Remote Radio Head (RRH) Units

• Baseband Units (BBUs)

• Cell Site Routers

• Experience establishing and operating wireless telecommunications test bench environments.

• Proficiency using RF laboratory test equipment, including:

• RF Spectrum Analyzers

• Signal Generators

• Audio Quality Test Platforms

• Experience performing RF testing, data collection, troubleshooting, and performance analysis.

• Ability to interpret and create cabling diagrams, connectivity diagrams, and technical documentation.

• Experience reviewing test plans, validating test procedures, and analyzing test results.

• Familiarity with laboratory equipment calibration, preventative maintenance, and inventory management.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust.

• US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting telecommunications product development, validation, or systems integration laboratories.
• Knowledge of RF propagation, antenna systems, and cellular network architecture.
• Experience with lab automation and test management tools.
• Familiarity with industry testing standards and wireless telecommunications best practices.
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering and testing environments.
• Knowledge of network protocols, IP networking, and telecom transport technologies.
• Experience developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and laboratory processes.

Desired Skills

• Subject matter expertise in RF and wireless telecommunications testing.
• Strong understanding of 4G LTE and 5G network architecture.
• Expertise in RF measurement, calibration, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to establish and optimize laboratory testing environments.
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Effective collaboration and communication across engineering, testing, and operations teams.

Overview

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $115,500.00 - USD $180,525.00 /Yr.