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

This position requires telecommunications engineering and radio frequency expertise to support FirstNet Authority's oversight of the development, deployment, and operation of the NPSBN, a nationwide mobile broadband network comprised of 4G/LTE, and 5G technologies. This includes providing Radio Frequency Engineering Studies and Technical Analysis of Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network related data and deliverables; engineering support to the FirstNet Authority laboratory in Boulder, CO through live network measurement test log analysis and engineering data investigations and assessments; and providing technical subject matter expertise for the highly technical verification and validation process specific to the evolution of the Network Core and Radio Access Network (RAN) from Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology to 5G New Radio and the enhancement and expansion of Network Coverage through targeted coverage enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Review mobile telecommunication coverage maps, and other related documentation/statistics provided by the FirstNet Authority or its vendor to determine accuracy of coverage provided.
• Perform engineering assessments of NPSBN coverage and capacity data against established coverage baselines using on-air coverage reports.
• Assess drive test data collected from the field and perform statistical assessments against predicted design On-Air Coverage plots using state-of-the-art geographic information systems and tools.
• Review wireless technology and network metrics data and provide recommendations for project and program improvement.
• Analyze and provide feedback on industry standard software and systems to include, but not limited to: InfoVista's Planet tool, MapInfo, ESRI Arc-GIS, Tableau, Microsoft Power Automate, Sharepoint and PowerApps and telecommunication drive test postprocessing tools such as Accuver's XCAL, and Rohde and Schwarz QualiPoc tools.
• Conduct various types of analyses and support development of network measurement reports on 4G LTE and 5G data including analyses on network deployment, performance, adoption, and usage data.
• Support the remediation of existing MS Applications, and the development, and creation of multiple MS applications such as but not limited to: SharePoint, Lists, and Forms, MS Teams Integration, and Power Platform (i.e. Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate).
• Provide SME expertise in the telecommunication field, which historically includes a detailed understanding of project management best practices and current understanding of the build, operations, and management of an interoperable nationwide wireless network. This includes knowledge of 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) as well as understanding of coverage and capacity planning for a wireless network, Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) management, and Operational Support System (OSS)/Business Support System (BSS).
• Create white papers and technical papers to support informed decision making.
• Review and comment on program documents to support informed decision making.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels across the organization which has historically included subject matter experts, business partners, vendors, and task managers.
• Review the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) data to identify trends within the NPSBN's various ecosystems. This includes the review NPSBN cellular data coverage maps and report findings to the FirstNet Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Assist with the development, review, and summarization of projects, project reports, and program data.
• Review product integration and service activation test data and make recommendations for project and program and process improvements

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

• Expert in telecommunication field which historically included a detailed understanding of project management best practices and current understanding of the build, operations, and management of an interoperable nationwide wireless network. This includes knowledge of 4G and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) as well as understanding of coverage and capacity planning for a wireless network, Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) management, and Operational Support System (OSS)/Business Support System (BSS).

• Extensive technician level experience in the telecommunication field which includes knowledge of best practices and current understanding of the build, operations, and management of an interoperable nationwide wireless network.

• Familiarity with the interconnection of wireless telecommunications network equipment such as cellular 4G and 5G Remote Radio Units (RRU), Base Band Units (BBU), and Cell site routers.

• Familiarity with Telecommunications Industry Associations (TIA) grounding and bonding standards TIA-607-B.

• Familiarity with and will be responsible for installing telecommunications test equipment in accordance plans, specifications, and detailed instructions, or re-installing repaired or modified systems.

• Familiarity with industry standard software and systems such as: InfoVista's Planet tool, MapInfo, ESRI Arc-GIS, Tableau, Microsoft Power Automate, Sharepoint and PowerApps and telecommunication drive test postprocessing tools such as Accuver's XCAL, and Rohde and Schwarz QualiPoc tools

• Strong professional, interpersonal, and organizational skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to create technical documents for various audiences

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal government FirstNet Suitability clearance.

• US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with mobile wireless network architecture critical design reviews
• Knowledge of wireless network coverage and capacity planning, and network build, operations, and management
• Experience supporting federal agencies with telecommunications oversight
• Experience with nationwide public safety communications programs or projects
• Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP)

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.