**Title: Field Service Technician - **Radio Subscriber Programming & Installation Technician
**Assignment Duration:
**Long-term: 6-12 months (Temporary to Hire possible based on business needs and budget)
**Work Schedule:
**Mon- Fri 8 am to 5 pm (May include some OT)
**Work Location:
**Onsite- 8240 Vicela Drive, Units 2 & 3 (FL93) Sarasota, FL - 34240
**Some travel during training: TBD (
"To Be Decided")**
Must travel to Subscriber/Customer sites in this hands-on technical role
Will drive a company vehicle: DMV check required
Must have a Valid DL
**Interview: 1 Onsite interview
**
**Job Description
The
Radio Subscriber Programming & Installation Technician (Field Service Technician I / FST I)
is a hands-on technical role responsible for the configuration, programming, deployment, installation assistance, and preventative maintenance of mission-critical Land Mobile Radio (LMR) subscriber fleets and related communication hardware. Acting as a key technical resource, this individual ensures that all portable and mobile radios operate at peak performance to support secure, reliable daily operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Subscriber Programming & Provisioning**
- Custom Codeplug Development:
Work with team leads and customer representatives to develop, modify, and implement custom programming and codeplugs using Client’s Customer Programming Software (CPS), Radio Management, and cloud-based provisioning tools (such as RadioCentral).
- ID & IP Administration:
Manage and configure individual unit IDs, radio set identifiers (such as AID, UID), and unit IP addresses.
- Astro Core Management:
Systematically update subscriber information in the ASTRO Core Provisioning Manager to maintain accurate databases and prevent data duplication.
- Security & Encryption:
Use Key Variable Loaders (KVL) to load and manage encryption keys (including OTAR - Over-the-Air Re-keying) and clear keys when devices are retired or serviced.
**
2. Radio Installation & Hardware Support**
- Mobile Installations:
Assist with the installation of mobile communication systems, including bolting equipment racks to floors and following rack diagrams for proper placement.
- Cabling & Connectors:
Build, route, and test RF coaxial cables, choosing appropriate coax types and terminations (installing RF connectors). Build and test data cables as required.
- Ancillary Hardware Support:
Install and configure in-vehicle subscriber accessories (such as sirens, control heads, external speaker microphones, antennas, and chargers). Run configuration updates and physically swap out vehicular modems (such as Sierra Wireless modems).
**
3. Diagnostics, Repair, & Preventative Maintenance**
- Routine Fleet Audits:
Coordinate and perform scheduled preventative maintenance, including physical inspections, software and firmware updates, and frequency tuning for portables, mobiles, and accessories.
- Tier 1 & 2 Diagnostics:
Perform basic troubleshooting and triage on Client handheld and mobile radios (such as APX Next, APX6000/8000, and APX6500/8500 series).
- Test Equipment Utilization:
Operate basic test equipment and service monitors (e.g., Viavi/Anritsu/Aeroflex service monitors, digital multimeters, wattmeters, power supplies) to verify RF power, alignment, and performance.
- RMA & Defect Management:
Diagnose physical or external defects, manage the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process, and leverage spare pools to minimize equipment downtime.
**
4. Administrative Support & Change Control**
- Asset Tracking:
Maintain a comprehensive and accurate asset tracker of all subscriber units, antennas, chargers, and batteries to monitor their active service life and replacement eligibility.
- Incident Management:
Open, update, track, and close service request and trouble tickets using enterprise ticketing platforms (such as ServiceNow).
- Change Control Compliance:
Strictly adhere to the organization's formal change management procedures before executing configuration or database changes.
**
Required Skills & Qualifications Technical Competencies**
- Radio Programming Tools:
Proven experience with Client CPS, Radio Management, or Radio Central.
- LMR & RF Foundations:
Strong understanding of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) concepts, P25 digital and analog systems, RF cabling, connectors, and antennas.
- Test Instrumentation:
Familiarity with RF test equipment, including wattmeters, service monitors, and multimeters.
- Hardware Assembly:
Proficiency with basic hand tools and the mechanics of physical mounting, rack installation, and cable building.
- IT Literacy:
Strong computer literacy, including proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite applications, and ticketing databases.
Professional Skills
- Problem-Solving:
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to diagnose issues under high-pressure, mission-critical environments.
- Collaboration & Communication:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, sales, engineering, and end-users.
- Self-Management:
Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently or with minimal direct supervision.
Experience & Education Requirements
- Experience:
Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience in LMR, RF systems, radio communications, public safety communications, network administration, or electronics.
- Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent required. A technical degree or vocational certification in electronics or telecommunications is preferred.
- Licensing:
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
Certifications & Clearances
- Certifications:
Associate CET obtained through ETA (Electronics Technicians Association) certification is required within 6 months of assignment begining.
- CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications are highly preferred and required for all FTE's
- Background Check:
Must be able to successfully pass a CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) fingerprint-based background check to access high-security public safety and corrections environments.
- Clearance: Must be local, with the ability to obtain a DHS Public Trust or other government-contract security clearance if required.