Job Description

**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.