Comms Network Technician IV - The Tatitlek Corporation

The Rescue 21 system is a Command, Control, and Communications mission critical system that provides dual mode (digital and analog) VHF radio communications. It was designed to utilize technology to accurately locate the source of maritime distress calls. The Rescue 21 system consists of three separate variants: Coastal, Western Rivers and Alaska. This position is for the Rescue 21 Alaska system.

The RF/Network Field Engineer reports to the Rescue 21 Project Manager and will perform assignments that will perform assignments that directly and indirectly support all tasks to maintain the Coast Guards Rescue 21 system to meet all performance specifications. Performs routine, non-routine and complex assignments involving responsibility for planning and conducting day to day operations in the sustainment of 68 sites geographically dispersed throughout Alaska. Performs complex assignments involving responsibility for planning and conducting a complete project of relatively limited scope or a portion of a larger and more diverse project. Selects and adapts plans, techniques, designs, or layouts. Contacts personnel in related activities to resolve problems and coordinate the work; reviews, analyzes, and integrates the technical work of others. Supervisor or professional engineer outlines objectives, requirements, and design approaches; completed work is reviewed for technical adequacy and satisfaction of requirements. Alone, or in a team environment, perform or support installation, testing, verification, repair, diagnostic analysis, and calibration of various systems. Provide organizational, intermediate, and depot level troubleshooting and support of fielded systems. May train and be assisted by lower-level technicians. Performs at this level one or a combination of such typical duties as assigned.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of 2 to 4 technicians in the maintenance, testing, installation and integration of Rescue 21 Alaska sites or onboard US Coast Guard Alaska facilities.
• Perform annual preventative and as needed corrective maintenance of remote mountain top Rescue 21 Alaska sites as well as other US Coast Guard facilities.
• Designs, develops, and constructs major units, devices, or equipment; conducts tests or experiments; analyzes results and redesigns or modifies equipment to improve performance; and reports results.
• Performs and supervise others in the installation/removal/upgrades for electrical/electronic/C4I tasks (i.e. wiring of terminal boxes, testing and verifying connections, analyzing cables, testing and troubleshooting, etc.).
• Analyzes technical data to determine applicability to design problems; selects from several possible design layouts; calculates design data; and prepares layouts, detailed specifications, parts lists, estimates, procedures, etc. May check and analyze drawings or equipment to determine adequacy of drawings and design.
• Performs system testing to evaluate performance and functionality.
• Operates tools to aide in fabricating, installing, removing, upgrading tasks.
• Uses drawings, technical manuals, instructions, standards, and specifications to perform system installation/removal/upgrade activities.
• Fabricate various connectors by soldering and/or crimping for RF/Data communications and power equipment.
• Diagnose and isolate equipment and system malfunctions which fail to respond to standard corrective measures.
• Constructs components, subunits, or simple models or adapts standard equipment. May troubleshoot and correct malfunctions.
• Follows specific layout and scientific diagrams to construct and package simple devices and subunits of equipment.
• Conducts various tests or experiments which may require minor modifications in test setups or procedures as well as subjective judgments in measurement; selects, sets up, and operates standard test equipment and records test data.
• Extracts and compiles a variety of engineering data from field notes, manuals, lab reports, etc.
• Processes data, identifying errors or inconsistencies; selects methods of data presentation.
• Assists, and at times supervises, a team in design modification by compiling data related to design, specifications, and materials which are pertinent to specific items of equipment or component parts.
• Develops information concerning previous operational failures and modifications.
• Uses judgment and initiative to recognize inconsistencies or gaps in data and seek sources to clarify information.

REQUIRED SKILLS

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:

• Must be a US citizen and possess or be able to obtain/maintain a SECRET clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree or 2 years relevant Rescue 21 or ELMR Engineering experience.
• High School diploma, 10 years' experience in US Coast Guard or US Navy C4I system installation integration and engineering support, US Coast Guard preferred.
• Tower Climbing certification a plus.
• Federal Communications Commission GROL License a plus.
• BISCI, CompTIA, or Cisco certs a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Must be highly organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills in order to interface with personnel and other government agencies at all levels.

• Understanding of RF theory and antenna theory.
• Experience with HF/VHF/UHF software defined radio systems.
• Experience with long range point-to-point or point-to-multipoint microwave systems.
• Experience with IP networks and IP subnetting.
• Experience with T1/E1 signaling protocols & telco systems.
• Experience with remote data acquisition & monitoring systems (SCADA) a plus.
• Ability to lead and work in a team installing and maintaining RF systems and equipment throughout geographically dispersed Alaska.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must be able to understand and interpret engineering drawings.
• Must demonstrate thorough knowledge of Microsoft applications (MS Word, PowerPoint). Solid Excel experience is a must.
• Lift & carry 50lbs.
• Knowledge of working around helicopters a plus.
• Experience working on radio towers and at height a plus.
• Self-starter and independent personality a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 50% on average.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for frequently bending, stooping, sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with the opportunity to move about.  Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 50 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; lift horizontally and vertically.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead a team of 2 to 4 individuals in the office and in the field.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people.  Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated.  We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment.  We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.