Radio Subscriber Programming & Installation Technician @ Sarasota, FL

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: Local is required, with the ability to obtain a DHS Public Trust or other government-contract security clearance if required.