RF Field Engineer

Airtower Networks delivers total managed services and mobile connectivity for the commercial real estate and enterprise sector. Inc. Magazine has named us one of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies.  We design, deploy, own and operate in-building cellular and public safety networks that tenants, first responders, and building owners rely on every day. If you want a fast-growing company that invests in your development, pays competitively, and promotes from within, read on.  The role  The RF Field Engineer owns the hands-on technical delivery of large in-building DAS and managed networks, from first site survey to commissioning, close-out, and ongoing performance. You will be the technical bridge between design engineering, deployment crews, carriers, and the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).  This role is centered on field execution rather than design ownership. You will validate that what was designed is what gets built, prove it with test data, and keep it performing to carrier KPIs and client SLAs.  Location: Remote, based in the DC Metro Area, Atlanta, North Carolina or near a major airport hub  Travel: Regular travel to customer sites across the nation  Reports to: Director of Network Engineering  Employment type: Full-time, exempt  What you’ll do  Surveys and pre-construction  Perform pre- and post-contract RF site surveys and benchmark data collection (walk testing, scanner and UE data)  Join site walks and pre-construction meetings as the primary technical resource  Review construction drawings, iBwave designs, and RF schematics against site conditions; flag gaps to design engineering early  Installation validation and testing  Act as liaison between design engineering and deployment teams so networks are built as designed  Validate installation of DAS head-ends, remotes, RF sources (BDA, eNB/gNB, small cell), DC power plants, and low-voltage circuits  Perform CW testing, spectrum analysis, segment and system sweep testing, PIM, and OTDR testing  Use small hand tools for minor installation tasks, rack-and-stack, and cable terminations  Commissioning and acceptance  Lead commissioning, integration, and optimization of cellular and public safety DAS, including uplink/downlink link balancing and power sharing  Prepare systems for carrier integration and acceptance against carrier KPIs  Lead public safety ERCES commissioning and oversee AHJ inspections and third-party testing for code compliance (NFPA 1225 / IFC 510)  Maintenance and support  Monitor systems remotely and respond to trouble tickets, onsite or remote, to meet client SLAs  Perform fault analysis, interference mitigation, preventive maintenance, and annual public safety retesting  Execute system modifications, expansions, and upgrades with project managers and design  Documentation and communication  Produce commissioning reports, test results, as-builts, and close-out packages  Communicate status and findings clearly to clients, carriers, contractors, and internal teams  Follow industry safety standards, local codes, and Airtower safety protocols on every site  What you bring  3+ years of hands-on field experience with cellular or public safety DAS (installation, commissioning, troubleshooting)  Solid grasp of RF propagation and antenna theory, with working RF math: link budgets, power sharing, noise figure, and uplink/downlink balancing  Proven commissioning and optimization experience on at least two of: JMA, SOLiD ADRF, Andrew, Comba, Fiplex, Nextivity, SOLiD, Airspan.  Proficiency with spectrum analyzers, cable/antenna analyzers, PIM testers, OTDR, CW signal generators, and RF scanners  Ability to read construction drawings, iBwave designs, and RF schematics  Basic networking and LAN configuration for DAS management and remote monitoring  Experience wiring DC power plants and low-voltage circuits  Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting results to clients, carriers, and inspectors.  Ability to work independently, travel regularly, and hold a valid driver’s license  Nice to have  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (equivalent field experience considered)  Experience on both cellular and public safety networks  OEM certifications (e.g., CommScope, JMA, SOLiD, ADRF) or industry credentials such as NICET, iBwave, or FCC GROL  Familiarity with NFPA 1221/1225, IFC 510, and local AHJ requirements for ERCES  Experience with carrier integration and LTE/5G NR KPIs on large venues or neutral-host systems  Exposure to small cells, private LTE/5G (CBRS), or Wi-Fi  Experience mentoring or leading field technicians  Tools and platforms you’ll use  Category     -     Examples  DAS / BDA OEMs  JMA, ADRF, CommScope, Comba, Fiplex, Nextivity, SOLiD, Corning    Test equipment  Spectrum analyzer, cable and antenna analyzer, PIM tester, OTDR, CW signal generator, power meter    Survey and data collection  RF scanners, UE-based data collection, post-processing software  Design and documentation  iBwave, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office  Work environment  Active construction sites, ceilings, risers, telecom rooms, and rooftops  Climbing ladders, lifting and carrying test equipment up to 50 lbs, and working in tight spaces  Occasional after-hours or weekend work for cutovers, inspections, and urgent trouble tickets  Salary Range:  Base salary: $100K-$125K  We have listed this salary range with a good-faith minimum and maximum compensation. The final salary will vary depending on factors like experience, geographic location, and skills.    Benefits:  At Airtower Networks we recognize our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We understand the contribution each employee makes to our accomplishments and so our goal is to provide a comprehensive program of competitive benefits to attract and retain the best employees available.    Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision   Retirement: 401(k) [with company match]  Paid time off and holidays  Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement, phone, and test equipment  Paid OEM training and certifications, with a clear path to Senior RF Field Engineer and beyond  Additional Incentives: This position may qualify for bonus opportunities based on factors like individual and company performance metrics.   Equal opportunity  Airtower Networks believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a company.  We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.        Airtower Networks is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristics protected by applicable law.