Field Service Technician

Location: Sarasota, FLContract: 6 to 12 + Month Contract 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 Customer Programming Software (CPS), Radio Management, and cloud-based provisioning tools (such as Radio Central).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 Service Now). Change Control Compliance: Strictly adhere to the organization's formal change management procedures before executing configuration or database changes.

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