Job Details

Overview

Associate Communications Engineer positions design, plan, review, and inspect Public Safety Radio Communication Equipment, Technologies, Infrastructure, Emergency Response, Command & Control, Interoperable Communications, Integration Services, and support for 700/800 MHz, VHF, UHF, IP/MPLS wireless communications systems; design and implement communications hardware and components; research and recommend technical operation standards; write and prepare specifications; assist in performing on-site inspections; monitor compliance with Federal and State wireless rules and regulations; perform communications project functions; prepare documentation packages; and perform other duties as assigned.

NOTE: Eligible benefited employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Communications/Network Engineering, or closely related degree.
• A valid Certification as a Telecommunications Junior Engineer issued by the National Association of Radio and Telecom Engineers (iNARTE).

NOTE:

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for education lacked on a year-for-year basis. One year of full-time experience = 30 semester/45 quarter college-level units.

Experience

• Three years full-time professional-level communications engineering experience with multiple site/multiple frequency radio communication systems and/or large multi-site backhaul networks.

NOTE: City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

License

• A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire.

Highly Desirable

• Possession of a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License.
• Possession of a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
• Knowledge of RF and microwave communication systems, including individual components and their operations.
• Knowledge of Networking and Data Transportation.

Required Documents (Must Submit with Application)

• Proof of degree/transcripts, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Proof of a valid Certification as a Telecommunications Junior Engineer issued by the National Association of Radio and Telecom Engineers (iNARTE), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

Pre-Employment and Application Notes

Required documents should be attached electronically to your application. If you are unable to attach them at submission, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax or to the Employee Information Center, including your name and the position title.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate; responses on supplemental questions will be evaluated automatically. Successful candidates will be placed on a list to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days). Only those with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted for an interview.

Pre-employment requirements may include citizenship verification, medical review/exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing), reference checks, fingerprinting, and additional screening as required. A positive test or misrepresentation may be cause for disqualification or termination. This posting is not a contract of employment.

Rev. 1 - August 8, 2025 (New Recruitment Date)

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Government Administration