Senior RF Engineer - Mission-Critical Transit Communications

Location: On‑site | Active rail and bus operating environments
Compensation: $64–$88 hourly (W2 with full benefits)

Why This Role Matters

PEMCCO is seeking a senior‑level RF engineer to serve as a trusted technical authority supporting a large, complex urban transit system. This role plays a direct part in modernizing mission‑critical radio communications infrastructure used by operators, maintenance teams, and first responders in underground and surface environments.

You’ll work hands‑on with live systems while also shaping solutions — diagnosing complex RF issues, guiding system transitions, validating performance, and advising agency stakeholders. This is an opportunity to apply deep expertise in environments where reliability, safety, and continuity truly matter.

About PEMCCO

PEMCCO, Inc. is an Information Technology and Information Management (IT/IM) services firm focused on helping customers maximize existing and emerging technologies. Our culture is built on Loyalty, Integrity, and Commitment, supported by Smart Organization Healthy Organization (SOHO) principles that emphasize clear communication and effective execution.

The Role

As a Senior RF Engineer, you will act as an embedded technical resource within an active transit operating environment. This is a hands‑on, senior leadership role balancing field diagnostics, system optimization, technical review, and structured reporting.

While on‑site work is required, the role combines field investigations, planning, coordination, and documentation rather than constant reactive work.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct RF field surveys, system performance measurements, and structured troubleshooting.
• Perform root cause analysis of elevated noise floor and uplink interference conditions, particularly in underground environments.
• Troubleshoot DAS, leaky feeder systems, headend equipment, repeaters, antennas, and supporting infrastructure.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans to restore and enhance system performance.
• Provide senior oversight during installation, system integration, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Develop structured test plans and validate performance against defined acceptance criteria.
• Review vendor technical submittals for compliance and integration alignment.
• Support spectrum transition initiatives (including 900 MHz to 800 MHz) through planning, sequencing, and risk mitigation with minimal operational disruption.
• Prepare clear daily, weekly, and monthly technical status reports for stakeholders.
• Coordinate on‑site activities within active rail environments, including right‑of‑way access and safety compliance.
• Identify obsolete equipment and cabling suitable for removal and support documentation updates.
• Monitor assigned task funding and provide early notification as funding thresholds are approached.

What You Bring

Core Competencies

• Advanced RF troubleshooting and interference mitigation
• DAS and/or leaky‑feeder system diagnostics in tunnel or underground environments
• Spectrum transition planning and cutover coordination
• Installation, testing, and commissioning leadership
• Vendor technical review and integration oversight
• Regulatory awareness and FCC compliance knowledge
• Clear technical writing and structured reporting
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in radio communications system design, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience supporting public safety, transit, or other large‑scale mission‑critical RF systems.
• Demonstrated experience performing RF interference and noise floor root cause analysis.
• Experience supporting spectrum transitions or large‑scale RF system migrations (900 MHz to 800 MHz experience a plus).
• Experience reviewing vendor technical submittals and coordinating field activities in live operational environments.
• Ability to produce clear, structured technical documentation and reports.
• Working knowledge of FCC regulations applicable to radio systems.

Preferred

• Experience supporting metropolitan transit agencies or rail authorities.
• Familiarity with P25 trunked systems or public safety radio infras