Radio Frequency Engineer Job at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Fredericksb

Overview

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The RF Engineer is responsible for the design, deployment, maintenance, and optimization of the Landis+Gyr Gridstream RF mesh network used in the Cooperative’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. This position ensures reliable communication between grid edge meters, routers, gateways, and back-end systems across the cooperative service territory. The RF Engineer will perform RF propagation studies, field validations, and network performance analyses, while working closely with metering, engineering, IT, and operations teams. The role also involves staying current with evolving RF technologies and industry best practices to help enhance the cooperative’s smart grid capabilities.

Responsibilities

• AM I RF Network Planning and Design: Perform RF planning and propagation analysis for new and existing Gridstream deployments; analyze terrain, foliage, and other local conditions that impact mesh network performance in rural areas; recommend optimal placement for routers, collectors, and repeaters to achieve required signal coverage and network reliability.
• Deployment and Integration: Assist with installation, commissioning, and configuration of Landis+Gyr RF infrastructure; support integration with Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS), Outage Management Systems (OMS), and SCADA where applicable; collaborate with vendor representatives and field technicians during deployment phases.
• Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Monitor network health using Landis+Gyr tools and provide regular performance reports; diagnose and resolve RF communication issues affecting meters, endpoints, and backhaul links; assist with firmware upgrades, system tuning, and network reconfiguration to improve data reliability; configure and support cellular routers and modems used in collector backhaul scenarios; manage and troubleshoot fiber optic links connecting AMI infrastructure to central systems.
• Field Support and Documentation: Conduct site surveys and validate field data to ensure real-world alignment with RF models; maintain accurate records of deployed equipment, signal strengths, and coverage maps; train cooperative staff and field crews on AMI-related RF concepts and best practices; ensure high availability and failover strategies for hybrid backhaul environments (RF, cellular, and fiber); work closely with REC’s Metering, Engineering, and IT departments on cross-functional projects related to grid modernization, data analytics, and demand response programs.
• Regulatory and Compliance: Ensure all RF designs comply with FCC regulations and internal engineering standards; assist with documentation required for audits, inspections, or grants related to infrastructure; participate in training, conferences, and seminars to stay up to date on AMI technologies and industry standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic Technology, Telecommunications, or related field required; or eight (8) years of directly related experience in place of the degree. Four (4) years of RF engineering experience, preferably within utility AMI environments, including familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and site survey tools.
• Strong technical foundation in RF engineering (propagation, antenna theory, wireless mesh network design) with hands-on experience in utility/AMI environments such as Landis+Gyr Gridstream.
• Understanding of smart grid communication protocols; strong grasp of cellular networking (LTE/5G) and remote management of cellular modems/routers; solid IP networking fundamentals (subnetting, routing, IPv4/IPv6, VLANs, VPNs); practical experience with fiber optics (media converters, SFP modules, fiber routing/diagnostics) and advanced troubleshooting (field validation, spectrum analysis, root-cause investigation).
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences; ability to work with cross-functional teams.

How to Apply

Internal Applicants: Interested parties should submit an internal application via the HR HUB OR resume via rechr@myrec.coop.

Applicants: Use our https://www.myrec.coop/careers to apply. Please indicate the Job Posting ID #51FB09162025. Deadline: Friday, October 3rd, 2025 @ 5:00 PM EST.