Microwave Tower Technician

Microwave Tower Technician

Position Summary

The Microwave Tower Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, alignment, and repair of microwave radio systems, antennas, transmission lines, and associated telecommunications equipment located on towers, rooftops, and other elevated structures.

This position requires extensive field work, climbing telecommunications towers, working at heights, and traveling to remote sites. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and technical skills, understands microwave and RF systems, and follows strict safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Install, remove, replace, and maintain microwave antennas, radios, waveguide, coaxial cable, fiber, grounding systems, and associated telecommunications equipment.

Perform microwave antenna installation and path alignment according to engineering specifications.

Conduct fine alignment of microwave links using RSSI, RSL, BER, or manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools.

Install and troubleshoot indoor and outdoor microwave radio equipment.

Perform tower-top and ground-level troubleshooting of microwave communication systems.

Install antenna mounts, brackets, support structures, cable trays, ice bridges, grounding, and related hardware.

Route, secure, weatherproof, label, and terminate coaxial cable, waveguide, Ethernet, fiber optic cable, and power cabling.

Identify defective equipment, cabling, connectors, antennas, or components and perform necessary repairs or replacements.

Perform preventive maintenance inspections on towers, antennas, transmission lines, shelters, grounding systems, and telecommunications equipment.

Read and interpret construction drawings, site plans, RF designs, microwave path information, and equipment installation documentation.

Document completed work, test results, equipment information, photographs, site deficiencies, and closeout information.

Assist with site commissioning, integration, upgrades, migrations, and system cutovers.

Maintain company tools, test equipment, vehicles, and safety equipment in proper working condition.

Follow company safety procedures and applicable OSHA, ANSI, NATE, customer, and site-specific requirements.

Participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA) and pre-job safety meetings.

Maintain 100% tie-off and proper fall-protection practices whenever working at heights.

Perform additional telecommunications construction and maintenance duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Previous telecommunications tower, microwave, wireless, or related field experience preferred.

Experience installing and aligning microwave antennas strongly preferred.

Working knowledge of microwave radio systems, RF transmission principles, antennas, coaxial cable, waveguide, Ethernet, and fiber optic systems.

Ability to read construction drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, and installation manuals.

Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, rigging equipment, and telecommunications test equipment.

Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and customer/site access requirements.

Tower Climbing Requirements

Must be comfortable working at significant heights.

Ability to climb telecommunications towers while carrying tools and equipment.

Must be capable of maintaining 100% fall protection while working at height.

Ability to perform climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, kneeling, and prolonged physical activity.

Ability to work safely around RF-emitting equipment and understand RF exposure requirements.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry approximately 50–75 pounds.

Ability to climb ladders and towers repeatedly throughout the workday.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.

Ability to work in remote locations and on uneven terrain.

Ability to work extended hours when necessary.

Travel and Schedule

Frequent travel to customer and telecommunications sites is required.

Overnight and multi-day travel may be required.

Must be available for occasional nights, weekends, emergency restoration work, and scheduled maintenance windows.

Work schedules may vary depending on project and customer requirements.

100% Traveling position

Preferred Certifications and Experience

OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification preferred

First Aid / CPR certification

Experience with microwave equipment from manufacturers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong commitment to safety.

Attention to detail and workmanship.

Ability to diagnose technical problems in the field.

Ability to work independently and as part of a field crew.

Good communication and documentation skills.

Dependability and willingness to travel.

Professional conduct when interacting with customers, subcontractors, and other field personnel.