Field Engineer – IoT & RF Communications

The Field Engineer is responsible for identifying, investigating, and resolving operational issues associated with IoT network equipment and sensors, with a strong focus on radio frequency (RF) communications and mesh network performance. This role bridges back-office systems and field deployment, ensuring reliable device communication, robust wireless connectivity, and successful implementation of smart metering and smart grid initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate operational issues by performing system checks and validations to determine whether field diagnosis is required.
• Conduct on-site investigations of radio communication equipment and sensors to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide on-site technical assistance to troubleshoot and resolve any issues on RF equipment, communication interfaces, and software applications.
• Create work orders and service tickets to ensure remedial works are completed within service levels.
• Escalate recurring RF or network issues for deeper engineering analysis.
• Support deployment of IoT communication infrastructure including collectors, repeaters, antennas, and access points.
• Conduct RF site surveys (RSSI, SINR, coverage mapping) and optimise antenna placement and network topology.
• Commission, register, and test new communication devices, ensuring successful integration into the IoT platform.
• Carry out field testing of RF technologies.
• Maintain technical documentation, field procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide information and feedback to members of the public and customers on the work being carried out.Investigate operational issues by performing system checks and validations to determine whether field diagnosis is required.
• Conduct on-site investigations of radio communication equipment and sensors to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide on-site technical assistance to troubleshoot and resolve any issues on RF equipment, communication interfaces, and software applications.
• Create work orders and service tickets to ensure remedial works are completed within service levels.
• Escalate recurring RF or network issues for deeper engineering analysis.
• Support deployment of IoT communication infrastructure including collectors, repeaters, antennas, and access points.
• Conduct RF site surveys (RSSI, SINR, coverage mapping) and optimise antenna placement and network topology.
• Commission, register, and test new communication devices, ensuring successful integration into the IoT platform.
• Carry out field testing of RF technologies.
• Maintain technical documentation, field procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide information and feedback to members of the public and customers on the work being carried out.Investigate operational issues by performing system checks and validations to determine whether field diagnosis is required.
• Conduct on-site investigations of radio communication equipment and sensors to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide on-site technical assistance to troubleshoot and resolve any issues on RF equipment, communication interfaces, and software applications.
• Create work orders and service tickets to ensure remedial works are completed within service levels.
• Escalate recurring RF or network issues for deeper engineering analysis.
• Support deployment of IoT communication infrastructure including collectors, repeaters, antennas, and access points.
• Conduct RF site surveys (RSSI, SINR, coverage mapping) and optimise antenna placement and network topology.
• Commission, register, and test new communication devices, ensuring successful integration into the IoT platform.
• Carry out field testing of RF technologies.
• Maintain technical documentation, field procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide information and feedback to members of the public and customers on the work being carried out.

Technical Expertise:

• RF Communications: Strong understanding of RF propagation, antenna theory, RSSI/SINR measurement, and interference mitigation.
• Mesh Networking: Hands-on experience with multi-hop, self-healing RF mesh networks, including node commissioning, routing, and optimisation.
• Standards & Protocols: Familiarity with Wi-SUN or similar open standards for utility mesh networks.
• Routing in Low-Power Networks: Understanding of routing protocols for constrained, lossy networks (e.g. RPL, LOADng).
• Test Equipment: Proficiency with spectrum analysers, network analysers, RF scanners, and signal generators.
• Network Integration: Exposure to multi-tier network architectures).
• Diagnostics: Experience with network health tools (node counters, retransmission rates, hop counts) and identifying systemic issues.
• Utility Technology: Familiarity with smart meters, MIUs, and utility communication modules are a bonus.

Professional Skills:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, especially for RF and mesh network issues.
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to document findings clearly and produce accurate technical reports.
• Demonstrated adaptability and capacity to learn new technologies quickly.