Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers: Career & Application Guide

What do radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers do?

Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Communications Systems Technician
Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech)
Field Technician (Field Tech)
Installation Technician (Installation Tech)
Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech)
Radio Repairman
Radio Technician (Radio Tech)
Tower Technician (Tower Tech)

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.

Prepare an application for this occupation

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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