Senior Radio Frequency and Systems Administrator Technician

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Radio Frequency (RF) & Systems Administrator Technician to work on our team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, Idaho with every other Friday off . As a Senior Radio Frequency (RF) & Systems Administrator Technician, you will work to support a research program focused on radio system development, cellular and microwave infrastructure, software-defined radio (SDR) platforms, and security-focused research tooling. This role combines hands-on RF hardware integration with Linux and Windows systems administration, lab networking, automation, and software support. The successful candidate will help build, operate, secure, troubleshoot, and document the hardware, compute, and network environments that enable advanced radio research.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: Systems Administration, Infrastructure & Automation Install, configure, secure, patch, and maintain Linux and Windows servers, workstations, and embedded compute platforms used for RF research, SDR operations, cellular testbeds, data collection, and analysis. Administer user access, services, storage, logs, software dependencies, baseline configurations, system images, backups, and recovery procedures for lab systems. Configure and troubleshoot lab networks, including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), virtual local area networks (VLANs), static addressing, routing, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), firewalls, network switches, and isolated test networks. Support rack-mounted servers, graphics processing unit (GPU)-enabled workstations, keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) systems, network-attached storage, out-of-band management, remote access, virtualization, and containerized environments. Install and troubleshoot research software stacks and drivers, including GNU Radio, srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, Wireshark, Ettus Universal Hardware Driver (UHD), Python toolchains, and related dependencies. Develop and maintain scripts in Python, Bash, or PowerShell to automate system setup, hardware control, data collection, log gathering, test execution, and configuration management. Maintain version-controlled repositories using Git or similar tools for scripts, system configurations, calibration data, build documentation, and lab procedures. Support cybersecurity hygiene for lab systems, including secure configuration, access control, patching, vulnerability remediation support, and audit readiness.

RF Hardware, Testbeds & Lab Operations

Assemble, configure, and maintain SDR platforms and associated RF front ends, including systems such as Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP), HackRF, LimeSDR, Ettus Research hardware, or similar platforms. Build, integrate, and troubleshoot RF signal chains including amplifiers, filters, attenuators, splitters, combiners, switches, antennas, and microwave components across high frequency (HF) through microwave ranges. Support cellular test environments, including Fourth Generation/Fifth Generation (4G/5G) basestation simulators, user equipment (UE) emulators, core network components, shielded enclosures, and RF-isolated test setups. Fabricate, terminate, label, test, and document RF cabling and connectors, including SubMiniature version A (SMA), N-type, Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC), Threaded Neill-Concelman (TNC), and related interconnects. Perform bench-level troubleshooting and measurements using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters, and related test equipment, including voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), insertion loss, and return loss measurements. Maintain equipment inventories, calibration schedules, system build records, wiring diagrams, rack elevations, network diagrams, RF signal chain diagrams, software versions, and configuration documentation. Assist with procurement research, vendor coordination, receiving, inspection, integration, and lab readiness for demonstrations, reviews, and test events.

Required: Level 3: High school diploma or equivalent and 4 years of hands-on technical experience in systems administration, RF systems, electronic systems integration, lab infrastructure support, or a closely related discipline. Level 4 : High school diploma or equivalent and 6 years of hands-on technical experience in systems administration, RF systems, electronic systems integration, lab infrastructure support, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated Linux systems administration experience, including command-line operation, software installation, service management, permissions, logging, updates, driver troubleshooting, kernel modules, device access, and network configuration. Working knowledge of Windows workstation support, lab networking, server/workstation infrastructure, virtualization or containers, storage, remote access, and system documentation. Working knowledge of Python, Bash, or PowerShell scripting for automation, hardware control, system setup, and data collection. Demonstrated experience building, configuring, or troubleshooting RF signal chains, SDR platforms, antennas, cabling, RF test setups, and standard RF bench equipment. Strong documentation habits with the ability to produce accurate, repeatable records for systems, builds, configurations, test setups, and procedures. Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance. Testing Designated Position (TDP).

The ideal candidate will possess: Experience administering Linux-based research systems, cyber ranges, RF testbeds, isolated development environments, or lab networks. Experience with configuration management, system imaging, backup/recovery, infrastructure-as-code concepts, patch management, vulnerability remediation, or system hardening. Familiarity with VMware, Proxmox, VirtualBox, Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, or similar virtualization and container platforms. Experience with SDR software and drivers, cellular test environments, evolved NodeB/next generation NodeB (eNB/gNB) simulators, UE emulators, Evolved Packet Core/Fifth Generation Core (EPC/5GC) components, subscriber identity module (SIM) tools, or RF-isolated test setups. Familiarity with microwave hardware, waveguide components, horn antennas, low-noise amplifiers, frequency converters, point-to-point radio links, shielded enclosures, or Faraday cages. Experience with electronics troubleshooting, soldering, printed circuit board (PCB) rework, lab asset tracking, calibration management, or technical procurement. Associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent experience in systems administration, electronics technology, RF engineering technology, cybersecurity, networking, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Linux+, Network+, Security+, Server+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft, VMware, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License, Amateur Radio license, or equivalent practical experience.

Job Information: The pay range for this position is: Level 3: ($30.84/hr. - $50.87/hr.) Level 4: ($36.08/hr. - $59.52/hr.) At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials. TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and bend. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment, using a ladder, and operating a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. The ability to smell is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions: The work environment includes an office, laboratory, and a variety of field testing and inspection environments. These work environments may include protected exposure to noisy and/or loud equipment, hazardous material, adverse weather conditions, and UV (sun) exposure. Position may expose employee to heights and stairs. Position requires use of protective clothing as needed. Position requires work shifts greater than 8 hours/day.