Now Hiring - Tait Communications - Manufacturing Sales Engineer in Houston, TX

Scope of Role

The system engineer plays a key role in the successful design and implementation of Tait communication solutions. The system engineer participates in the pre-sales effort as well as the detailed design, implementation and acceptance of the solution following the sale.

The system-engineering role, unlike many engineering positions, requires a knowledge base that has both breadth and depth. In addition, excellent written and spoken communications skills are a must. Knowledge of commercial issues and the sales process is also required.

The system engineer will be a primary technical interface between the customer and the Tait organization. It is critical that the customer perceives Tait to be a responsive, innovative, competent and professional organization. How the system/sales engineer behaves and communicates with the customer will drive a large part of that perception.

It is expected that the role will involve travel.

The system engineer will be expected to continue to acquire skills and knowledge through both training and experience in some of the following areas:

• Staff supervision and leadership.
• Oral and written communication
• Customer Service skills responsiveness, accuracy, reliability, empathy, assurance
• Existing and proposed markets for Tait products
• Design and implementation of mobile radio and RF technology
• Emerging Communications and Network Technologies
• Company organisation, structure and engineering interfaces
• Tait Quality system
• Planning and resource estimation
• Problem solving
• Judgement

It is expected that the system engineer will be proactive in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to provide top quality customer support. This will be supported by Tait in the form of specialist back-up support from New Zealand and technical training on Tait wireless networks and various OEM products.

Functional Outcomes

Main Work Areas

• Engineering- System design and analysis, component or sub-assembly specification, component or sub-assembly design, interface specifications, build, alignment and test procedures.
• Pre-sales Engineering- Assists the system sales specialist as required to create technical specifications for a customer requirement and technical responses to bids and tenders.
• Project Management- Provide the required input and time frames as required by the project manager.
• Sales- recognizes potential sales opportunities and notifies the sales department for follow up.
• Marketing- Assist with the development of application notes and case studies that promote the sale of Tait products. Become familiar with the technical capabilities of equipment produced by competitors and recommend the changes that are necessary to keep Tait products competitive.

Main Tasks

• Detailed system design including:
• Provision of technical advice to customers and regional sales managers on possible applications and constraints of Tait products.
• Ensure that any commitments made to the customer are achievable within the committed timeframe and cost.
• Provide telephone advice on the Tait range of network, mobile and handportable products, including their programming.
• Provide customers confidence about Tait's technical competence and responsiveness
• Interact with customers and staff in a positive, caring and professional manner
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Development of Functional Requirements Specifications
  • Coverage Design
  • Simulcast Design
  • Frequency Planning
  • System Availability
  • Design of Transmission Systems
  • Design and Selection on Linking Systems
  • Design of Power Systems
  • Design of Grounding Systems
  • Integration, Selection and Qualification of OEM Components
  • Design of Acceptance Test Plans
• The specification, and in some cases design, of custom products required for special projects or applications.
• Assist the project manager as required in the preparation of project planning and customer/functional requirement specifications for all projects that proceed to the contract stage. Specifications to include as a minimum:
• A description of the project, including a customer needs statement.
• A specification of requirements (or reference to other specifications) including equipment configuration, copies of orders etc.
• SME input to realistic and executable project plans and timelines showing key milestone dates and deliverables
• System test and acceptance plans
• SME input to project risk management plan
• It will sometimes be necessary for the system engineer to supervise, conduct or assist in system commissioning and acceptance testing.
• Promote sales by designing system configurations, applications and modifications that make Tait products more applicable to the specific requirements of the market.

Key Results

• All system designs meet the defined customer requirements.
• All system designs are thoroughly checked for feasibility and suitability.
• Customer is satisfied with assistance given to all enquiries, and understands the potential limitations of the solution proposed.
• System build and test documentation enables the project to be implemented with a minimum of revisions and clarifications.
• System designs are achievable from timing and cost perspective.

Person Specification

Experience Requirements

• At least 4 years in a mobile communications system engineering role

Skills Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communications
• Attention to detail; making sure issues do not get dropped
• Excellent customer service skills
• System design skills that include propagation design and analysis, traffic design and analysis, specification and selection of antenna, transmission and combining equipment, specification and selection of various linking mediums and the analysis of the affect of system components on the overall performance of a network
• Analog and Digital design

Knowledge Requirements

• Good knowledge of mobile telecommunications networks
• Good knowledge of RF technologies and practices
• Good knowledge of data communications technologies and practices
• Good knowledge of Tait equipment and its operation and configuration (may be obtained through training)
• Detailed knowledge of the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of the use of propagation modeling software

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to work co-operatively in a close-knit team.
• Excellent self organization and management
• Empathy for the customer and the ability to communicate that.
• Honesty, integrity and professionalism
• An eye for detail while still being able to see things in a broader context

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE or equivalent) and Engineering in Training (E.I.T.) desirable