JOSHUA PFAFF
Fairfield
Summary
Multi faceted telecommunications specialist in several categories. Engineering, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and activation are just several categories. Primarily focused in wireless systems and tower operations. Working in 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, and 5G NR. I’ve installed and maintained all carrier networks and fiber networks. From new tower activation and down to full tower installation. I’m a proud veteran who specializes in our wireless networks and communication systems.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tower Foreman
Matrix Telecom LLC
Loveland, OH
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Supervised installation and maintenance of telecommunication towers to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Coordinated team schedules and resource allocation for optimal project execution and efficiency.
- Trained and mentored junior technicians on operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify potential issues and implement preventive measures.
- Performed job safety analysis on daily basis to mitigate risks for all workers and visitors to job sites.
- Reviewed blueprints, specifications and drawings to fully understand project scope ahead of time.
- Developed strong partnerships with subcontractors within the telecommunication industry, resulting in improved collaboration and better overall project outcomes.
- Identified issues with antenna system components and applied troubleshooting techniques.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations by staying up-to-date on industry changes and adjusting company policies accordingly as needed for legal alignment purposes.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing instances of equipment shortages or delays during critical project timelines.
Field Technician
Coast2Coast
Cincinnati, OH
03.2024 - 06.2025
- Executed field service tasks to ensure optimal equipment performance and customer satisfaction.
- Diagnosed and resolved technical issues in various systems and machinery effectively.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflows and enhance service delivery efficiency.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks, identifying potential issues before they escalated.
- Trained new technicians on operational procedures, tools usage, and safety protocols.
- Provided technical support to clients, ensuring timely resolution of inquiries and concerns.
- Maintained accurate documentation of service activities, contributing to compliance and reporting standards.
- Prioritized and managed multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Improved system performance by conducting regular maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment in the field.
5G ORAN Field Engineer
Dish Network
Cincinnati, OH
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Lead a high-performing team of 5G ORAN Field Engineers, providing technical expertise, guidance, and training to ensure successful project execution and delivery.
- Installed, tested, and integrated 5G small cell sites, overseeing end-to-end deployment and troubleshooting to meet project timelines and quality standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including construction managers, RF engineers, and vendors, to coordinate site surveys, equipment installation, and commissioning activities.
- Managed construction aspects of projects, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and industry standards.
- Configured and optimized network equipment, including Cisco N540X routers, Fujitsu RRUs, Dell XR11, and Samsung RRUs, to establish efficient and reliable connectivity.
- Utilized Samsung and Mavenir software for site configuration, parameter settings, and performance monitoring.
- Conducted extensive fiber testing and troubleshooting using Viavi OTDR to ensure proper fiber connectivity, identify faults, and optimize network performance.
- Led site walk-throughs and inspections, verifying antenna positions, azimuth alignment, and color placements for optimal signal coverage.
- Oversaw and performed single site verification to identify and resolve issues related to VSWR, PIM, RET, and swap using EXFO and manual checks.
- Collaborated closely with microwave and transport experts to address integration, commissioning, and post-launch issues.
- Maintained network performance through proactive site maintenance, alarm resolution, and network optimization.
- Supported RF and construction teams to troubleshoot network functionality issues during the construction and commissioning phases.
- Provided technical expertise and guidance to ensure successful base station turn-up, commissioning, and validation testing.
- Conducted troubleshooting of antenna systems using tools like spectrum analyzers, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing interference.
- Evaluated network coverage, identified gaps, and made recommendations for coverage improvement to enhance the customer experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in PIM, VSWR, MIMO, and RET, with a strong understanding of fiber and LTE remote radio heads.
- Proficient in Lucent, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Ericsson base station equipment with LTE and CDMA technology.
- Experienced in telecom protocols such as T1, DACS, and OMP.
- Conducted dark and lit fiber testing using equipment such as Viavi OTDR and fiberscope.
Technician (NTIS)
Comcast Business
Akron, OH
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Installed, maintained, and repaired networking equipment for multiple business clients, ensuring optimal network performance and customer satisfaction.
- Configured and activated VLANs, performed partial scripting, and activated major components on networks with the support of NOC engineers.
- Utilized Forticloud, Meraki, Netcloud, and local IP interfaces for manual file pushes and network management.
- Installed and activated MIDWAN networks for numerous clients, ensuring secure and reliable remote connections.
- Deployed cabinets, routers, switches, wireless access points, backup systems, firewalls, and other network components.
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment issues, cabling problems, and configuration errors to maintain network uptime.
- Ran cabling for demarcation points and new equipment installations, ensuring proper routing and cable management.
- Updated hardware and equipment at client sites, including firmware upgrades and system patches.
- Conducted site surveys to map and label cabling runs, identify equipment endpoints, and ensure proper cable management.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including project managers and engineers, to deliver successful network installations and upgrades.
- Adhered to safety protocols and company standards while working at customer premises, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
- Maintained accurate documentation of equipment installations, repairs, and service calls for reference and billing purposes.
Top Hand/ Supervisor
Alltech Professional Services
Morehead, Kentucky
04.2020 - 08.2021
- Led tower climbing teams in the installation, maintenance, and optimization of wireless communication infrastructure for major carriers, including ATT, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
- Expertly climbed towers and performed installations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and industry standards, while consistently meeting project specifications.
- Installed, aligned, and optimized antenna systems for optimal signal performance, coverage, and network capacity from 2G to 5G technologies.
- Conducted comprehensive testing and troubleshooting using industry-standard tools, such as Anritsu, ATC-LITE, OTDR, and 3Z, to diagnose and resolve network issues, ensuring optimal performance.
- Collaborated closely with RF engineers and network technicians to identify and rectify network problems, interference, and signal degradation.
- Conducted tower inspections to identify structural issues, corrosion, and potential safety hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and recommending necessary repairs.
- Managed equipment inventory, including ordering, tracking, and maintenance of tools, ensuring availability and operational readiness for projects.
- Supervised and mentored tower climbers, providing guidance, training, and support to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
- Coordinated with project managers, clients, and subcontractors to ensure project timelines, deliverables, and customer satisfaction.
- Prepared detailed reports, documentation, and site surveys, providing accurate records for project completion, billing, and future reference.
- Stayed up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance technical skills and expertise.
Co-founder/Technician (Freelance)
Small Cell Specialists
09.2019 - 02.2021
- Successfully founded and funded a company specializing in broadband, wireless, and telecommunication installations and repairs. Led all aspects of the business, including business development, project management, operations, and team leadership.
- Coordinated and executed civil work for each site, ensuring efficient site preparation, infrastructure installation, and compliance with regulations and standards.
- Managed the utilization of heavy machinery and cranes, overseeing equipment operations to facilitate seamless and safe site operations.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships, ensuring exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their specific needs, providing tailored solutions and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Oversaw project planning, resource allocation, and scheduling to ensure smooth project execution and timely completion.
- Managed a team of skilled professionals, providing leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring the availability of necessary equipment and materials.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations, safety protocols, and quality standards throughout all operations.
- Implemented effective project management methodologies, streamlining workflows, optimizing resource utilization, and improving overall operational efficiency.
Technician
Signal Point Systems
Kennesaw, GA
03.2019 - 08.2019
- Successfully deployed and installed small cell sites for various clients, ensuring seamless connectivity and enhanced network coverage.
- Conducted site surveys to assess optimal placement and configuration of small cell equipment, considering factors such as signal strength, coverage area, and interference.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including project managers, technicians, and contractors to execute installations within specified timelines and budget constraints.
- Installed and configured small cell equipment, including antennas, radios, power supplies, and network backhaul connections.
- Conducted thorough testing and optimization of small cell sites, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to industry standards.
- Troubleshot and resolved technical issues related to small cell installations, collaborating with internal teams and external vendors as necessary.
- Performed regular maintenance and upgrades on existing small cell sites, ensuring their continued operation and reliability.
- Conducted on-site training for clients and end-users, providing guidance on small cell functionality, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Maintained accurate documentation of site configurations, equipment inventory, and service records for future reference.
- Implemented best practices and industry standards for small cell installations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safety protocols.
Crewman
United States Navy
Virginia Beach, VA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Served as a Riverine Operator within an expeditionary unit, conducting operations in riverine and littoral environments.
- Demonstrated exceptional proficiency in driving boats, employing tactical maneuvering techniques to ensure effective navigation and mission success.
- Expertly operated machine guns, employing accurate and disciplined fire in support of combat operations and force protection.
- Participated in combat patrols, maintaining a vigilant and proactive stance to identify and mitigate threats.
- Maintained and serviced riverine craft and weaponry, ensuring optimal operational readiness at all times.
- Collaborated with a diverse team of fellow Riverine Operators, effectively communicating and executing mission objectives.
- Utilized intelligence gathering techniques to collect critical information, enhancing situational awareness and informing decision-making processes.
- Conducted reconnaissance and surveillance operations, providing vital data for operational planning and execution.
- Trained and mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth, teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Adhered to strict security protocols and regulations, ensuring the safeguarding of classified information and equipment.
- Maintained a strong commitment to mission success, adaptability, and professional development in a dynamic and challenging operational environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fairfield Highschool
Fairfield, OHSkills
- 5G ORAN Site Deployment and Integration-Team Leadership and Management-Construction Management
- Cisco N540X RoutersFujitsu RRUs-Dell XR11-Samsung RRUs-Samsung and Mavenir Software
- Viavi OTDR and Fiber Testing-Network Optimization and Troubleshooting-RF Troubleshooting and Spectrum Analysis
- Lucent, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Ericsson base station equipment-T1, DACS, and OMP Protocols
- Dark and Lit Fiber Testing
- Networking Equipment Installation and Configuration-VLAN Configuration-Scripting and Network Activation
- Network Management Tools (Forticloud, Meraki, Netcloud)-MIDWAN Network Setup and Troubleshooting
- Equipment Troubleshooting and Repair-Cable Installation and Management
- Firmware Upgrades and Patching-Site Surveys and Documentation-Safety Protocols and Compliance
- Tower Climbing and Safety Protocols-Antenna System Installation and Alignment-2G to 5G Technology Optimization-Anritsu, ATC-LITE, OTDR, and 3Z Tool Proficiency-Network Testing and Troubleshooting-Tower Inspections and Safety Compliance-Equipment Inventory and Management-Team Leadership and Mentorship-Documentation and Reporting-RF Engineering Collaboration-OSHA and Industry Safety Standards Compliance
- Business Development and Entrepreneurship-Project Management-Civil Work Execution-Heavy Machinery Operations
- Broadband, Wireless, and Telecommunication Installations-Client Relationship Management-Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Resource Allocation and Scheduling-Compliance and Safety Regulations-Strategic Partnerships and Vendor Management-Business Strategy and Growth Initiatives
- Small Cell Installation and Configuration-Site Surveys and Optimization
- Testing and Troubleshooting-Network Backhaul Connections
- Equipment Maintenance and Upgrades-Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Training and Client Support-Regulatory Compliance and Safety Protocols
- Riverine Warfare and Operations-Small Boat Operations-Navigation and Tactical Maneuvering
- Machine Gun Operation and Fire Control-Combat Patrols and Force Protection-Equipment Maintenance and Servicing
- Intelligence Gathering and Analysis-Reconnaissance and Surveillance Techniques-Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adherence to Security Protocols and Regulations-Adaptability and High-Stress Decision Making
Certification
- OSHA 30
- OSHA 10
- RF RADIATION
- BLOOD BOURNE PATHOGENS
- LOTO
- HEAT STRESS
- COMPETENT CLIMBER/RIGGER
- TTT1
Timeline
Tower Foreman
Matrix Telecom LLC
06.2025 - 01.2026
Field Technician
Coast2Coast
03.2024 - 06.2025
5G ORAN Field Engineer
Dish Network
09.2022 - 06.2023
Technician (NTIS)
Comcast Business
09.2021 - 09.2022
Top Hand/ Supervisor
Alltech Professional Services
04.2020 - 08.2021
Co-founder/Technician (Freelance)
Small Cell Specialists
09.2019 - 02.2021
Technician
Signal Point Systems
03.2019 - 08.2019
Crewman
United States Navy
01.2012 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Fairfield Highschool