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Grol Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GROL certification is preferred and will be required after being hired * Two year Associate degree in Electronics Technology or equivalent military training * Five or more years' experience ...

GROL certification is preferred and will be required after being hired * Two year Associate degree in Electronics Technology or equivalent military training * Five or more years' experience ...

Grol information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$31

$43

How much do grol jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for grol in Virginia is $31.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $35.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grol?

A GROL, or General Radiotelephone Operator License, is a certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. It is required for individuals who wish to operate and maintain certain radio and telecommunications equipment, particularly on ships and aircraft. The GROL demonstrates technical proficiency in radio operations and is often sought after by those working in marine, aviation, or broadcast communications industries. To obtain a GROL, candidates must pass specific FCC exams covering radio law and technical knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grol, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) holder, you need a solid understanding of radio communications, electronics, and FCC regulations, typically demonstrated by passing the FCC Element 1 and 3 exams. Familiarity with radio transmission equipment, spectrum analyzers, and troubleshooting tools is crucial for maintaining and repairing radio systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in diagnosing technical issues and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure compliance with regulations, reliable equipment operation, and efficient communication in fields such as maritime or aviation radio services.

What are jobs that require a Grol?

Jobs that require a general radiotelephone operator license (GROL) include all positions that install, repair, modify, or otherwise work with radiotelephone transmitters and equipment licensed by the FCC. These roles are especially common in industries that deal with aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio systems. This is a mandatory license for these positions, though people with a GROL often specialize in specific types of systems. Obtaining the GROL requires passing two federal tests known as FCC Element 1 and FCC Element 3. The second part is significantly longer than the first. The FCC Element 8 exam is optional, but it provides a Ship Radar Endorsement and can open up new job opportunities.

What are the main responsibilities and challenges faced by a grol in a typical work setting?

A Grol is not recognized as a standard professional occupation. If you are referring to a specific job title or industry term, please clarify or check for spelling errors. For job seekers, it's essential to ensure the role exists and understand its duties and requirements before applying.
What are the most commonly searched types of Grol jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Grol jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Grol job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,149 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Principal Technical Communications Specialist

Nwis

Sterling, VA • On-site

$97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.


Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about innovation, solving complex problems, and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Principal Technical Communications Specialist in support of USG in the Springfield area. This critical role requires hands-on expertise in testing, provisioning, and maintaining communications equipment and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong operational tradecraft understanding, excellent communication skills, and technical proficiency in cellular networks, networking, and cloud architectures.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Oversee strategic engineering developments for tailored communications capabilities supporting operational and administrative requirements during deployment
  • Maintain awareness of commercial and proprietary communications capabilities to ensure diversified portfolio and mitigate UTS threats
  • Provide technical provisioning and issuance of communications solutions including: tailored cellular phones (primarily Samsung), data pucks, cloud infrastructure, VPNs, simulated RF environments, PTT radios, virtual machines, and mesh networks
  • Configure, test, and maintain VHF/UHF hand-held radios, including Motorola systems
  • Perform radio rekeying operations, encryption key management, and repeater configuration
  • Deploy and manage mesh network systems for resilient communications
  • Develop custom applications for mobile devices to meet operational requirements
  • Troubleshoot equipment failures and complex network issues

Required Technical Skills

Communications Systems (Must Have)

  • Motorola Radio Systems: Programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting using CPS/RSS software
  • Radio Rekeying & Encryption: OTAR and manual key management experience
  • Repeater Configuration: Hands-on setup and maintenance
  • Device Management: Enterprise configuration and MDM platforms
  • Application Development: Android mobile application development experience required
  • Mesh Networks: Architecture, protocols, deployment, and maintenance knowledge

Infrastructure & Systems

  • Networking fundamentals (LAN/WAN) and troubleshooting capabilities
  • Low-power RF technologies (Wi-Fi, cellular, IoT)
  • Commercial cloud services (AWS, Azure, or similar)
  • Operating systems: Windows, Linux (command line proficiency), and Android
  • Linux skills: mount/dismount drives, file manipulation, shell scripting, program execution
  • Android expertise: application loading, device configuration, customization

Communication & Collaboration

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills across multiple formats
  • Strong technical documentation abilities
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences
  • Collaborative team player with interpersonal skills

Ideal Candidate

  • Strong operational tradecraft understanding with technical background in cellular networks, networking, and cloud architectures
  • Highly motivated self-starter thriving in fast-paced environments
  • Proactive problem-solver managing multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Security-conscious with OPSEC awareness

Required Qualifications

Mandatory:

  • High School Diploma/GED (or 5 years relevant experience in absence of diploma)
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph on day one; must be eligible for crossover
  • Must reside in Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) - no relocation assistance provided

Preferred:

  • Associate's/Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or related field
  • 3-5+ years hands-on communications systems experience in operational environments
  • FCC GROL, Motorola certifications, Knox/MDM certifications, Network+/Security+
  • Experience supporting intelligence community or DoD operations
  • Application development portfolio

Physical Requirements:

  • Lift/carry equipment up to 50 lbs
  • Valid driver's license
  • Flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends
  • On-call rotation availability

Must have TS/SCI security clearance with Poly on day one of employment and must be eligible for crossover.

About Nightwing:


Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world's most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.


At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.


This requisition is eligible for an employee referral award. ALL eligibility requirements must be met to receive the referral award.

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.


Nightwingoffers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.


Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.