Telecom Systems Engineer

As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

Help power reliable electric service by designing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure that supports critical utility operations. As a Telecom Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the availability, security, and performance of the communications systems that support transmission, distribution, substations, and operational technology environments. Your expertise will directly impact grid reliability, system resilience, and the safe delivery of electricity to our customers and communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with advanced utility communication technologies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to projects that support the modernization of the electric grid.

As a Telecom Systems Engineer, you will play a vital role in maintaining the communications infrastructure that supports the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electric service. Your work will ensure that critical systems, including SCADA, protective relaying, operational technology networks, voice communications, and substation communications, remain secure, resilient, and highly available. By designing, optimizing, and supporting the networks that connect our electric grid, you will help enhance system reliability, strengthen cybersecurity, support grid modernization initiatives, and enable rapid response during outages and emergencies.

Your expertise will directly contribute to the operational success of the utility and the quality of service delivered to the communities we serve.

The Telecom Systems Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the network infrastructure that supports the utility’s electric transmission, distribution, and substation systems. This position ensures reliable, secure, and highly available communications systems that support critical utility operations, including SCADA, protective relaying, voice communications, video systems, and Operational Technology (OT) networks. The Telecom Systems Engineer works closely with IT, Operations, System Protection, Engineering, and field personnel to maintain communications systems that meet utility reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.

This role requires a strong documentation and change management discipline. The candidate must have strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to evaluate risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. They must also balance tasks across multiple projects and priorities, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met through effective time management. A Thorough understanding of utility grounding, bonding, power systems, and applicable industry standards, is required.

• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot utility telecommunications infrastructure.
• Support SONET, DWDM, OTN, MPLS, and G.8032/Carrier Ethernet.
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, and telecommunications equipment.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, availability, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain network architecture diagrams and telecommunications documentation.
• Provide communications support for SCADA, EMS, DMS, OMS, AMI, DER, and other utility operational systems.
• Support communications requirements for transmission and distribution substations.
• Design and implement network infrastructure upgrades and expansions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to…