Communications Engineer , II, III, or IV

Position Description

Responsible for the planning, engineering, design, implementation, management and administration of mission critical communications infrastructure that encompasses the Unisource Transmission and Distribution Telecommunications system and operational network infrastructure for Unisource’s substation LAN/WAN. This includes networks for SCADA, Data Center interconnection, AMI, services for substation corporate and security networks, and smart grid systems, with a focus on reliability, security, and performance. The ideal candidate will have experience in network and security architecture, RF system design, communications facility planning and design, and hands‑on expertise in configuring and managing switches, routers, and firewalls and advance protocols such as IP/MPLS—particularly Nokia service routers and Siemens/Ruggedcom industrial networking devices.

Create engineered designs and documentation for new and existing communications facilities and infrastructure for substation projects and other company wide communication application needs. The creation and administration of Ethernet and other networks for multiple Wide Area Networks. Perform engineering studies and evaluate alternative designs or processes related to communication equipment and networks. Develop project scopes of work that specify material and estimate time and material costs required for assigned projects and assist in the evaluation of suppliers and products.

Act as a project engineer for communications projects as well as train less experienced personnel.

• Design network and telecommunications solutions for Unisource and its subsidiaries with an emphasis on integration between companies and flexible solutions that are cost‑effective and scalable for effective control, monitoring, protection and maintenance of electrical generation, high voltage transmission, and distribution systems. As well as provide Corporate Voice and Data Transport Communications Systems.
• Wide range of communications and computer networking experience required to manage networks and intelligent electronic devices utilizing different telecommunications equipment. Specific knowledge about Ethernet networks and Wide Area Network (WAN) skills to compliment a telecommunications knowledgebase.
• Lead or support telecom and operational network related capital projects, including planning, budgeting, and execution.
• Engineer, design, deploy, and maintain fiber optics, microwave, licensed/unlicensed wireless, cellular, and RF networks.
• Engineer, design and oversee communications facilities, including towers, shelters, grounding systems, HVAC, and backup power systems such as generators and DC battery systems.
• Support SCADA, relay tele-protection channels, AMI, and grid automation systems by ensuring secure and reliable data transmission across substations and control centers.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements to ensure high availability and low latency.
• Document physical and logical maps of the infrastructure as well as define and follow standards and procedures in relation to the network and its devices.
• Ensure security is maintained on the network and software patches are applied appropriately.
• Ensure change control processes are followed and service levels affected by those changes are maintained.
• Evaluate vendor products and services to ensure a long‑term hardware and software platform for the network utilizing industry standards and equipment.
• Assist in selection and assignment of department objectives.
• Assist in departmental or interdepartmental training to assure proper operation and/or maintenance of equipment. Provide technical assistance to the Electronics Construction & Maintenance Section.
• Assist in divisional O & M and Capital Budget preparation and adherence.
• Internal and external representation of section responsibilities, requirements, methods and procedures.
• Initiate job tasks (work orders) and track expenditures as may be required to complete Capital Budget project assignments.
• Lead formal and informal meetings concerning assigned projects and can communicate…