Communications Engineer , II

We are looking for talented individuals who are passionate about making an impact in the company and the community.

Help power the future of critical infrastructure. Join our team and play a key role in designing, building, and securing the communications networks that support electric transmission, distribution, substations, and smart grid technologies across our service territory.

• Design, engineer, and support telecommunications and operational network solutions that enable reliable electric system operations.
• Develop and maintain fiber optic, microwave, RF, wireless, and IP/MPLS communications networks for substations, control centers, and field operations.
• Support SCADA, AMI, grid automation, and tele-protection systems by ensuring secure and dependable data communications.
• Lead or assist with telecom and operational network projects, including planning, budgeting, design, implementation, and vendor coordination.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, implement upgrades, and maintain cybersecurity and regulatory compliance standards.
• Create engineering designs, technical documentation, network standards, and project specifications while collaborating with cross-functional utility and IT teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution;
  Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals including switching, routing, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, STP, WAN technologies, and IP/MPLS networks.
• Experience or interest in critical infrastructure communications systems, including fiber optics, RF, microwave, wireless, and operational technology networks.
• Understanding of network security principles, firewalls, cybersecurity frameworks, and industrial protocols such as DNP3 and IEC 61850.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project coordination skills with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• For Engineer II consideration, relevant utility, industrial networking, or telecommunications experience and industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or Nokia NRS are preferred.

This is an exciting opportunity to help design and maintain the communications infrastructure that keeps the electric grid safe, secure, and reliable while supporting the modernization of critical utility operations.

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…