Communications Engineer I, II

We are looking for talented individuals who are passionate about making an impact in the company and the community. Apply now and become part of the dynamic energy industry! 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. What You Will Do 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. What You Bring 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. 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. Position-Related Responsibilities: 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 utili