Communications Engineer

Communications Engineer/ Specialist Level 2 - Senior Level

The Communication Engineer/Specialist serves as the communication designer for new microwave, wireless systems, fiber optic, and infrastructure. This includes communication for high and low density point to point microwave links, multiplex, wireless, multiple address communication systems, and spread spectrum systems. The position will be the technical liaison to other Utilities for design and new system coordination. Additionally, this position will be liaison to communication equipment manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and contractors. The Engineer/Specialist will perform work in an industrial setting, including electric substations, generating stations, gas stations, gas compressor and storage stations. The position may require work on elevated structures, such as communication towers. As well as perform field survey work for new communication systems, performance engineering calculations, bid specification writing, standards, FCC and FAA rule applications, application of RF safety rules, application of electric and gas safety rules and working knowledge of structure standards.

This position will be filled as an Engineer or Specialist depending on degree and work experience.

Communications Engineer/Specialist Level II

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design Wireless, Fiber Optic, and Serial Communication Systems.
• Conduct wireless path surveys in the field for microwave path design.
• Calculate Microwave path performance, propagation and reliability.
• Evaluate microwave path designs for space diversity applications and passive reflectors for path design.
• Conducts engineering communication traffic studies.
• Designs fiber optic links including performance calculations.
• Designs MAS communication systems.
• Estimates RF propagation performance for MAS systems.
• Conducts site surveys for RF safety.
• Compiles RF safety documentation for NIPSCO sites where RF equipment installed.
• Designs multiplex systems for information transport.
• Designs wireless point to point systems.
• Designs Antenna mounts including stress analysis, preparation of shop fabrication drawings.
• Designs antenna systems for use with microwave and wireless links.
• Designs new microwave Site layouts.
• Conducts FAA studies and evaluations for tower installs.
• Develops detailed material list for communication projects.
• Prepares detailed equipment and system specifications for competitive bidding.
• Develops standards, technical procedures and policies.
• Evaluates requirements for FCC tower registration.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems in area of expertise including field assessment and mitigation activities in collaboration with operational groups.
• Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, monitoring of work activities, and where applicable, estimating and scheduling.
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation. Maintains accurate records and files.
• Continually improves job-related, technical and professional knowledge, skills and performance.
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities and resolve problems/issues. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
• Represents the company positively and professionally.
• Demonstrates increased knowledge of company and industry codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; manage changes as codes and standards are revised.
• Operate and coordinate safe working practices and principles for general and field assessment activities as stated in safety and standard operating procedures.
• Develops Estimates and orders Material through Mapps/Ariba.
• Applies ASR/ FAA obstruction standards for communication towers.
• Interprets substation and communication schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Applies and recommends Substation and Communication Engineering principles for substation/communication engineering.
• Obtains RF Safety certification and maintains.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a four year college (ABET accredited preferred) or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/ Engineering Technology OR a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Will consider college majors in Science, Mathematics, or Information Technology only if it is coupled with work experience similar to this position.
• Minimum of 2 to 4 years of electric utility/telecom experience in Wireless, Fiber, or Serial Communication System Design PLUS above degree requirements.
• Increased understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.
• Increased understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
• Provides critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Specific knowledge of Communication system configuration.
• Ability to complete moderate project level estimates.
• Working knowledge of AutoCad.
• Ability to use engineering software packages, such as PathLoss, MatLab, and RadioSoft.
• Employs communication tower standard TIA-222 latest revision.
• Understanding of NESC codes and their usage
• Working knowledge of field survey instruments, such as transit and theodolite
• Ability to work on multiple moderate level projects with proficiency.
• Organizational and planning skills to plan workload and logically layout project schedules.
• Understanding of tower wind loading, twist and sway, and strength of materials.
• Understanding of microwave propagation and margin calculation.
• Understanding of fiber optics, modes, and margin calculation.
• Knowledge of field survey instruments, such as transit and theodolite.
• Good communication skills (oral and written) for interfacing with company personnel or outside customers.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the electric utility industry performing similar work.
• Understanding of/experience with basic principles of project management.
• Project management certification (PMP or CAPM).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

Communications Engineer/Specialist Level III

Duties & Responsibilities (All of Level II plus)

• Designs and completes complex sized communication design projects.
• Develops Estimates and orders Material through Mapps/Ariba.
• Applies NESC codes to projects.
• ASR/ FAA obstruction standards and applies to communication tower projects.
• Reads, interprets, and corrects various schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Improves existing Communication related to Engineering Standards
• Applies Engineering Standards to design projects.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems in area of expertise including field assessment and mitigation activities in collaboration with operational groups.
• Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, monitoring of work activities, and where applicable, estimating and scheduling.
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation; maintains records and files.
• Recommends and applies complex electrical engineering principles and sound communication engineering solutions to nearly all types of communication engineering projects.
• Leads communication field and office meetings.
• Recommends and applies Substation and Communication Engineering principles to substation/communication engineering solutions.
• Has working understanding microwave propagation, and margin calculation.
• Maintains RF Safety certification.

Qualifications

• Graduated from a four-year college (ABET accredited preferred) or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/ Engineering Technology OR a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Will consider college majors in Science, Mathematics, or Information Technology only if it is coupled with work experience similar to this position.
• Minimum of 4 to 9 years of electric utility/telecom experience in Wireless, Fiber, or Serial Communication System Design PLUS above degree requirements.
• Proficient in engineering/technical theories and principles.
• Proficient in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete complex projects on schedule.
• Proficient in the ability to read, interpret, and correct various electric schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of AutoCad.
• Knowledge of engineering software packages, like PathLoss, MatLab, and RadioSoft.
• Understanding of communication tower standard TIA-222 latest revision.
• Understanding of tower wind loading, twist and sway, and strength of materials.
• Understanding of microwave propagation and margin calculation.
• Understanding of fiber optics, modes, and margin calculation.
• Knowledge of field survey instruments, such as transit, and theodolite.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership during projects and meetings with various stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the electric utility industry performing similar work.
• Proficient in principles of project management.
• Project management certification (PMP or CAPM).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.