Telecommunications Engineer

Description

This position performs management and design activities related to the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of Central Lincoln communications facilities. The position requires knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures; including materials, equipment and techniques used in this field. Acts as a project manager or project lead that interacts with consultants, foremen, crew and contractors to construct, modify and maintain Central Lincoln’s fiber optic system, backbone, inside plant communications equipment and various other network equipment. The position works under the supervision of the Engineering Supervisor and in coordination with other staff engineers.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Responsible for the design of communications system improvements, addi­tions ­and other engineering activities related to system maintenance­. Assists in the design, specification preparation, bidding and construction of ­communica­tion circuits. Prepares cost estimates. Writes technical purchase and construction specifications. Prepares material and/or labor bid document packages. Follows engineering QA/QC procedures. Reviews submittals and responds to requests for information during construction. Develops inspection and testing plans. Inspects fabrication and construction activities, materials, work products and troubleshoots construction problems. Prepares start-up and training plans for operation and maintenance of projects.

Contributes to creation of an annual work plan, capital budgets, and O&M plans. Maintains system spares, service contracts and warranties for network equipment. Assists in preparation of specifications for engineering manuals and books.

Provides leadership in aligning strategic direction with overall organization goals with respect to communications. Evaluates the effectiveness of current installed technology with cost and benefit of upgrading this equipment with regard to overall system performance and budget constraints.

Defines and implements security architecture, principles and requirements for communications and network systems. Monitors, assesses and audits systems, networks and policies to ensure appropriate security efforts and results. Ensures network and system hardware and software upgrades are performed on a routine basis to maximize infrastructure and system security and uptime.

Manages all aspects of complex LAN, WAN, RAN, and point-to-point wireless networks. Analyzes data traffic patterns within network infrastructure, detecting operational problems and recommending improvements to ensure optimal performance. Responsible for administration of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) frequency authorizations and licenses granted to Central Lincoln. Monitors license status for expiration dates and data accuracy. Executes renewal of licenses and modifications, as required. Reports compliance and addresses complaints.

Responsible for the management of contracts and agreements for towers, sites and fiber optic plant. Determines line routes, property ownerships, permit re­quire­ments and easements for communication lines.

Remains on call for emergency service after normal working hours as required.

Identifies and attends training to maintain and learn new skills.

Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Engineering design and project management including fundamentals of the principles, practices and procedures of an engineering discipline, such as engineering design, calculations, reading and interpreting plans, specifications and project schedules.
• Applicable Federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and statutes as they apply to communications facilities for electric utilities.
• FCC and FAA regulations pertaining to construction, operations and maintenance of communications facilities.
• Safety rules and procedures.
• Principles of project scheduling and management.
• Inside and Outside Plant Fiberoptic system design, including route selection, splice planning, optical budget calculation and system commissioning/testing.
• Installation and maintenance of Layer 3 (routers) and Layer 2 (switches) devices, including network, address and change management systems
• Internet security including networking (Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, switches and routers), TCP/IP protocols, Internet technologies including encryption, data and network forensics.
• Protocol analysis, including the knowledge and ability to use Network/OS Vulnerability Assessment tools as well as probing, various attach methods, and Intrusion Detection and Protection.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with customers, contractors, associates and to supervise subordinates.
• A thorough understanding of Central Lincoln rules, policies and regulations.
• Able to collect and organize data from a variety of sources.
• Able to research alternative courses of action beyond prescribed guidelines.

Skills in:

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Personal computer use and office software.
• Radio Frequency (RF) and Network Engineering analysis and design software. Experience with Autocad is preferred.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with a diverse work force including the skilled crafts, contractors, customers and other engineers.
• Comply with Central Lincoln safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Communicate effectively in person and in writing.

• A college degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering and/or 10 years of commensurate experience in communications.
• Valid driver’s license: Yes
• Post-offer background check required: Yes
• Post-offer drug test required: No
• Post-offer physical/functional test required: No
• Apprenticeship or other education/training required as a condition of employment, or progression or advancement: None
• FLSA Status: Exempt

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

• This position reports to the Engineering Supervisor.

• This position may supervise designated staff.