Telecom Engineer

A leading utility provider dedicated to delivering reliable and essential services. This organization is embarking on a transformative, large-scale fiber deployment project, and we're seeking a visionary Telecom Engineer to lead the charge. If you're passionate about designing robust, scalable communication networks and thrive on owning projects from conception to completion, this is your opportunity to shape the future of utility telecommunications.

About the Role

As a dedicated Telecom Engineer, you won't just be a contributor; you'll be the expert, the owner, and the driving force behind this essential initiative. You'll architect the very backbone of our client's communication infrastructure, ensuring seamless, utility-grade connectivity that is vital for operational excellence. This isn't just about technology; it's about enhancing reliability, safety, and efficiency for countless users. Your work will directly contribute to the resilience and modernization of a critical infrastructure network, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and connectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) and project owner for a large-scale, utility-grade fiber deployment connecting numerous critical operational sites.
• Own the technical approach from initial requirements gathering and fiber/network architecture development through to RFP/specification creation, vendor coordination, field implementation, and system migration.
• Develop a consistent and scalable fiber architecture that meets the stringent demands of critical infrastructure.
• Establish clear, comprehensive technical specifications and RFP documentation to guide project execution.
• Effectively coordinate external vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project progression.
• Support successful deployment and migration across the entire network of operational sites.
• Prioritize fiber/network design and architecture during the initial 6-12 months to lay a strong foundation.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical standards.
• Coordinate deployment activities at various operational sites.
• Oversee and facilitate system migration and integration efforts, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

Must-Have Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 8 years of engineering work experience, including at least 3 years of relevant experience in relay protection and/or control systems engineering disciplines.
• OR Master's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of engineering work experience, including at least 3 years of relevant experience in relay protection and/or control systems engineering disciplines.

Experience & Skills

• A minimum of 3 years of hands-on fiber/telecommunications infrastructure experience, including involvement in large-scale network design or deployment projects.
• Demonstrated utility/substation telecommunications experience, coupled with a deep understanding of communications within critical infrastructure environments.
• Expertise in fiber network design, architecture principles, cable routing/arrangements, and comprehensive infrastructure requirements.
• Proven ability in technical specification/RFP development, vendor management, and large-scale project coordination.

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in Fiber Optic Telecommunications Infrastructure and Fiber Network Design & Architecture.
• Strong understanding of MPLS, DWDM, T1, and related telecommunications/network technologies.
• Experience with Telecommunications System Migration & Integration, particularly within Utility-Grade Communications Infrastructure.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver's License Required.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience within the electric utility sector, critical infrastructure, or geographically distributed infrastructure deployments.
• Familiarity with telecom equipment, enclosures, commissioning processes, and legacy system migration strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across diverse teams including engineering, construction, procurement, operations, vendors, and contractors, especially in large, multi-site deployment scenarios.
• Working knowledge of IEC61850.
• Industry involvement with organizations such as EPRI, NATF, particularly concerning relay applications.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires the ability to sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer for the duration of the workday, and to stand to use/operate office equipment. The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment, requiring availability for non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The ability to travel throughout the company service territory and work at various company locations as needed is essential. You must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work in diverse indoor and outdoor conditions, including all weather conditions, power plants, and high-voltage substations.

About Skill

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.