Utility Telecom Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Seismic Retrofit & Infrastructure Upgrades

• Assess existing telecommunications systems to identify seismic vulnerabilities and structural risks.
• Design, plan, and implement seismic retrofit upgrades for fiber optic networks, microwave paths, wireless systems, and supporting structures.
• Collaborate with civil and structural engineering teams to integrate telecom requirements into retrofit plans.
• Ensure all retrofit activities adhere to seismic safety codes, utility regulations, and resilience standards.

Network Reliability & Maintenance

• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot telecom infrastructure to ensure high availability and system uptime.
• Perform preventive maintenance, system inspections, and equipment upgrades.
• Support fault analysis, root cause investigation, and restoration activities.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with NERC CIP, FCC regulations, and applicable utility standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation for network configurations, retrofit plans, maintenance records, and compliance audits.
• Prepare technical reports and support regulatory reviews.

Project & Vendor Management

• Manage telecom retrofit and upgrade projects from planning through execution and close-out.
• Develop project schedules, track budgets, and coordinate equipment procurement.
• Work closely with internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Provide training and guidance to operations teams on new infrastructure standards and retrofit modifications.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of fiber optic systems, IP networking, microwave radio, and wireless communication technologies.
• Experience with utility communication protocols such as DNP3 and IEC 61850.
• Proficiency with routing, switching, VLANs, network design, and monitoring tools.

Seismic & Resilience Knowledge

• Familiarity with seismic design principles, retrofit methodologies, and infrastructure hardening practices.
• Understanding of resilience engineering for telecom and utility networks.

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

• Working knowledge of NERC CIP requirements, FCC licensing, and utility safety standards.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant codes, regulations, and compliance frameworks.

Project Management

• Experience managing engineering projects involving timelines, budgets, procurement, and cross-functional coordination.
• Skilled in vendor management and contract oversight.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities for complex telecom systems.
• Ability to assess risks, develop mitigation plans, and make data-driven decisions.

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective collaboration with engineering, operations, IT, and external partners.
• Ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Prior experience in telecom engineering within utility, critical infrastructure, or industrial environments preferred.
• Experience working on seismic retrofit or resilience-focused projects is highly desirable.