Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This is a long term position responsible for working effectively and cooperatively with NIPSCO and the NIPSCO construction partners and vendors during the site installation and migration phase of the NIPSCO Smart Grid Telecommunications upgrade. This position will be in the field, at NIPSCO construction sites, offices, or service centers in Northern Indiana. This position will be responsible for identifying potential issues, reviewing viable solutions with the various teams involved and will determine appropriate resolutions. The successful candidate will maintain the highest quality and best practices, and work with various personnel as required to successfully complete projects on schedule and within budget. Due to the hybrid nature of this position, the successful candidate will have background and expertise in SCADA networks and systems, as well as in Relay networks. Because this role requires broad expertise and knowledge specific to NIPSCO, the professional will spend the first 2-3 weeks of the engagement reviewing existing documentation, NIPSCO processes and procedures, and NIPSCO standards and requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• This job will be an integral part of NIPSCO’s Smart Grid Telecommunications upgrade and will focus on all aspects of installation and migration.
• Comparing P&C design drawings against relay configurations to confirm proper functionality.
• Creating SEL RTAC configurations to poll SEL relays and provide the collected data to SCADA via protocols like Landis & Gyr and DNP3.
• Understanding SEL RTAC part numbers and firmware version impacts on configurations and troubleshooting.
• Using relay templates in creating RTAC configurations.
• Scaling analog values.
• Troubleshooting communications with SCADA and SEL relays and directing others to implement changes in communication cables.
• Changing protocol settings in the SEL RTAC to resolve communication problems.
• Interpreting protocol communications with the SEL RTAC to diagnose communication problems.
• Answering questions from construction crews on the physical design including device placement, communication cabling and connections, power supply, and device status LEDs.
• Configuring SEL Ethernet switches and troubleshooting those configurations.
• Troubleshooting time synchronization problems with the SEL RTAC and SEL relays.
• Establishing RTAC communications with end devices to get the system up and running for testing.
• Leading a team performing the testing of status and analog values with help from field crews to push currents, voltages, and simulate/operate field equipment.
• Support site walks.
• Attend design review meetings and other ad hoc meetings as needed.
• Promotes job site safety, encourages safe work practices, and rectifies job site safety hazards.
• Maintain organized job sites.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• GED or High School Diploma is required.
• OSHA/ComTrain Tower Climbing Certificate or Certification or commitment to obtain within agreed-upon time with manager.
• Minimum of a 2-year technical degree in an IT, Engineering, or Network Technology-related field is preferred.
• Equivalent network certifications or qualified experience will be considered as substitutes to satisfy the requirement.
• 3 years of experience in a hands-on, technical, wireless installation and support or telecommunications-related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of network protocols including DHCP, TCP/IP, and DNS is required.
• Basic knowledge of RF Wireless Technologies is preferred.
• Experience with Licensed/Unlicensed PtP and PtMP networks preferred. LTE, Airmax, ePMP, and RF Planning.
• Experience with various Layer 1 (Physical infrastructure) work such as Ethernet cabling standards, Grounding, DC power and battery systems preferred.
• Requires proficiency in PC literacy and software including spreadsheets, word processors, packet capture and analysis tools, and other computer applications as required by the job.
• Basic knowledge in working with Linux OS is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be physically able to perform tasks assigned with regard to mechanical work (handle and climb ladders, work from ladders, handle heavy equipment, etc.)
• Must have the ability to plan work and work without direct supervision.
• Must be able to work outside in varied weather conditions.
• Physically capable of performing heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds, is often required.
• Pulling, stretching, and bending are required.
• Climbing various structures whereby wireless equipment is installed is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent typed and verbal communication skills in English.
• When technical assistance is needed, employee may need to contact vendors, manufacturers, other telcos, and/or employees with more experience.
• Follow company policies and procedures.
• Unsafe conditions may be found performing work duties. Employee must proceed with caution, handling work in accord with safety practices. Employee is encouraged to call supervisor for advice.
• Safety Practices must be understood and observed.
• Employee is subject to being on-call and call-outs at all times, including nights, weekends, and holidays for service restoration.
• Travel and overnight stays may be required
• Potential for temporary assignment to other locations outside of the local area in short increments.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

The work described above includes the overall function of the job but is not considered a detailed description of each individual duty of the employee.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Experience:

• Telecommunications: 3 years (Preferred)
• RF Wireless Technologies: 1 year (Preferred)
• Network Cabling: 1 year (Preferred)