at VELCO in Rutland, Vermont, United States
Job Description
This is a Rutland, Vermont based position.
As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.
Why you should join our team
VELCO maintains and operates an expansive state wide radio network that is a critical for the safe, reliable operation of the Vermont electric grid. We are making a substantial investment in a new DMR systems to improve and upgrade our communications and increase efficiency. Our goal is to harness the full potential of this network for voice, data and electric grid informational systems.
We're seeking a talented engineer to join our team and participate in this incredible opportunity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in radio frequency engineering (wireless industry experience preferred) and a comprehensive understanding of wireless infrastructure siting. Are up for a challenge?
Whether you are early in your career or seeking advancement, VELCO would like to hear from you - as we will fill this role at the Associate level, Mid-career or Senior level depending on our candidate pool.
How you will make an impact
You’ll support the operation and maintenance of VELCO’s statewide wireless network and related fiber and microwave backhaul infrastructure.
This position participates in network design, planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving. The RF Engineer exhibits the talent and skills to make competent recommendations and decisions. With oversight, they will help manage complex technical projects. Strong organizational and time management skills are required to handle the workload and track the various projects going on simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Support the management of VELCO’s trunked radio system, microwave, and optical transport networks.
- Follow policies and practices conforming to industry standards to test and certify equipment commissioning, maintenance, and operation.
- Help develop end-user training plans.
- Provide engineering and technical support to field personnel operating at radio sites, distribution utilities and substations throughout Vermont.
- Monitor and identify radio traffic patterns to ensure high availability. Utilize radio frequency propagation analysis software.
- Perform new and repair service requests.
- Adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) communication-related standards.
Who you are
We will be filling this role at the Associate, Mid-career or Senior level.
Associate Engineer level- Entry-level engineer. Expectations are that individuals at this level will be learning the technical aspects of the VELCO radio frequency network as well as the processes, tools and physical attributes of the system and completing engineering assignments under direct supervision.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline.
Mid-Career (Experienced) Engineer level- The individual will understand the VELCO radio frequency network system as well as VELCO standards and procedures and be able to competently complete engineering assignments. General oversight is expected on technical aspects of assignments from the department manager or more experienced engineers. This position assists in network design and planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving.
This level is for the practicing engineer with typically 2-7 years of experience. The preferred candidate will have Wireless/Radio Frequency technology experience with mission critical digital mobile communication systems. This includes Trunked Radio Systems, DMR and microwave.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline.
Senior Engineer level- This level recognizes the talent and skills of a practicing engineer capable of making competent engineering recommendations and decisions, managing technical projects with minimum level of oversight, and mentoring less experienced engineers. The Senior Engineer performs complex network design and planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving. Coordinates the technical activities of a telecommunication systems administration support team, including upgrading and disaster recovery plans.
This level is for accomplished engineers, with typically more than 7 years of experience. A Bachelor of Engineering or Engineering Technology is required. A Master’s Degree in Engineering or a specialized industry credential such as a Certificate in CCNA or CCNP a plus.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline.
Knowledge/Skills
- FCC general class commercial radio operator, operation of complex trunked radio networks, microwave backhaul networks, complex serial and Ethernet data networks, optical transport networks, Ethernet networking, and DACS is desirable.
- Proficiency at planning, designing, implementing and managing carrier class statistical (IP) and TDM networking with consideration of traffic loading and bandwidth allocation is essential.
- Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to be both creative and analytical.
- Extremely detail-oriented and accurate.
