Engineer I/II/III - Communications

Ultipro; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultipro is seeking an Engineer II/III – Communications to lead design and day-to-day support of 2-way radio systems and Energy Management System (EMS). You will ensure compliance with NERC CIP standards and provide SME guidance while coordinating with the System Control Center team.

Responsibilities include engineering design, cost estimates for capital/O&M projects, FAT and on-site testing, and configuration of EMS subsystems. Travel is expected up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
• Two years related work experience for Engineer II is preferred.
• EI or EIT certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provides safe, secure, and reliable operation of communications networks and EMS.
• Designs and supports System Control Center communications issues and analysis.
• Configures EMS and Front-end Processor (FEP).
• Designs and maintains EMS subsystems including ICCP, SCADA, and historian.
• Programs RTUs and upgrades legacy RTUs.
• Applies SCADA communications protocols such as Modbus, DNP, and SEL messaging.
• Interfaces with vendors during retrofits and commissioning.
• Manages network equipment including firewalls, routers, and switches.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Linux commands

Office Suites

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

EI or EIT certificate

Tools

SCADA

Energy Management System (EMS)

2‑way radio / network hardware

Job description

Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others. Leads the design and day-to-day support of the 2-way radio system and Energy Management System (EMS) including: upgrades, FAT, SCADA, ICCP, AGC, and database management. Performs detailed engineering designs, cost estimates for capital and O&M projects, and procurement of materials. Responsible for ensuring the Company’s electric operations remain compliant with North American Electric Reliability Cooperation (NERC) reliability standards and performs as a SME for designated standards. Provides direction, training, technical guidance, and resource knowledge to departmental staff.

Engineer I - Communications: Applies basic engineering techniques for entry-level assignments with review and guidance from a higher level.

Engineer II - Communications: Applies standard engineering methods and techniques to solve problems with moderate guidance and direction provided. Work is normally reviewed from a high level.

Engineer III - Communications: Applies a broad range of engineering skills and techniques, leads projects, and provides direction to lower-level engineers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Engineer I - Communications: ($73,460 - $91,830)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.

Engineer II - Communications: ($84,460 - $105,570)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline; and
• Two years related work experience.

Engineer III - Communications: ($97,110 - $121,390)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline; and
• Five years of progressively responsible experience and understanding of communication systems, hardware, and EMS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with communications or embedder emphasis.
• Previous experience with SCADA and Energy Management Systems (EMS).
• Familiarity with programming in C/C++, Linux commands, file editing, and Office Suites.
• An EI (Engineering Intern) or an EIT (Engineering in Training) Certificate.

In addition to the above, an Engineer III has:

• Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with Communications, Embedder, Electromagnetic, or Cyber emphasis.
• Previous experience with DMR Tier III 2-way radio system.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
• Required to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Moderate (25%) travel within service territory is required.
• Due to the need for unescorted access to security sensitive business locations and systems, must submit to periodic background checks.
• Participates in on-call rotation.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United State, no sponsorships considered.
• Subject to pre-employment drug screen and background check.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides safe, secure, and reliable operation of the communications network, systems, and EMS through continuous involvement with MDU’s NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) procedures as a subject matter expert (SME).
• Provides engineering design as well as day to day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and analysis.
• Configures, troubleshoots, and updates Energy Management System (EMS) and Front-end Processor (FEP).
• Designs, updates, and maintains various EMS subsystems such as ICCP, calculations, video walls, one-line displays, SCADA, and historian.
• Programs and configures various makes and models of RTUs and upgrading legacy RTUs.
• Applies various supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communication protocols such as: Modbus, DNP, and SEL fast messaging.
• Interfaces with and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
• Programs network equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless devices.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Additional to the above, the Engineer III:

• Leads in the engineering design and day-to-day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and EMS analysis.
• Responsible for communications network equipment including: switches, routers, firewalls, 2-way radios, and terminal servers.
• Responsible for leading Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and On-site testing for software and hardware upgrades.
• Designs, maintains, and troubleshoots various communications equipment including: Power Line Carrier, Sonnet, MPLS, VPLS, OPGW, and wireless.
• Interfaces with external vendors and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
• Acts as project manager of large and complex projects. Prepares scope of work, detailed cost estimates, and establishes schedules.
• Participates in the development of the department’s capital and O&M budgets.
• Provides direction to department staff in absence of department manager. Provide technical, informational, and other engineering recommendations to management.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Deadline to apply: October 19, 2026 @ 11am CST

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