Engineer I/II/III - Communications

Montana-Dakota-Utilities-Co; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 97,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. is seeking engineers to design, operate, and support its 2-way radio and EMS systems. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and NERC CIP compliance while guiding system operators and staff.

You will participate in FAT, testing, and upgrades of critical SCADA and EMS components. The position spans Engineer I–III levels, with responsibilities increasing to project leadership, QA, and EMS analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• Engineer II requires two years related experience.
• Engineer III requires five years progressively responsible experience in communications systems and EMS.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, secure operation of the communications network, EMS, and SCADA systems.
• Lead system and EMS analysis for System Control Center staff.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and update EMS subsystems and RTUs.
• Design and maintain communications equipment, including routers and switches.
• Lead FAT and on-site testing for software and hardware upgrades.
• Provide direction and project management for large, complex projects.

Skills

SCADA

EMS

C/C++

Linux commands

Office Suites

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering; two years related experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering; five years relevant experience

Tools

DMR 2-way radio system

Front-end Processor (FEP)

EMS/SCADA databases

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: September 3, 2026 @ 11am CST

Energizing Lives for a Better Tomorrow

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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