RF Systems Engineer

Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO); United States; On-site; USD 69,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

VELCO in Rutland, Vermont seeks an RF Engineer to join the transmission-focused team. You will support the operation and maintenance of the statewide wireless network, with emphasis on DMR, Tait Technologies, and related fiber and microwave backhaul.

The role suits an engineer with 2–7 years of experience, BS in Engineering, and a background in trunked radio systems and IP/TDM networks. You’ll work under supervision initially, then independently on design, troubleshooting and project integration.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline (or equivalent).
• Experience with Wireless/Radio Frequency technology and mission critical digital mobile systems.
• Knowledge of trunked radio systems, DMR and microwave is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support management of VELCO’s trunked radio, microwave and optical transport networks.
• Test, certify equipment commissioning, maintenance and operation per industry standards.
• Help develop end-user training plans.
• Provide engineering support to field personnel at radio sites, substations and distribution utilities.
• Monitor radio traffic patterns and use RF propagation analysis software.
• Handle new and repair service requests.
• Adhere to FERC and NERC communication standards.

Skills

Digital Mobile Radio

Radio frequency planning

Problem solving

Verbal & written communication

Detail oriented

Creative thinking

Education

BS in Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

Tait Technologies

Job description

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.

This is a Rutland, Vermont based position.

Why you should join our team

VELCO maintains and operates an expansive statewide 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 the design, implementation and maintenance of radio communication systems using Tait Technologies products. This involves working with various Tait radio solutions, including DMR, MPT-IP, and conventional systems, as well as related infrastructure and software. Are up for a challenge?

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 or Engineer 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.

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 (or equivalent experience).

Knowledge/Skills

• Digital Mobile Radio experience required.
• Tait Technologies experience preferred.
• 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.

Work Environment

• Collaborative, cross-functional team environment
• Open office setting and dog friendly
• Opportunity to work closely with engineering, finance, and operations
• Mission-driven organization supporting critical energy infrastructure

Physical/Mental Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel to various project sites.
• Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex work, in potentially emotionally- fraught situations, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to work additional hours when necessary.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.

Compensation Range:

$68,744.00 - $98,013.76 - $127,283.52/salary This compensation range represents the minimum, midpoint and maximum pay for this position. Individual offers will be based on various factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, education, skills, competencies, and experience. Please note that most offers for new employees fall under the midpoint of the range, allowing room for continued salary growth. Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package, which may also include comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off and incentive compensation (bonus) potential.

Important Considerations

• Visit Velco.com for additional information on VELCO culture, benefits, and the recruiting process.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and ALL qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.
• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening.

If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process, please send a request to [e-mail]