Telecom Engineer

Skill; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 92,000 - 103,000; Part time

Job summary

Skill is partnering with a leading utility provider on a transformative fiber deployment project in New York. The role calls for an SME who will own technical architecture, define requirements, and manage vendor coordination from design through migration for a critical infrastructure network.

Requires 8+ years in engineering (relay protection/control) and 3+ years in fiber/telecom. Travel to sites nationwide, with PPE and field readiness expected for a utility-grade rollout.

Qualifications

• Requires engineering degree with substantial relay protection/control systems experience.
• Minimum 3 years in fiber/telecommunications infrastructure on large networks.
• Utility/substation telecom experience and critical infrastructure knowledge.
• Experience with formal specs, RFPs, and vendor coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead as SME and project owner for a large-scale fiber deployment.
• Develop network architecture, gather requirements, and craft RFPs.
• Coordinate vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive deployment and system migration with minimal disruption.
• Prioritize design decisions in initial 6–12 months.

Skills

Relay protection

Control systems engineering

Fiber/telecommunications infra

Vendor management

Project ownership

RFP development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Master's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MPLS

DWDM

T1

Fiber Optic Infrastructure

Fiber Network Design

Job description

Placement Type

Temporary

Salary

$67-75 Hourly

Start Date

Sep 27, 2026

Aquent is partnering with a leading utility provider, dedicated to delivering reliable and essential services, to find visionary talent. This organization is embarking on a transformative, large-scale fiber deployment project. If you're passionate about designing robust, scalable communication networks and thrive on owning projects from conception to completion, this is your unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of utility telecommunications.

Step into a pivotal role where you won't just be a contributor; you'll be the expert, the owner, and the driving force behind an essential initiative to architect the very backbone of critical communication infrastructure. You will ensure seamless, utility-grade connectivity vital for operational excellence. This isn't just about technology; it's about enhancing reliability, safety, and efficiency for countless users. Your work will directly contribute to the resilience and modernization of a critical infrastructure network, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and connectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) and project owner for a large-scale, utility-grade fiber deployment connecting numerous critical operational sites.
• Own the technical approach from initial requirements gathering and fiber/network architecture development through to RFP/specification creation, vendor coordination, field implementation, and system migration.
• Develop a consistent and scalable fiber architecture that meets the stringent demands of critical infrastructure.
• Establish clear, comprehensive technical specifications and RFP documentation to guide project execution.
• Effectively coordinate external vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project progression.
• Support successful deployment and migration across the entire network of operational sites.
• Prioritize fiber/network design and architecture during the initial 6-12 months to lay a strong foundation.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical standards.
• Coordinate deployment activities at various operational sites.
• Oversee and facilitate system migration and integration efforts, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 8 years of engineering work experience, including at least 3 years of relevant experience in relay protection and/or control systems engineering disciplines.
• OR Master's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of engineering work experience, including at least 3 years of relevant experience in relay protection and/or control systems engineering disciplines.
• A minimum of 3 years of hands‑on fiber/telecommunications infrastructure experience, including involvement in large-scale network design or deployment projects.
• Demonstrated utility/substation telecommunications experience, coupled with a deep understanding of communications within critical infrastructure environments.
• Expertise in fiber network design, architecture principles, cable routing/arrangements, and comprehensive infrastructure requirements.
• Proven ability in technical specification/RFP development, vendor management, and large-scale project coordination.
• Proficiency in Fiber Optic Telecommunications Infrastructure and Fiber Network Design & Architecture.
• Strong understanding of MPLS, DWDM, T1, and related telecommunications/network technologies.
• Experience with Telecommunications System Migration & Integration, particularly within Utility-Grade Communications Infrastructure.
• Valid Driver's License Required.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience within the electric utility sector, critical infrastructure, or geographically distributed infrastructure deployments.
• Familiarity with telecom equipment, enclosures, commissioning processes, and legacy system migration strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across diverse teams including engineering, construction, procurement, operations, vendors, and contractors, especially in large, multi-site deployment scenarios.
• Working knowledge of IEC61850.
• Industry involvement with organizations such as EPRI, NATF, particularly concerning relay applications.

Work Environment

This role involves both office-based work and field activities. You will need to be able to sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer. A System Emergency Assignment requires availability for non-business hours during emergencies (nights, weekends, holidays). Travel throughout the service territory to various locations is essential. You must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work in diverse indoor and outdoor conditions, including all weather conditions, power plants, and high-voltage substations.

About Skill

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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