Telecom Systems Engineer

VELCO - Vermont Electric Power Company; Rutland (VT); On-site; USD 91,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

VELCO - Vermont Electric Power Company is seeking a Telecom Systems Engineer to design, implement, and maintain the utility's communications infrastructure supporting transmission, distribution, substations, and OT environments. You will work with IT, Operations, System Protection, Engineering, and field personnel to meet reliability and regulatory requirements.

The role emphasizes designing secure, highly available networks (SCADA, EMS, DMS, OT), coordinating with vendors, and leading projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT/Engineering preferred, equivalent combos considered.
• 5+ years designing and supporting enterprise telecom and network infra.
• Experience with utility communications systems or critical infrastructure preferred.
• Knowledge of SCADA, DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus, ICCP, and related protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot utility telecommunications infra.
• Support SONET, DWDM, OTN, MPLS, and G.8032/Carrier Ethernet.
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, and telecom equipment.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, availability, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams and telecom documentation.
• Provide Tier-2/3 support for network/telecom systems.
• Participate in on-call coverage and emergency restoration.

Skills

SCADA knowledge

Networking expertise

OT networks

Cybersecurity awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred) in IT/Engineering

Equivalent combination of education/experience

Tools

DWDM

MPLS

G.8032/Carrier Ethernet

SONET

Routers & switches

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.

Why you should join our team

Help power reliable electric service by designing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure that supports critical utility operations. As a Telecom Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the availability, security, and performance of the communications systems that support transmission, distribution, substations, and operational technology environments. Your expertise will directly impact grid reliability, system resilience, and the safe delivery of electricity to our customers and communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with advanced utility communication technologies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to projects that support the modernization of the electric grid.

How You Will Make An Impact

As a Telecom Systems Engineer, you will play a vital role in maintaining the communications infrastructure that supports the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electric service. Your work will ensure that critical systems, including SCADA, protective relaying, operational technology networks, voice communications, and substation communications, remain secure, resilient, and highly available. By designing, optimizing, and supporting the networks that connect our electric grid, you will help enhance system reliability, strengthen cybersecurity, support grid modernization initiatives, and enable rapid response during outages and emergencies. Your expertise will directly contribute to the operational success of the utility and the quality of service delivered to the communities we serve.

The Telecom Systems Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the network infrastructure that supports the utility’s electric transmission, distribution, and substation systems. This position ensures reliable, secure, and highly available communications systems that support critical utility operations, including SCADA, protective relaying, voice communications, video systems, and Operational Technology (OT) networks. The Telecom Systems Engineer works closely with IT, Operations, System Protection, Engineering, and field personnel to maintain communications systems that meet utility reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.

This role requires a strong documentation and change management discipline. The candidate must have strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to evaluate risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. They must also balance tasks across multiple projects and priorities, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met through effective time management. A Thorough understanding of utility grounding, bonding, power systems, and applicable industry standards, is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot utility telecommunications infrastructure.
• Support SONET, DWDM, OTN, MPLS, and G.8032/Carrier Ethernet.
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, and telecommunications equipment.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, availability, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain network architecture diagrams and telecommunications documentation.
• Provide communications support for SCADA, EMS, DMS, OMS, AMI, DER, and other utility operational systems.
• Support communications requirements for transmission and distribution substations.
• Design and implement network infrastructure upgrades and expansions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and performance.
• Lead telecommunications and networking projects from planning through implementation.
• Direct engagement in vulnerability assessments, security audits, and remediation efforts.
• Provide tier-2 and tier-3 technical support for network and telecommunications systems.
• Active involvement in after-hours on-call support and emergency restoration activities.
• Work closely with telecom vendors, service providers, consultants, and contractors.
• Maintain hardware and fiber circuit inventory records and lifecycle management plans for telecommunications assets.
• Participate in the engineering on-call rotation and provide Tier 2/3 support for network and telecom systems.
• Assist in Outside Plant activities as needed.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience designing and supporting enterprise telecommunications and network infrastructure.
• Experience with utility communications systems, industrial networking, or critical infrastructure environments preferred.
• Experience troubleshooting network and telecommunications issues in mission-critical operations.
• Knowledge of SCADA, DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus, ICCP, and utility communication protocols.

Physical/Mental Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to maintain performance in a fast-paced work environment while completing complex analytical work under tight timelines and frequent interruptions. Participation in rotating on-call coverage and work outside normal business hours may be required. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops, training, etc.

Compensation Range

$90,916.80 - $109,100.16 - $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]