Senior Network Engineer - Radio Frequency - VELCO

Why you should join our team

The Senior Network Engineer – Radio Frequency plans, manages, operates, and maintains VELCO's statewide wireless network and related fiber and microwave backhaul infrastructure which provide critical mobile communication services to Vermont utilities. 

The Senior Network Engineer – Radio Frequency performs complex network design and planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving. Coordinates the technical activities of a telecommunication systems administration support team, including upgrading and disaster recovery plans. The Senior Engineer exhibits the talent and skills to make competent recommendations and decisions, manages complex technical projects with minimum manager oversight and mentors technicians and less experienced engineers.  

  How you will make an impact

• Manage VELCO's trunked radio system, microwave, and optical transport networks. 
• Operate and maintain high availability digital microwave backhaul networks.  

• Develop policies and practices conforming to industry standards to test and certify equipment commissioning, maintenance, and operation. Oversee installations. 
• Frequency Planning: Plan and allocate radio frequencies for different communication systems to minimize interference and optimize signal quality. 
• System Design: Design and develop RF systems for communication, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 
• Testing and Troubleshooting: Conduct testing and troubleshooting of RF components and systems to identify and resolve issues. 
• Antenna Design: Design and optimize antennas for specific applications, considering factors such as range, coverage, and bandwidth. 
• RF Circuit Design: Develop RF circuitry for devices and systems, ensuring compatibility with required specifications. 
• Network Optimization: Optimize RF networks for maximum efficiency, coverage, and reliability. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software engineers, to integrate RF components into overall system designs. 
• Develop end-user training plans and maintain end-user service agreements.  
• 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.  
• Apply in-depth and diversified knowledge of telecommunication engineering practices and standards in network design and operation. Provide detailed recommendations for hardware and software upgrades for ongoing network systems optimization.   
• Provide professional testimony to state regulators and generate detailed documentation. 
• Manage new and repair service requests.  
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in RF engineering. 
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation of RF designs, testing procedures, and results. 
• Audit and optimize existing wireless networks. 
• Adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) communication-related standards
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Training 

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering.  Equivalent work experience will be considered as well. 

Experience 

7-10 years' related experience including extensive experience with network security, firewalling, related protocol analysis and SNMP. High proficiency at planning, designing, implementing and managing carrier class statistical (IP) and TDM networking with consideration of traffic loading and bandwidth allocation is essential.  

Knowledge/Skills 

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.    

Other 

Able to clearly present complex technical information to committees, management, external regulators and industry associations.  This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and a self-motivated individual willing to work in a fast-paced, innovative and rewarding environment.   

Important Considerations
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to respond to off-duty calls, particularly in the event of system emergencies, prolonged equipment and/or customer outages.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

• VELCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

• Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.

• 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, physical examination, drug screening, and documentation of Covid-19 vaccination unless candidate qualifies for a vaccine exemption.

• VELCO's headquarters are located in Rutland, Vermont. This is a hybrid position and the expectation is that the incumbent will spend at least two days per week onsite and more as needed.

• If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please reach out.