Telecommunications Design Engineer

Work Environment & Conditions: This position is a contract/consultant role working on-site and remotely in coordination with client’s teams. The OSP Design Engineer will be embedded within Telecommunications Engineering group, working closely with full-time engineers and project managers. The work typically involves a mix of office-based engineering design and field work. You will attend design meetings, planning sessions, and project reviews with internal stakeholders, and also conduct field visits to sites such as substations, telecom tower locations, generation plants, and control centers for surveys, inspections, and support of project implementation. A moderate amount of travel within client’s multi-state service territory may be required to visit company facilities and job sites.

Role Summary: Client, a leading electric power utility, is seeking an experienced Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer for a contractor/consultant role. In this position, you will support internal Telecommunications Engineering team in designing and implementing outside plant components of the company’s communications network. This network underpins critical utility operations – including electric transmission and distribution communications, substation and power plant connectivity, SCADA and protection & control systems, and enterprise data/voice networks – requiring high reliability and safety standards. The OSP Design Engineer (Contractor) will be responsible for planning and engineering fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, designing telecom site infrastructure (towers, shelters, backup power), and coordinating with cross-functional utility teams to enable robust and secure telecommunications across client’s multi-state service territory. This role works closely with internal engineers and field personnel to ensure that telecom projects are executed safely, on time, and in compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience combined with relevant technical training/certifications will be considered. Demonstrated experience in telecommunications engineering, with a strong focus on outside plant fiber optic network design and/or microwave system engineering. (A track record of several years in telecom OSP engineering or network design in a utility or similar industry is expected for this contractor role.)
• Technical Proficiency in Telecom Systems: Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems (including fiber cable types, splicing techniques, connectors, and outside plant construction practices for aerial and underground installations). Proficiency in microwave radio system design and RF engineering principles (path loss calculations, antenna propagation, frequency coordination). Familiarity with packet-based transport networks (such as MPLS or Carrier Ethernet) and traditional time-division multiplexing (TDM) systems (e.g., SONET/SDH, DCS, channel banks) used in utility telecommunications. Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals and how telecom transport networks interface with IP-based systems.
• Tools & Software Skills: Proficient in using engineering and mapping tools common to telecom and utility design. This includes experience with GIS software (such as ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) for route planning and asset tracking, and computer-aided design (CAD) tools (e.g., AutoCAD or MicroStation) to develop construction drawings. Experience using telecom network inventory and database tools, especially ConnectMaster or similar Operational Support Systems (OSS), to document network elements and manage telecom assets, fiber routes, and circuit records. Comfortable with productivity and documentation software (Microsoft Office suite, Visio) and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams).
• Knowledge of Standards & Regulations: Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and codes for telecom and utility installations. Must be familiar with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) guidelines for line construction and structure clearances, and basic National Electrical Code (NEC) principles for facility electrical systems. Awareness of telecommunications standards (such as Telcordia/Bellcore standards, IEEE communications standards, and other industry best practices) is expected. Ability to design solutions that comply with safety regulations, utility policies, and any applicable regulatory standards (e.g., NERC reliability standards) governing communications in electric power systems.
• Analytical & Project Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in network design and capacity planning. Ability to perform engineering calculations for link budgets, power budgets, path reliability, and structural loading (for aerial fiber installations or tower mounts). Experience developing cost estimates, work scopes, and schedules for telecom projects. Capable of managing multiple projects or design tasks simultaneously, with attention to detail and effective time management.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to work effectively as an embedded team member, coordinating with various internal engineering groups and external contractors. Skilled at conveying technical information clearly in both verbal discussions and written documentation/drawings. Self-starter who can work independently, take initiative in resolving problems or knowledge gaps, and adapt to client’s processes without continuous supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Utility Telecommunications Experience:Prior experience supporting telecommunications projects in an electric utility or similar critical infrastructure environment is highly desirable. Understanding of how telecom networks are used for power system operations, such as SCADA communications, protective relay teleprotection circuits, distribution automation, or other grid control systems, will enable the contractor to quickly integrate into client’s telecom projects. Knowledge of electric utility organizational structure and operations (e.g., familiarity with power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, substation design practices, regulatory environment) is a plus.
• Professional Certifications: Active professional credentials are a plus. Examples include state Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or equivalent industry certifications. These demonstrate a high level of technical competence and commitment to the field of telecommunications engineering.
• Additional Technical Skills: Experience with telecom change management and work management systems (for example, familiarity with service ticketing and change control tools like ServiceNow). Hands-on experience with telecommunications testing and commissioning practices (e.g., fiber OTDR testing, RF site surveys, spectrum analysis for microwave links). Knowledge of power/telecom interface equipment (such as Power-over-Ethernet systems, DC power plants, and inverter/rectifier systems) used in telecom facilities. Any experience with utility telecom standards development or contributions to industry committees (IEEE, utility telecom councils) is a bonus.