Telecommunications Engineer

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National Grid is hiring a Engineer (Electrical Planning and Design), Electrical Engineering for Northboro, Massachusetts.

Job Purpose

National Grid is seeking a Telecommunications Engineer to support and enhance mission-critical communications infrastructure for electric grid operations. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining highly reliable telecom networks and systems that enable real-time monitoring and control of electric transmission and distribution systems, including substations and control centers. The ideal candidate will have experience in working with various Layer 1 telecommunications transport mediums (Fiber, Microwave, and leased services) as well as Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing technologies.

Key Accountabilities

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain telecommunications networks and systems supporting electric utility operations, including transmission and distribution systems.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams, standards, and documentation.
• Design, implement and maintain MPLS-TP based transport networks for secure and segmented utility communications.
• Ensure high availability and low latency communications for protection schemes (e.g., teleprotection, line differential relaying).
• Support communications for SCADA, Energy Management Systems (EMS), Distribution Management Systems (DMS), substation automation, and distribution system automation.
• Configure and troubleshoot Layer 2 switching (VLANs, STP, QinQ) in substations and backbone environments.
• Design and manage Layer 3 routing across utility WAN and LAN networks.
• Support substation communications infrastructure, including fiber optics, commercial wired and wireless services, multiplexers, and ruggedized networking equipment.
• Monitor network performance and reliability using Net Work Management (NMS) tools.
• Provide technical support to Telecom Operations Team and other internal and external customers as needed.
• Participate in storm restoration efforts and provide emergency communications support during grid events.
• Ensure compliance with NERC CIP and other regulatory and cybersecurity requirements.
• Required Qualifications
• A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent from an ABET accredited engineering program.
• 2+ years of experience in telecommunications/networking, preferably within an electric utility or critical infrastructure environment.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong problem solving & analytical skills.
• Familiarity with fiber optic systems, including testing and troubleshooting (OTDR, splicing basics).
• Familiarity with industrial/ruggedized network equipment (e.g., DWDM multiplexers Network switches, Ruggedized routers).
• Familiarity with:

o Layer 2 switching (Broadcast domains, VLANs, trunking, spanning tree protocols)

o Layer 3 routing (IP addressing, subnetting)

o Label switching - MPLS technologies.

• Familiarity with industrial/ruggedized network equipment (e.g., DWDM multiplexers Network switches, Ruggedized routers).
• Proficient in MS Office computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Work, Power point, Access, etc.)

Qualifications

• Familiarity with legacy systems (SONET/SDH) and migration to packet-based networks.
• Knowledge of electric utility protocols and systems:

o SCADA, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus

• Knowledge of substation communication architectures and protection signaling (e.g., teleprotection schemes).
• Understanding of NERC CIP compliance.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity requirements for grid infrastructure is a plus.
• Relevant networking certifications (e.g., CCNA or equivalent).
• Experience with microwave radio, and licensed/unlicensed wireless systems.

Key Skills

• Excellent cross-functional communication with other internal disciplines such as protection engineering, Substation engineering, Transmission/Distribution Line Engineering, operations, and IT.
• High attention to detail in documentation and change management

Work Environment

• Hybrid office schedule.
• Participation in emergency storm response
• Occasional travel to substations and remote utility sites is expected as part of the job.

More Information

Salary - $109,000 - $128,000

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise.  We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve.  National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.