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.
This is a Rutland, Vermont based position.
Why you should join our team
VELCO maintains and operates an expansive state wide radio network that is a critical for the safe, reliable operation of the Vermont electric grid. We are making a substantial investment in a new DMR systems to improve and upgrade our communications and increase efficiency. Our goal is to harness the full potential of this network for voice, data and electric grid informational systems.
We're seeking a talented engineer to join our team and participate in this incredible opportunity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the design, implementation and maintenance of radio communication systems using Tait Technologies products. This involves working with various Tait radio solutions, including DMR, MPT-IP, and conventional systems, as well as related infrastructure and software. Are up for a challenge?
How you will make an impact
You’ll support the operation and maintenance of VELCO’s statewide wireless network and related fiber and microwave backhaul infrastructure.
This position participates in network design, planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving. The RF Engineer exhibits the talent and skills to make competent recommendations and decisions. With oversight, they will help manage complex technical projects. Strong organizational and time management skills are required to handle the workload and track the various projects going on simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Support the management of VELCO’s trunked radio system, microwave, and optical transport networks.
Follow policies and practices conforming to industry standards to test and certify equipment commissioning, maintenance, and operation.
Help develop end-user training plans.
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.
Perform new and repair service requests.
Adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) communication-related standards.
Who you are
We will be filling this role at the Associate, Mid-career or Senior level.
Associate Engineer level- Entry-level engineer. Expectations are that individuals at this level will be learning the technical aspects of the VELCO radio frequency network as well as the processes, tools and physical attributes of the system and completing engineering assignments under direct supervision.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline.
Mid-Career (Experienced) Engineer level- The individual will understand the VELCO radio frequency network system as well as VELCO standards and procedures and be able to competently complete engineering assignments. General oversight is expected on technical aspects of assignments from the department manager or more experienced engineers. This position assists in network design and planning and integration support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging and problem solving.
This level is for the practicing engineer with typically 2-7 years of experience. The preferred candidate will have Wireless/Radio Frequency technology experience with mission critical digital mobile communication systems. This includes Trunked Radio Systems, DMR and microwave.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
Senior Engineer level- This level recognizes the talent and skills of a practicing engineer capable of making competent engineering recommendations and decisions, managing technical projects with minimum level of oversight, and mentoring less experienced engineers. The Senior Engineer 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.
This level is for accomplished engineers, with typically more than 7 years of experience. A Bachelor of Engineering or Engineering Technology is required. A Master’s Degree in Engineering or a specialized industry credential such as a Certificate in CCNA or CCNP a plus.
Qualifications include a BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related technical discipline.
Knowledge/Skills
Digital Mobil Radio experience required
Tait Technologies experience preferred
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 is desirable.
Proficiency at planning, designing, implementing and managing carrier class statistical (IP) and TDM networking with consideration of traffic loading and bandwidth allocation is essential.
Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to be both creative and analytical.
Extremely detail-oriented and accurate.
Compensation Range:
$68,744.00 - $107,550.56 - $146,357.12/salaryThis 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 [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) experience.
- Experience with Tait Technologies products.
- Experience with trunked radio systems, DMR, MPT-IP, and conventional radio systems.
- Experience with microwave backhaul and optical transport networks (fiber).
- Proficiency planning, designing, implementing, and managing carrier-class IP and TDM networking (traffic loading and bandwidth allocation).
- Experience with Ethernet and complex serial data networks, and DACS.
- Use of radio frequency propagation analysis software.
- Familiarity with federal communications standards (FCC) and utility communications standards (FERC and NERC).
- FCC General Class commercial radio operator (or similar) certification.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, verbal and written communication skills, and attention to detail.
What We Do
VELCO is Vermont’s statewide electric transmission provider whose sights are set on creating a sustainable Vermont through our people, assets, relationships and operating model. Formed in 1956 when local Vermont utilities established the nation’s first “transmission only” company to access clean hydro power from New York, VELCO remains unique in two important ways: 1. Our ownership comprises the state’s 17 distribution utilities and a public benefits corporation; and, 2. our for-profit status is structured to return cooperative-like value to our owners, their customers, and every Vermonter. VELCO’s system now includes: 740 miles of transmission lines; 55 substations, switching stations and terminal facilities; 13,000 acres of rights-of-way; a statewide emergency service radio system; and, a 1,600-mile fiber optic network that monitors and controls the electric system and helps to deliver broadband services to Vermonters. Headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, VELCO employees strive to give Vermont’s utilities and their customers a reliable high-voltage grid, a strong unified voice on regional energy issues, and continued access to safe, reliable, cost-effective electricity.
