Systems Engineer- Smart Network Technology & Engineering - Akron Central Electric Lab

Smart Meter Network - System Engineer – Energy Delivery- Akron, OH or Connellsville (Dunbar), PA

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

This is a full-time, on-site position and can be located in either Akron, OH or Connellsville, PA

The Smart Meter Network System Engineer is responsible for specifications, design, maintenance, troubleshooting and improving performance of the smart meter field area network and equipment supporting AMI systems within FE footprint. This position is responsible for investigation and coordination across multiple disciplines and departments. The responsibilities also include optimizing network performance and working with vendors to resolve hardware and firmware problems.

This position reports to the Supervisor of Smart Network Technology & Engineering. 

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities at the Level II include:

• Continuously pursue and demonstrate FirstEnergy’s code of conduct, The Power of Integrity, Safety, and align with refreshed values and behaviors.

• Performs investigations into network and device issues and routine troubleshooting activities as performed or escalated by the Network Operations group

• Participates in field surveys and tests for routers and range extender solutions

• Assists with development of installation standards of field area network equipment

• Develops an understanding of the field area network equipment lifecycle within the smart meter project

• Effectively builds relationships across Engineering and network groups, AMI operations, and IT.  Always conducts self in professional manner.

• Maintains daily focus on safety in individual and team work activities; maintains a safe workplace for self, coworkers, and customers

• Understands the Company’s Accident Prevention Handbook and applies it to safety in the workplace

• Provides a high level of customer service, continuous support, and proactive involvement to leadership and fellow peers involving smart meter network

• Provides assistance during emergencies and storm-related activities

• Travels occasionally within FE service territory and works irregular hours when necessary

• Possesses valid driver’s license and has access to reliable transportation

Responsibilities at the Level III include all the above as well as:

• Performs investigations of device issues escalated by the Network Operations group

• Provides technical support to field personnel

• Develops installation standards of field area network equipment; ensures that standards support a safe environment for field personnel, contractors, and the public

• Supports the development of field area network equipment specifications and configurations.

• Establishes required ancillary equipment listing and packaging for assembly and field installation

• Assists with review and evaluation of network equipment firmware upgrades

• Understands field area network equipment lifecycle within the smart meter project

• Assists with development of process improvements and efficiencies incorporating data analysis methods, software applications, and mapping tools to improve smart meter network performance

• Assists with development of network optimization and mitigation solutions and strategies

• Participates in utility and industry conferences and working groups

• Effectively builds relationships across Engineering and network groups, AMI operations, IT, and vendors.  Always conducts self in professional manner.

Qualifications:

Qualifications at the Level II include:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited school,  Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree or Professional Engineer license is required for the position

• Preferred work experience includes distribution line design and/or RF and wireless communications technology

• Successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a plus or willingness to obtain the FE certification is preferred and supported by FirstEnergy

• Understanding electrical engineering and utility power system concepts with ability to learn new electrical topics quickly

• Knowledge and understanding of radio frequency communications, data communications and networking skills are preferred

• Ability to learn and continuously learn and apply new concepts and technologies

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word and computer skills

• Experience with SAP, SQL in Toad Datapoint, GISView, Esri ArcGIS or geospatial mapping applications are a plus

• Demonstrate a questioning attitude and desire to learn, deliver results, improve performance

• Ability to achieve active learning through a continued effort to develop breadth of knowledge, skills, and perspective in all aspects of the role

• Strong analytical and evaluating skills and technical writing abilities

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees at all levels of FirstEnergy

• Deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines

• Very good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications at the Level III include all the above as well as:

• Position level requires a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience

• Preferred work experience includes knowledge of installation and maintenance practices (e.g. substation, overhead lines, and underground lines), procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools which would be used to determine the resources necessary to perform equipment support activities; experience in design, troubleshooting, and implementation of solutions of RF or wireless communications and networks are a plus

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and instructions from others

• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word and computer skills

• Proficient with SAP, SQL in Toad Datapoint, PBI and GISView

• Knowledgeable and willingness to learn Esri ArcGIS or geospatial mapping applications including developing and configuration skills to meet operational needs

• Solid understanding of applicable technical products and/or services, wireless communications technology and customer needs and expectations

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; ability to make practical decisions without undue delay and based on the best information available at the time that the decision must be made

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills providing instructions, procedures, comprehensive technical summary and reports, clear and concise correspondence, and accurate information; ability to effectively present complex subject matter

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
Position Classification

Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team