Sr. Network Engineer

Title is Sr. Technical Analyst, but it is essentially a Sr. Network Engineer/Analyst with the microwave and fiber transport/backhaul design, understanding of cisco-based networks and SCADA communications and field network support. CCNA and PMP are a huge plus so I would target the CCNA for sure.

Job: Sr. Technical Analyst / Sr. Network Engineer

Location: Houston, Texas 77043

Term: 6 months - CTH

Interview Process: Team Interview | 30 minutes – 1 hour & possible second virtual round IV

Project/Day to Day: Project: Microwave refreshes

When should this person start? Manager would like to fill this position in February

C2C accepted? Yes – must be able to convert w/o sponsorship

Travel: 15% - to nearby sub stations

Hours: Regular 40 hours per week

Remote: Hybrid | 4 days onsite (M,T,W,TH) / remote F)

TOP SKILLS:

• Microwave & fiber transport/backhaul design
• Understanding of Cisco-based backhaul networks: routers, switches, and transport links
• SCADA communications & field network support

SOFT SKILLS:

• Humble, eager to learn, adaptable
• Analytical & problem-solving
• Collaborative & strong communicator
• Attention to detail & safety-conscious

CERTS: PMP & CCNA - huge plus

FORMAL HR JOB DESCRIPTION:

Summary:

Under minimal direction of supervisor, studies, designs, engineers, constructs, installs, and coordinates communications equipment, systems, and facilities.  Performs engineering studies involving equipment, applications, or theoretical analyses.  Also installs, manages, trouble shoots electric distribution SCADA communications.   Consults with business units to provide situation analysis, engineering, and design of communication systems that meet the operational needs of the business units.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Effortlessly plans, designs, engineers and constructs communications systems (e.g. radio, network, 2-way, data, microwave, fiber, SONET, etc.)
• Easily analyzes communication-related needs of business units and designs optimum hardware/software solutions.
• Prepares and files FAA and FCC applications and coordinates frequencies with other companies to mitigate interference as needed.
• Readily evaluates new technologies, products and materials for potential use. 
• Coordinates and supports field personnel regarding installation of communications hardware/software on various communications platforms. 
• Provides technical assistance to business units on complex problem resolutions.
• Confidently interacts with co-workers, vendors and customers to obtain and disseminate information, advise on projects, resolve conflicts, set priorities, coordinate activities, complete projects within time and budget constraints, and provide assistance.
• Drafts bid specifications and requests for proposal and evaluates vendor responses to establish contracts.
• Directs projects assigned by management by planning course of action, material resources, and monitoring progress.
• Analyzes communications problems and needs (e.g. interface, intelligibility, clarity, etc.) to determine the most appropriate means of reducing, eliminating, and/or avoiding current and future problems and improve communications.
• Designs communications sites to establish building and tower placement, power requirements, antenna placement, and communications equipment required for new and/or existing sites.
• Researches, gathers, and compiles relevant technical information to enhance, modify, and maintain assigned networks and telecommunications systems.
• Leads meetings, conferences, task forces, committees, events, etc. to provide and receive updated information, work in unity with other agencies with similar communication equipment and system interests.
• Researches federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of communications systems, and ensure systems are operated within the legal parameters.
• Remains current on job-specific and Department topics through training courses, workshops, seminars, professional organizations, professional publications, conferences, professional association shows, etc. to apply appropriate policies and technologies to assigned systems.
• Drafts engineering project proposals to define goals, identify the scope, background, and need, and ascertain cost of equipment, parts, and services.
• Develops long and short-term plans for updating equipment, adding capabilities, enhancing existing systems, and providing improved communications.
• Confidently designs and implement communications systems to interconnect equipment from different manufacturers, service providers, and/or client agencies.
• Develops, submits, and administers Unit and project budgets, including internal and external client needs to affect completion of scheduled projects and goals.
• Drafts written documents to inform and update employees, management, clients, and regulatory agents of new or revised information.
• Directs selection and development of new communications sites by locating sites, conducting radio surveys, filing documents, drawing up documents for approval, drafting construction drawing, and following through to approval.
• Maintains and analyzes communications equipment inventory to determine quantities needed.
• Leads, coordinates and inspects the work of Departmental employees, vendors, service providers, contractors, subcontractors, and others to insure safety and compliance with recognized standards and specifications.
• Spur-of-the-moment provides input, advice and recommendations to determine the most appropriate and feasible location of communications facilities.
• Evaluates electrical power requirements for planned/new systems to assure equipment meets future needs.
• Drafts, submits for approval, and implements technical practices, Section policies and standards to establish proper methods and practices of completing responsibilities in the communications Sections.
• Evaluates requests from client agencies and submits recommendations on their proposals to management.
• Proficient with cabling systems (including fiber), microwave radio systems, licensed and unlicensed radio systems, SONET and Ethernet transport, tower structures (including light controllers), AC and DC power systems, TDM communications, and modems (CSU, DSU, NIU, frec’s)

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.  Any combination of education and experience (see experience below) equal to education period above (i.e., for a 4-year Bachelor’s degree; 2 years college and 2 years of specific Telecom experience would be acceptable).

Experience:

• Six plus years of work experience in electronic or telecommunication technology (RF, Fiber). 
• Some exposure or experience with SCADA or Microwave systems desired (Distribution Automation experience is a plus).

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Sound judgment, decision making and analytical ability.
• Established planning and organization skills.  Consistent follow-through. 
• Ability to establish, foster and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. 
• Must possess a valid State of Texas driver's license and have a safe driving record as determined by the Company.
• Flexibility to work in fast-paced, lean environments with team player approach.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in order to coordinate activities involving assigned projects with internal staff, customers, outside consultants, and management.
• Ability to develop group and business unit strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and technical expertise with an ability to provide insightful analysis.
• Superior knowledge of leading computer tools including Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated creativity/innovation.