Telecommunications Engineer

Purpose: The Telecommunications Engineer is responsible for providing tactical planning, engineering design, engineering consulting, documentation, licensing, equipment lifecycle management, and third-level technical support of the telecommunications transport and wireless networks for the Southern Company and associated subsidiaries.

Responsibilities

• Initial alignment for this role will be in the Fiber to Distribution/GPON dimension of our business leveraging the Adtran TA5000 family of equipment.
• Develop strategic and tactical plans and engineering designs for all telecom network facilities and services provided.
• Assist in the management and prioritization of an annual functional budget and capital budget for transport network improvements in concert with related network planning, business case development, and engineering design.
• Develop and ensure compliance of engineering standards including documentation, product lifecycle plans, and design packages.
• Coordinate supplemental engineering service providers and/or contractors performing transport/telecommunications engineering design and implementation.
• Provide support to other Southern Company Operating Companies and/or Partners on issues related to transport network planning, engineering design, and engineering consulting.
• Develop and participate in the successful completion of specified projects within Southern Company territory to include Systems Protection initiatives, long haul fiber, leased service delivery, 3rd party fiber leases, wireless services, and GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks) technology.
• Provide third-level maintenance (reactive, preventative, and quality assurance) support as well as backup maintenance/installation coverage related to the identified networks/equipment.
• Recommend and coordinate equipment and service health monitoring activity for any new telecommunications nodes and/or services.
• Perform other requested work that transitions to the department.

Requirements

• Experience in planning and establishment of Distribution SCADA services and other WAN-based services.
• Experience and/or familiarity with telecommunications transport systems such as fiber optics, and RF/MW technology.
• Experience in coordinating a cross-functional team to achieve customer expectations and deadlines.
• Knowledge of fiber to include OSP across multiple platforms preferred.
• Knowledge in distributed computer networks including but not limited to: routers, switches, hubs, digital transport, fiber optic transport (including GPON and DWDM), microwave radio, wireless, voice (including VOIP), Systems Protection, SCADA systems, TGBs, and firewalls. Fundamental knowledge of the interconnectivity and convergence between the technologies.
• Knowledge of SONET/TDM, Switched Ethernet, MPLS, GPON, and IP WAN technologies.
• Knowledge in SCADA systems and remotely polled RTU devices.
• General knowledge of Transmission Systems Protection services and requirements.
• Understanding of budgeting (capital and functional) and accounting processes to ensure compliance with the budget.
• Demonstrated personal computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel) and proficiency with Southern Company standard computing applications, including technical skills in documentation tools (Visio, drafting, as-builts, prints, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical issues in business terms.
• Knowledge and understanding of IT Security requirements preferred.
• Knowledge of layers one, two, and three of the OSI model preferred.
• Self-motivated with the ability to effectively manage multiple project responsibilities simultaneously.
• Team-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to build relationships, communicate, and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups and customers, exhibiting positive influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinker that can embrace, influence, and lead change.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of Southern Company’s core business.
• General knowledge of information technologies (those currently used within the system and new technologies).
• General knowledge of IT infrastructure components.
• Understanding of engineering/analysis/design discipline and methodology.
• Ability to effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities/details, meet schedules, and deliver on customer commitments.
• Ability to negotiate with and influence others – internally as well as vendors.
• Ability to build relationships and work in a team atmosphere.
• Ability to provide and accept feedback.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated Southern Company Core Values.
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform each task safely.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.

Schedule

Full time. Subject to 24x7 call-out rotation and emergency response support.

Work Location

The successful candidate must live in the Southern Company footprint and travel to telecom locations, project sites, and meetings throughout the system as required. This position falls under the company’s Insider Threat Program and will have access to, and control over sensitive data, systems, or assets. Enhanced personnel screening, which includes a background review, drug screen, and psychological assessment, will be required if selected for this position.

Benefits

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees, and health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).

A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here.

About the Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services.

Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental, and social progress for tomorrow.