Telecommunications Engineer

About the role

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.

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.

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 sing and troubleshooting (OTDR, splicing basics).
• Familiarity with industrial/ruggedized network equipment (e.g., DWDM multiplexers Network switches, Ruggedized routers).
• Familiarity with:Layer 2 switching (Broadcast domains, VLANs, trunking, spanning tree protocols)Layer 3 routing (IP addressing, subnetting)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.).
• Familiarity with legacy systems (SONET/SDH) and migration to packet-based networks.
• Knowledge of electric utility protocols and systems:SCADA, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus
• 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.

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.

Benefits

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.

Pay

$109,000 - $128,000

Schedule

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