Telecommunications Engineer

Location: Birmingham, AL, United States

Telecommunication Engineer, Sr.

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. The associated telecommunications networks include fiber optics and related optronics environments, WAN and data communications equipment, ancillary systems, and leased telecommunications services.

Job 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.
• Responsible for strategic and tactical plans and engineering designs for all telecom network facilities and services provided.
• Responsible for assisting 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. 
• Responsible for development and compliance of engineering standards including documentation, product lifecycle plans, and design packages. 
• Responsible for coordinating supplemental engineering service providers and/or contractors performing transport/telecommunications engineering design and implementation
• Responsible for providing support to other Southern Company Operating Companies and/or Partners on issues related to transport network planning, engineering design, and engineering consulting. 
• Responsible for developing and participation 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.
• Responsible for providing third-level maintenance (reactive, preventative, and quality assurance) support as well as backup maintenance/installation coverage related to the identified networks/equipment. 
• Responsible for recommending and coordinating equipment and service health monitoring activity for any new telecommunications nodes and/or services. 

Job 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. Including 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 (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.) / proficient with the Southern Company standard computing applications with technical skills in documentation tools (Visio, drafting, as-builts, prints, etc.)
• Effective oral and written communications 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, to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups and customers and exhibit positive influence at all levels. 
• Perform other request work that transitions to the department.
• Strategic thinker that can embrace, influence, and lead change. 

Competencies

• 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
• Understand 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
• Demonstrate 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.

Work Location and Hours

The successful candidate must live in the Southern Company footprint and travel to telecom locations, project sites, and meetings throughout the system as required.

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

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 you are selected for this position 

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