Telecommunications Design Engineer

ReNuke Services is seeking a Telecommunications Design Engineer for our site in Russellville, AR

DESCRIPTION:
Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer - External Contractor (Entergy)
Role Summary: Entergy, a leading electric power utility, is seeking an experienced Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer for a contractor/consultant role. In this position, you will support Entergy"s internal Telecommunications Engineering team in designing and implementing outside plant components of the company"s communications network. This network underpins critical utility operations - including electric transmission and distribution communications, substation and power plant connectivity, SCADA and protection & control systems, and enterprise data/voice networks - requiring high reliability and safety standards. The OSP Design Engineer (Contractor) will be responsible for planning and engineering fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, designing telecom site infrastructure (towers, shelters, backup power), and coordinating with cross-functional utility teams to enable robust and secure telecommunications across Entergy"s multi-state service territory. This role works closely with internal engineers and field personnel to ensure that telecom projects are executed safely, on time, and in compliance with Entergy"s standards and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
*Fiber Optic Network Design & Deployment: Plan and engineer outside plant fiber optic networks to connect substations, generation facilities, control centers, and other utility sites. Design both aerial fiber (including Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on transmission lines and All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables on distribution poles) and underground fiber routes. Develop route maps, specify fiber optic cables and hardware, create splicing and termination plans, and ensure network redundancy and resiliency to support mission-critical services (SCADA, protective relaying, corporate communications). Oversee permitting and rights-of-way for fiber installations and ensure designs meet National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearances and Entergy standards for attachment on utility infrastructure.
*Microwave Radio System Engineering: Design and optimize point-to-point microwave radio links to connect remote sites and reinforce the fiber network. Perform path surveys and line-of-sight analyses, determine appropriate tower locations and heights, select antennas and frequencies, and develop link budgets to ensure reliable, high-capacity communications. Coordinate with frequency management and regulatory compliance (e.g., FCC licensing and interference studies) for microwave systems. Prepare specifications for microwave radios, waveguides, and antennas consistent with Entergy"s requirements and industry standards (e.g., Telcordia).
*Telecom Site & Facility Design: Plan the placement and design of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations (substations, power plants, control centers, etc.). Design and/or specify the installation of telecom support structures such as communications towers, poles, and antenna mounts, as well as prefabricated communication shelters, cabinets, or control house upgrades to house telecom equipment. Address associated civil and site work - including site layout, grading, access roads, cable trenching or conduit installation, and equipment foundations - in collaboration with civil and structural engineers. Ensure all telecom facility designs meet physical security requirements, environmental/hazard mitigation standards, and compatibility with existing utility infrastructure.
*Power & Backup Systems Integration: Incorporate reliable power solutions into telecom designs to guarantee continuous operation of critical communications during power outages. Specify and coordinate AC power feeds, DC power plants and battery backup systems, and appropriately sized standby generators for telecom sites such as repeater huts, microwave relay sites, and substation telecom rooms. Ensure proper grounding, surge protection, and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Entergy"s electrical standards when integrating generators and backup power equipment at communications facilities.
*Project Planning and Execution Support: Contribute to project lifecycle activities from initial scoping through commissioning. Develop project scopes and cost estimates for new telecom infrastructure projects (fiber expansions, microwave link deployments, network upgrades). Create and deliver detailed engineering design packages (incl. construction drawings, fiber splice diagrams, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, and bill-of-materials) for use by field construction crews and contractors. Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and GIS mapping tools (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) to produce route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams. Plan implementation schedules and participate in Entergy"s change management processes - coordinating network cutovers, scheduling necessary outage clearances, and preparing method-of-procedure documents to minimize impact on energy delivery and operations.
*Records & Standards Management: Maintain accurate network documentation and records in Entergy"s telecommunications inventory and asset management systems (such as the ConnectMaster OSS and related databases). Update fiber route records, circuit databases, and equipment inventory to reflect new installations, removed facilities, and configuration changes. Follow and enforce Entergy Telecom Engineering standards and industry best practices in all designs, drawing on sources like Telcordia industry standards, IEEE guidelines, and utility telecom standards. Continually seek opportunities to improve standard designs and templates while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies.
*Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with a wide range of internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure successful project execution. Collaborate daily with Entergy"s internal Telecom Engineering FTEs, aligning contractor work with the utility"s design standards and processes. Coordinate with Transmission Line Engineering on fiber optic cable installations on power lines (including scheduling fiber installations such as OPGW during line construction or maintenance outages), with Distribution Engineering on last-mile fiber connections, and with Substation & Protection & Control (P&C) Engineering on telecommunications requirements for substation SCADA, relaying, and automation systems. Engage with Grid/System Operations and Relay/Protection teams to understand communication needs for operational systems, ensuring low-latency and redundant paths for critical control and monitoring circuits. Interface with IT networking teams to integrate utility operational telecom with enterprise networks where appropriate (e.g., for corporate communications or security monitoring). Work with field construction and maintenance crews and external construction contractors, providing technical guidance, responding to RFIs, and ensuring that fiber and microwave installations in the field adhere to design specifications, quality standards, and safety rules.
*Testing & Commissioning Support: Support field testing, inspection, and commissioning of new telecom facilities. Develop test plans and assist with or oversee field testing of fiber links (OTDR testing, power meter readings, end-to-end circuit tests) and microwave systems (path alignment, BER testing). Verify that installed systems meet performance specifications (bandwidth, latency, reliability) and integrate correctly with existing networks (e.g., confirm new fiber routes properly interface with multiplexers, routers, or teleprotection equipment). Identify and troubleshoot any issues during installation or cutover, and work with vendors and internal teams to implement solutions. Ensure that final as-built documentation is completed and accurately represents the installed configuration for future maintenance and asset management.

E15043210 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS DESIGN ENGINEER - RUSSELLVILLE, AR - 12 MONTHS