Supervision Received

Performs work under the general supervision of the Team Lead – Backbone and Radio Networks or Manager - Telecommunications Engineering.

Supervision Given 

May direct the work of professional, technical and contract personnel engaged in all aspects of providing backbone and radio networks within the corporation.  May also oversee the activities of company employees, outside contractors and consultants on a per project basis.

Position Summary/Accountabilities –

Independently performs a variety of engineering work in telecommunications network analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.

Job Functions –

Performs work on a variety of assignments of moderate scope and complexity including:

Designs, implements and maintains Alliant Energy’s private and public telecommunications network to support mission critical voice and data communications.

Network equipment includes voice and data dispatch radio systems, an iDEN cellular phone network, SONET multiplexers, channel banks, MPLS equipment, digital cross-connects, point-to-point licensed and unlicensed microwave systems, multiple address radio systems, fiber optics and other private and leased telecommunications networks. 

Provides support for utility applications; maintain specification and design of telecommunication equipment rooms, buildings, and radio towers.

Reviews and/or completes FCC license applications.

Develops and reviews engineering design packages, equipment configuration, RF designs, drawings, installation and testing procedures, and material requisitions; maintains telecommunications records, drawings and files.

Provides telecommunications design and support for utility applications including SCADA (electric and gas), Automated Meter Reading (AMR), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), demand-side electric load management, and some LAN/WAN connections. Make safety suggestions to assist in maintaining a safe work environment.

Keeps informed of the latest developments related to telecommunications, makes suggestions for process improvements, and ensures the development and application of the improvements as appropriate.

Develop an awareness of customer needs and expectations and propose solutions for moderately complex issues.  Participate in the identification and solution of problems falling within assigned area of responsibility with minimal guidance from supervisor.

Apply governmental and organizational engineering standards.

Interpret policy and exercise discretion and independent judgment in resolving moderately complex problems.

Demonstrate the development of critical thinking skills necessary to develop recommendations which provide technically sound and the most cost effective solutions applied to a specific problem.

Demonstrate the ability to work with the customer to develop an acceptable scope document, budget and schedule for assigned work in order to complete assignments on time and within budget.

Make low risk decisions that involve direct application of technical knowledge with proper sign off from customer and minimal guidance form supervisor.

May provide guidance to less experienced staff members. 

Has established effective working relationships with employees, contractors, BU customers, functional groups and peers.

Participate and make positive, supportive contributions on teams as assigned.

Ability to communicate with vendors, field construction, operations personnel, and internal stakeholders; ability to document project activities and decisions for future reference.

Travels and provides after hours support.

All other duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Requirements –

Physical requirements include walking and sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle, talking in front of groups, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing, lifting 40 pounds, pushing, pulling and climbing ladders. Environmental requirements include working in all types of environments (inside/outside, hot/cold, noisy, and hazardous).

Technical/Job Skill Qualifications –

The candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications, and have demonstrated the following technical or job skills:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college.

Two to five years of experience in progressively more responsible telecommunications engineering work RF, Microwave, or Cellular design / optimization

Ability to plan and implement engineering projects using knowledge of equipment, industry standards and practices, and government regulations that are applicable to telecommunications.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management) preferred

Ability to work in a diverse work environment

Performance Skills –

Candidates must have demonstrated the following performance skills:

Decision Making & Problem Solving - Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.

Commitment to Task - Able to take responsibility for actions and outcomes and persist despite obstacles; be available around the clock in case of emergency; give long hours to the job; demonstrate dependability in difficult circumstances and show a sense of urgency about getting results.

Team Work - Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.

Tolerance of Ambiguity - Able to withhold actions or speech in the absence of important information; deal with unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Decision Making and Problem Solving - Able to apply systems thinking to generate solutions; focus on process rather than isolated events; obtain multiple assessments of a situation and be systematic in identifying trouble spots; use tools to define problems; evaluate alternative solutions.

Respecting Diversity - Able to adapt behavior to others’ styles; interact with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; be of service to difficult people; optimize the benefits of having a diverse workforce.

Non-compete agreement required?  Yes       X No

Disclaimer - The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.