Provides and coordinates an overall telecommunication, tele-protection, automation, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) philosophy for Hoosier Energy’s generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Assures the development of designs and specifications of Hoosier Energy’s fiber optic, optical ground wire, microwave radio network, land mobile radio network, field area network, remote terminal units (RTUs), automation controllers, and local substation networking infrastructure.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides the technical expertise, specifications, and coordination of schemes and equipment for telecommunication, tele-protection, automation, and SCADA systems.
Creates engineering packages for assigned projects which include AutoCAD drawings, material lists, network diagrams, and relevant configuration and logic files.
Reviews the specifications, operational check-outs, and other verifications of equipment for compatibility with existing and future system applications. Formulates settings and configurations for SCADA, automation, and tele-protection schemes that will ensure compatibility with communications infrastructure.
Assures compliance with project management structure, NERC/RRO and other industry standards and successful mitigation of constraining issues. Responsible for FAA and FCC compliance of Hoosier Energy's wireless infrastructure. Provides oversight to FAA and FCC permitting and licensing for new communications projects.
Assures mitigation of constraining issues for land mobile radio, microwave radio, field area networks, tele-protection, power line carrier, automation, RTUs, networking, and other supporting infrastructure systems.
Recommends changes that will lead to improvements in key performance indicators based on analysis of incidents that have impacted performance. Utilizes knowledge and experience gained in assigned area of expertise to assist others with solution development. Determines appropriate balance between predictive and corrective activities.
Analyzes issues which result in reduced system reliability and capacity or increased costs and risk to communications infrastructure.
Participates as key stakeholder in creation of schedules for telecommunications, tele-protection, automation, and SCADA installations in coordination with other departments. Provides technical input for the review of all future facilities. Stays abreast of related technologies, and researches and develops innovations, alternatives and/or expansions of services with emphasis on logistics, economy, and service.
Develops project proposals and budgets which meet organization objectives and uses sound engineering methods to demonstrate project feasibility.
Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent minimum
Ability to obtain P.E. license is desirable
Experience:
Five years’ of progressively more technical responsibility in the design and application of communication facilities and equipment minimum
Other levels of experience may be considered
Skills and Abilities:
Advanced computer and technological skills including: experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, Schweitzer AcSELerator, and RF link design and propagation study software
Understanding of RTU and/or PLC programming
Understanding of SCADA oriented protocols such as DNP3 and Modbus
Understanding of fiber optics technical specification, testing, and link engineering fundamentals
Advanced knowledge of radio communications fundamentals including point-to-point microwave, land mobile radio, and point-to-multipoint field area networks
Understanding of IP networking and routing
Understanding of serial communications protocols including RS-232 and RS-485
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to work with minimal supervision while being a constructive contributor to a team
Ability to manage multiple projects with varying scopes and timelines
Strong problem solving and decision making skills
Hoosier Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Hoosier Energy is a generation and transmission cooperative serving 18 member electric cooperatives in central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois.
