Communications Engineer I, II

Location: Tucson, AZ - Downtown

We are looking for talented individuals who are passionate about making an impact in the company and the community. Apply now and become part of the dynamic energy industry!

Help power the future of critical infrastructure. Join our team and play a key role in designing, building, and securing the communications networks that support electric transmission, distribution, substations, and smart grid technologies across our service territory.

What You Will Do

• Design, engineer, and support telecommunications and operational network solutions that enable reliable electric system operations.
• Develop and maintain fiber optic, microwave, RF, wireless, and IP/MPLS communications networks for substations, control centers, and field operations.
• Support SCADA, AMI, grid automation, and tele-protection systems by ensuring secure and dependable data communications.
• Lead or assist with telecom and operational network projects, including planning, budgeting, design, implementation, and vendor coordination.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, implement upgrades, and maintain cybersecurity and regulatory compliance standards.
• Create engineering designs, technical documentation, network standards, and project specifications while collaborating with cross-functional utility and IT teams.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution; Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals including switching, routing, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, STP, WAN technologies, and IP/MPLS networks.
• Experience or interest in critical infrastructure communications systems, including fiber optics, RF, microwave, wireless, and operational technology networks.
• Understanding of network security principles, firewalls, cybersecurity frameworks, and industrial protocols such as DNP3 and IEC 61850.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project coordination skills with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• For Engineer II consideration, relevant utility, industrial networking, or telecommunications experience and industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or Nokia NRS are preferred.
• This is an exciting opportunity to help design and maintain the communications infrastructure that keeps the electric grid safe, secure, and reliable while supporting the modernization of critical utility operations.

Position Description

Responsible for the planning, engineering, design, implementation, management and administration of mission critical communications infrastructure that encompasses the Unisource Transmission and Distribution Telecommunications system and operational network infrastructure for Unisource’s substation LAN/WAN. This includes networks for SCADA, Data Center interconnection, AMI, services for substation corporate and security networks, and smart grid systems, with a focus on reliability, security, and performance.

The ideal candidate will have experience in network and security architecture, RF system design, communications facility planning and design, and hands-on expertise in configuring and managing switches, routers, and firewalls and advance protocols such as IP/MPLS—particularly Nokia service routers and Siemens/Ruggedcom industrial networking devices. Create engineered designs and documentation for new and existing communications facilities and infrastructure for substation projects and other company wide communication application needs.

The creation and administration of Ethernet and other networks for multiple Wide Area Networks. Perform engineering studies and evaluate alternative designs or processes related to communication equipment and networks. Develop project scopes of work that specify material and estimate time and material costs required for assigned projects and assist in the evaluation of suppliers and products. Act as a project engineer for communications projects as well as train less experienced personnel.

Position-Related Responsibilities

Design network and telecommunications solutions for Unisource and its subsidiaries with an emphasis on integration between companies and flexible solutions that are cost-effective and scalable for effective control, monitoring, protection and maintenance of electrical generation, high voltage transmission, and distribution systems. As well as provide Corporate Voice and Data Transport Communications Systems.

Wide range of communications and computer networking experience required to manage networks and intelligent electronic devices utilizing different telecommunications equipment. Specific knowledge about Ethernet networks and Wide Area Network (WAN) skills to compliment a telecommunications knowledgebase.

Lead or support telecom and operational network related capital projects, including planning, budgeting, and execution.

Engineer, design, deploy, and maintain fiber optics, microwave, licensed/unlicensed wireless, cellular, and RF networks.

Engineer, design and oversee communications facilities, including towers, shelters, grounding systems, HVAC, and backup power systems such as generators and DC battery systems.

Support SCADA, relay tele-protection channels, AMI, and grid automation systems by ensuring secure and reliable data transmission across substations and control centers.

Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements to ensure high availability and low latency.

Document physical and logical maps of the infrastructure as well as define and follow standards and procedures in relation to the network and its devices

Ensure security is maintained on the network and software patches are applied appropriately.

Ensure change control processes are followed and service levels affected by those changes are maintained.

Evaluate vendor products and services to ensure a long-term hardware and software platform for the network utilizing industry standards and equipment.

Assist in selection and assignment of department objectives.

Assist in departmental or interdepartmental training to assure proper operation and/or maintenance of equipment. Provide technical assistance to the Electronics Construction & Maintenance Section.

Assist in divisional O & M and Capital Budget preparation and adherence.

Internal and external representation of section responsibilities, requirements, methods and procedures.

Initiate job tasks (work orders) and track expenditures as may be required to complete Capital Budget project assignments. Lead formal and informal meetings concerning assigned projects and can communicate effectively with all levels of personnel both in the office and field crews.

Collaborate with substations engineering, protection, metering & control, IT, and operations teams to ensure alignment of telecom and operational network infrastructure with utility needs

Develop and provide detailed design specifications for bidding and purchase requirements.

Evaluate and recommend equipment and/or components available to meet project requirements or improve existing installations in a way which optimizes cost and reliability.

Ensure compliance with NERC CIP, IEEE, FCC, and other regulatory standards.

This position may provide services to affiliates of the Company subject to the UNS Energy Code of Conduct and the related Policies and Procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• (Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.)
• Strong knowledge of switching and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, STP, VLANs) and IP/MPLS technologies.
• Experience with network monitoring tools and cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of grid modernization initiatives and utility automation systems.
• Experience with communications facility design including structural, electrical, and environmental considerations. Fiber optic systems, microwave radio, and wireless technologies.
• Proficiency in RF system design and deployment, including propagation modeling and site planning.
• Strong understanding of SCADA protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850), IP networking, and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience in developing and implementing security architecture for telecom and operational networks, including firewall design, configuration, and ongoing management.
• FCC license management.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Level I Description

• Will have primary responsibility for small modification or revision projects.
• Will assist more experienced personnel in large projects.
• Will assist in the review and revision of material and design standards.
• Requires close supervision and detailed instruction for tasks and expected results.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, from an ABET accredited institution, with less than two (2) years professional experience in an engineering role.
• Effective written and oral communication skills required and a willingness to learn in a rapidly changing environment.
• Enterprise networking aptitude is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications Engineering, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or related discipline is preferred.

Level II Description

• Will have primary responsibility for medium sized projects and act as the project engineer/manager.
• May be assigned to perform technical studies as needed.
• May have several projects assigned at the same time.
• Requires close supervision on new aspects of assignments.
• Assists more experienced personnel on projects and deals with day-to-day support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires two or more years of experience as an Engineer I or a Master’s degree or qualifications for Engineer I plus a industrial/operational network background. Industry certifications, CCNA, CCNP, NRS I/II or equivalent.
• Shall have strong analytical capabilities.
• Requires self-direction and the ability to work with vendors on creating statements of work and completing that work.