Director, Telecommunications and Innovation Engineering

Eversource•Westwood, MA

69d•Hybrid

About The Position

Key leader in the Engineering organization responsible for overseeing development and implementation of a portfolio of advanced technology innovation initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Company's Operational and Engineering activities, including oversight of engineering activities undertaken to support a robust telecommunications system consisting of a portfolio of wired and wireless technologies for mission-critical voice and data transmission. Individual will direct the work of a team of engineers with deep experience in data analytics and automation focused on using advanced data analytics, image recognition, and other AI/ML tools to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in in areas such asset management, substation design, protection and control engineering, and field data collection. Individual will also guide the Company's team of telecommunications engineers responsible for design and implementation of projects to maintain and expand private radio and fiber networks as well as automation engineers experienced in ensuring field telemetry is reflected accurately in the Company's SCADA systems serving electric transmission and distribution and gas operations. Telecommunications and innovation technology implementation responsibilities will require coordinating activities across the Company, working collaboratively with functions such as information technology (IT), field communications, system operations, various engineering disciplines, field operations, and emergency preparedness. Responsibilities will also include engagement with external counterparts and stakeholders to ensure the Company is leveraging and contributing to industry best practices in telecommunications engineering and operational technology implementation.

Requirements

Deep understanding of electrical engineering concepts and strong analytical skills.
Experience with strategy and implementation of operational technology and business process automation.
Strong knowledge of wired and wireless telecommunications technology; familiarity with network design and security.
Demonstrated business development aptitude with strong presentation skills; familiarity with data analytics tools and methodologies (e.g., AI/ML, image recognition, relational data models).
Understanding of distribution SCADA and protection and control concepts; strong leadership skills to penetrate and work effectively throughout the organization.
Demonstrated competency and proficiency in oral and written communications.
Ideal candidate is customer driven; displays initiative as a change agent with a can-do attitude; accepts responsibility and holds others accountable.
Participates in and facilitates team effectiveness; assumes the role of team leader; and makes sound decisions to support strategic objectives.
Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and remain self-directed is required.
Master of Science Degree in Engineering is required.
Ten or more years of successful power systems engineering, telecommunications technology, and/or operational technology and other related experience required.
Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Engineering preferred.
Direct experience with electric distribution energy industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead rigorous analysis to initiate and scale new operational technology initiatives aimed at increasing the efficiency, rigor, and cost effectiveness of engineering and field operations tasks with a focus on automation and development of engineering insights through data analysis and representation.
Ensure Company's operational technology portfolio is responsive to industry developments and continues to maximize value over time, capturing new opportunities as they emerge.
Oversee implementation and ongoing optimization of operational technology projects, managing a team of power systems data scientists with deep knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices, in collaboration with IT and other Engineering departments.
Direct efforts to plan and implement the Company's fiber network strategy serving critical facilities, including transmission and distribution substations, including Eversource assets and third-party facilities.
Implement substation connectivity roadmap, including use of IP-based protocols and 61850 designs, to ensure investments are designed for future needs; support security and reliability objectives; and are in line with all compliance requirements, working in coordination with IT and IT Security teams.
Oversee engineering, design, and maintenance requirements for the Company's three-state private radio networks to meet Operations needs for reliable voice and SCADA data communications.
Manage telecommunications capital budget for fiber, substation network, and private radio to ensure infrastructure investments are cost-effective and designed to keep pace with operational needs of electric transmission and distribution and gas business units.
Lead initiative to increase the efficacy of SCADA communications between field devices and the Company's control rooms, working in collaboration with IT, Field Communications and Protection & Control Engineering, to ensure necessary SCADA points are collected to support system operations needs, including support for distribution management system power flow calculations.
Recommend internal resource strategy to support implementation activities for operational technology and telecommunications projects, ensuring talent pipeline is right sized to capture growing opportunities in response to industry developments and available technology.
Develop and implement organizational change management strategies to ensure effective and efficient adoption of new technology tools for engineering and operations.
Play a leadership role across the Company to ensure the effective coordination of operational technology and telecommunications project implementation with other major operational technology projects across multiple disciplines.
Provide input and operational perspective to the regulatory group to support justification of project proposals with state regulators and development of advocacy positions on key energy policies.
Participate in industry forums to support the Company's position contributing to industry best practices in operational technology and telecommunications.