Engineer I, II, or Senior - Computer/Communications

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho Power is seeking an Engineer I, II, or Senior to join their Engineering Communications team in Boise, Idaho. This role is crucial for providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to communities in Idaho and Oregon. The position offers flexible schedules and the opportunity to work remotely up to 40% of the time. Relocation assistance may be provided. The Communications Engineering Department deploys and manages a variety of networked equipment, including microwave radios, optical multiplex, MPLS routers, Ethernet routers, and serial Portservers. They are responsible for planning, designing, configuring, analyzing, and operating various communication systems such as MPLS, fiber, microwave, cellular, powerline carrier, mobile radio, multiplex, multipoint radio, and LEO/GEO satellite systems, including network and firmware management. The team provides mission-critical communications circuits and systems to ensure the secure operation of the electrical power system. This role involves specifying, evaluating, testing, designing, and writing computer applications to support system requirements for reliable and secure grid operations, including database systems and systems for remote equipment configuration and data collection. It also includes deploying, configuring, and administering servers, creating integrations between applications, and monitoring/maintaining computer applications and system performance. Troubleshooting and making corrections to applications, systems, computers, computer networks, and circuits are also key responsibilities. The different levels (Engineer I, II, Senior) vary in supervision and technical expertise, with Senior Engineers mentoring others.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution OR Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from a non-ABET accredited institution and a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Engineer I – 0 - 2 years related experience
Engineer II – 2 or more years of related experience
Senior Engineer – 6 years of related engineering experience OR 5 years of related engineering experience plus PE or advanced engineering degree, and 3 years in the area of expertise.
Knowledge of Computer programming (.NET framework or comparable environments), computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, database design (SQL server or comparable DBMS), computer networks, electronic circuits, embedded systems, control systems, digital communications, data acquisition.
Knowledge of System administration (Windows Server and Linux).
Knowledge of Network routing protocols such as MPLS, OSPF, ISIS, and BGP.
Knowledge of Analog and digital communications systems including microwave, radio (base station and two-way), power line carrier, telephone, fiber optics, and leased telephony circuits.
Knowledge of Communications measurements, engineering economics, and application of computers in engineering work.
General knowledge of engineering principles.
Developing specific knowledge related to discipline, utilities and their business environment.
Knowledge of Power system analysis and programs, Substation operations, Protective relay application, Instrument transformers, Transformers, capacitors, reactors, and control systems.
Knowledge of Communication system requirements specific to the needs of power grid applications on a real-time critical operational system.
Skills in Computer application and database development.
Skills in delivering training on computer applications and database systems.
Skills in Troubleshooting circuits and systems.
Skills in Operating test equipment.
Skills in Interdisciplinary skills.
Skills in Effective oral and written communication.
Skills in Producing technical reports.
Ability to Develop and write computer application and database software.
Ability to specify, evaluate, set, test, and repair circuits, computers, and computer networks.
Ability to Integrate communications circuits and systems.
Ability to Direct the design and commissioning of new equipment.
Ability to Effectively communicate complex engineering principles and criteria to a wide variety of audiences.
Ability to Work in a collaborative project team environment to effectively create a project vision and contribute to project success.
Ability to Work independently, be a self-starter, communicate effectively, accurately gather and organize technical data, interpret and create maps and drawings.
Ability to Act as a liaison between other departments and organizations.
Ability to Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to Exercise technical judgement in decision-making and independent action.
Ability to Develop alternatives and work with others to evaluate their value and potential for meeting company needs.
Responsible for budgeting, financial accountability and timelines on assigned projects.
Draft written and oral reports of problems, alternatives and recommendations.
Evaluate progress and results and recommend changes in procedures.
Utilize industry and discipline-related knowledge to interpret and comply with regulations as required by NERC, FERC, WECC, EPA, NESC, OSHA, FCC, etc.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
Engineer I/II – Engineer in Training (EIT) designation.
Senior Engineer – 3 years in the area of expertise and/or PE.
Travel with out-of-town stays may be required.
For internal candidates, must have 6 months or greater at Engineer II level, Step 13.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, configure, analyze, and operate utility MPLS, fiber, microwave, cellular, powerline carrier, mobile radio, multiplex, multipoint radio, and LEO/GEO satellite systems.
Manage network and firmware for communication systems.
Provide mission-critical communications circuits and systems for secure operation of the electrical power system.
Specify, evaluate, test, design, and write computer applications to support system requirements for reliable and secure grid operations.
Specify, evaluate, and develop database systems.
Specify, evaluate, test, and design systems for remote equipment configuration and data collection.
Deploy, configure, and administer servers for communication systems.
Specify and create integrations between in-house developed applications and vendor applications.
Monitor and maintain computer applications and system performance.
Troubleshoot and maintain data acquisition and database systems.
Monitor computer application and system performance and take corrective action.
Make corrections or instruct vendors to make corrections to applications and systems.
Design and implement IP networks.
Troubleshoot and make corrections to computers, computer networks, and circuits.
Plan and lead assignments and projects.
Interface with internal departments and external organizations.
Mentor other engineers and engineering support staff (Senior Engineer).