Telecom Engineer Senior/Principal

American Electric Power•Gahanna, OH

8d•$98,993 - $151,133•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior/Principal Telecom Engineer independently plans, researches, evaluates, designs, develops, installs, configures, and analyzes the performance of telecommunications network systems, and troubleshoots technical issues. The position centers on IP network technology and supports and engineers Operational Technology, CORE, Backbone, Transmission, Distribution, and Generation networks. The role is based onsite in Gahanna, Ohio, or Tulsa, Oklahoma, with occasional travel required. The engineer prepares specifications and project documentation, estimates costs, monitors project work using approved applications and tools, and applies economic analysis to project development and approval. The role may lead and coordinate others, manage assigned tasks as a project manager, contribute to business and technical plans, and help establish relevant standards. Work must comply with company policies and applicable external regulations. The position requires a thorough understanding of AEP networks, components, facilities, and business processes, as well as the ability to handle complex technical assignments and develop solutions where precedents are limited. The posting includes two levels: Telecom Consultant Senior SG8 and Telecom Consultant Principal SG9. The listed level-specific salary ranges are $96,110–$124,940 for Senior and $112,869–$146,730 for Principal. A separate compensation range is listed as $98,993–$151,132.50. AEP describes its benefits package as comprehensive, but does not list individual benefits in the posting.

Requirements

For the Senior SG8 level: bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or a related field; alternatively, an associate degree in a listed field plus 2 years of relevant work experience; or a high school diploma/GED plus 4 years of relevant work experience.
For the Senior SG8 level: 5 years of relevant work experience in addition to any experience specified as part of the education alternative.
For the Principal SG9 level: associate degree or equivalent 2-year technical degree in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or a related technology field, or related military training/experience; alternatively, a high school diploma plus at least 2 years of related work experience or industry knowledge.
For the Principal SG9 level: equivalent knowledge and skills to a qualifying Telecom Field Technician Senior and at least 7 years of technical work experience in addition to the education requirement.
For internal AEP candidates applying at Principal SG9: at least 2 years of satisfactory experience as a Telecom Field Technician Senior, successful completion of required training for the prior level, and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and capabilities of an experienced Telecom Field Technician Senior.
Valid state driver's license; the license must be maintained for the Principal SG9 level.
Solid knowledge of communications technologies and internetworking principles, and superior technical skills in a specialization area.
Ability to apply analytical techniques to complex assignments, break problems into components, and analyze each step.
Knowledge of relevant telecommunications equipment, materials, systems, and business processes, including interrelationships between systems and component equipment.
Ability to develop approaches and make informed decisions where frameworks or precedents are limited, including decisions affecting long-range plans and goals under uncertain inputs and outcomes.
Ability to identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to routine problems, including those involving inadequate or conflicting data.
Ability to collaborate, listen and respond to internal and external customers, relate to people in an open and sincere manner, and understand how technical decisions affect business units.
Ability to take initiative, seek opportunities, embrace new ideas, increase job knowledge and technical skills, and extrapolate from known facts to reach logical conclusions.
Ability to coordinate training, communicate effectively, lead meetings, and take corrective action when project objectives are not being met.
Occasional travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Engineering in Training (EIT) certificate from any U.S. state or Cisco CCNA certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, research, evaluate, design, develop, install, and configure telecommunications networks and systems.
Troubleshoot technical issues and analyze network performance.
Support and engineer Operational Technology, CORE, Backbone, Transmission, Distribution, and Generation network environments.
Prepare detailed specifications and project documentation based on high-level designs and established guidelines.
Coordinate and monitor project work activities using approved applications and tools; prepare project cost estimates.
Lead, facilitate, and coordinate the work of others as needed, and act as project manager for assigned tasks.
Use economic analysis techniques in project development and approval, and participate in developing business and technical plans with measurable goals, objectives, and requirements.
Perform routine engineering activities with minimal direction from higher-level employees.
Develop and contribute to standards relevant to the assigned area.
Ensure work complies with company policies, practices, procedures, standards, rules, and applicable external regulations.
Collaborate with colleagues and other corporate entities to complete work and resolve issues.
Provide cross-training and conduct training sessions as assigned.
Initiate corrective action when project objectives are not being met.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and lead and facilitate meetings.
Keep current with new products, technologies, procedures, and equipment.
Analyze business processes and recommend enhancements.
Build knowledge of AEP's organizational structure and the responsibilities of the assigned organizational unit.