Telecommunications Design Engineer

Renuke•New Orleans, LA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

ReNuke Services is seeking a Telecommunications Design Engineer for our site in New Orleans, LA. This is a contractor/consultant role supporting Entergy's internal Telecommunications Engineering team in designing and implementing outside plant components of the company's communications network. This network is critical for utility operations, requiring high reliability and safety standards. The role involves planning and engineering fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, designing telecom site infrastructure, and coordinating with cross-functional utility teams. The engineer will work closely with internal engineers and field personnel to ensure projects are executed safely, on time, and in compliance with Entergy's standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience combined with relevant technical training/certifications will be considered.
Demonstrated experience in telecommunications engineering, with a strong focus on outside plant fiber optic network design and/or microwave system engineering.
Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems (fiber cable types, splicing techniques, connectors, OSP construction practices for aerial and underground installations).
Proficiency in microwave radio system design and RF engineering principles (path loss calculations, antenna propagation, frequency coordination).
Familiarity with packet-based transport networks (MPLS, Carrier Ethernet) and traditional time-division multiplexing (TDM) systems (SONET/SDH, DCS, channel banks).
Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals and how telecom transport networks interface with IP-based systems.
Proficient in using engineering and mapping tools common to telecom and utility design.
Experience with GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) for route planning and asset tracking.
Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) tools (AutoCAD or MicroStation) to develop construction drawings.
Experience using telecom network inventory and database tools, especially ConnectMaster or similar OSS, to document network elements and manage assets.
Comfortable with productivity and documentation software (Microsoft Office suite, Visio) and collaboration platforms (Microsoft Teams).
Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and codes for telecom and utility installations.
Familiarity with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) guidelines for line construction and structure clearances.
Familiarity with basic National Electrical Code (NEC) principles for facility electrical systems.
Awareness of telecommunications standards (Telcordia/Bellcore, IEEE communications standards, industry best practices).
Ability to design solutions that comply with safety regulations, utility policies, and applicable regulatory standards (e.g., NERC reliability standards).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in network design and capacity planning.
Ability to perform engineering calculations for link budgets, power budgets, path reliability, and structural loading.
Experience developing cost estimates, work scopes, and schedules for telecom projects.
Capable of managing multiple projects or design tasks simultaneously, with attention to detail and effective time management.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to work effectively as an embedded team member, coordinating with various internal engineering groups and external contractors.
Skilled at conveying technical information clearly in both verbal discussions and written documentation/drawings.
Self-starter who can work independently, take initiative in resolving problems or knowledge gaps, and adapt to Entergy's processes without continuous supervision.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting telecommunications projects in an electric utility or similar critical infrastructure environment.
Understanding of how telecom networks are used for power system operations (SCADA, protective relaying, distribution automation, grid control systems).
Knowledge of electric utility organizational structure and operations (power generation, transmission, distribution systems, substation design practices, regulatory environment).
Active professional credentials (state Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or equivalent industry certifications).
Experience with telecom change management and work management systems (service ticketing, change control tools like ServiceNow).
Hands-on experience with telecommunications testing and commissioning practices (fiber OTDR testing, RF site surveys, spectrum analysis).
Knowledge of power/telecom interface equipment (Power-over-Ethernet, DC power plants, inverter/rectifier systems).
Experience with utility telecom standards development or contributions to industry committees (IEEE, utility telecom councils).

Responsibilities

Plan and engineer outside plant fiber optic networks to connect substations, generation facilities, control centers, and other utility sites, including aerial fiber (OPGW, ADSS) and underground routes.
Develop route maps, specify fiber optic cables and hardware, create splicing and termination plans, and ensure network redundancy and resiliency.
Oversee permitting and rights-of-way for fiber installations and ensure designs meet NESC clearances and Entergy standards.
Design and optimize point-to-point microwave radio links, including path surveys, line-of-sight analyses, tower location/height determination, antenna/frequency selection, and link budgets.
Coordinate frequency management and regulatory compliance (FCC licensing, interference studies) for microwave systems.
Prepare specifications for microwave radios, waveguides, and antennas.
Plan the placement and design of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations.
Design and/or specify installation of telecom support structures (towers, poles, mounts) and communication shelters/cabinets.
Address associated civil and site work, including site layout, grading, access roads, trenching/conduit, and foundations.
Incorporate reliable power solutions into telecom designs, specifying AC power feeds, DC power plants, battery backup systems, and standby generators.
Ensure proper grounding, surge protection, and compliance with NEC and Entergy's electrical standards for power integration.
Contribute to project lifecycle activities from initial scoping through commissioning.
Develop project scopes and cost estimates for new telecom infrastructure projects.
Create and deliver detailed engineering design packages (construction drawings, splice diagrams, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, BOMs).
Utilize CAD software and GIS mapping tools to produce route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams.
Plan implementation schedules and participate in change management processes, coordinating network cutovers and scheduling outage clearances.
Prepare method-of-procedure documents to minimize impact on energy delivery and operations.
Maintain accurate network documentation and records in Entergy's telecommunications inventory and asset management systems (ConnectMaster OSS).
Update fiber route records, circuit databases, and equipment inventory.
Follow and enforce Entergy Telecom Engineering standards and industry best practices.
Seek opportunities to improve standard designs and templates while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Collaborate with internal Telecom Engineering FTEs, aligning contractor work with utility design standards and processes.
Coordinate with Transmission Line Engineering on fiber optic cable installations on power lines.
Coordinate with Distribution Engineering on last-mile fiber connections.
Coordinate with Substation & Protection & Control (P&C) Engineering on telecommunications requirements for substation SCADA, relaying, and automation systems.
Engage with Grid/System Operations and Relay/Protection teams to understand communication needs for operational systems.
Interface with IT networking teams to integrate utility operational telecom with enterprise networks.
Work with field construction and maintenance crews and external contractors, providing technical guidance and responding to RFIs.
Support field testing, inspection, and commissioning of new telecom facilities.
Develop test plans and assist with or oversee field testing of fiber links and microwave systems.
Verify that installed systems meet performance specifications and integrate correctly with existing networks.
Identify and troubleshoot issues during installation or cutover.
Ensure final as-built documentation accurately represents the installed configuration.

Benefits

Contract/consultant role
Embedded within Entergy's Telecommunications Engineering group
Mix of office-based engineering design and field work
Moderate amount of travel within Entergy's multi-state service territory may be required
Adherence to Entergy safety policies and safety culture practices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training provided
Potential for occasional work outside standard business hours or in coordination with storm/outage restoration efforts
Follow Entergy's work processes for planning and executing projects
Compliance with change management protocols, documentation standards, and security requirements
Proactive problem-solver and safety-focused professional