Telecommunications Design Engineer

Renuke•Jackson, MS

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

ReNuke Services is seeking a Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer for a contractor/consultant role supporting Entergy's internal Telecommunications Engineering team. This role involves designing and implementing outside plant components of the company's communications network, which is critical for utility operations. The engineer will plan and engineer fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, design telecom site infrastructure, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust and secure telecommunications across Entergy's service territory. The position requires close collaboration 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, or equivalent work experience with relevant technical training/certifications.
Demonstrated experience in telecommunications engineering, with a strong focus on outside plant fiber optic network design and/or microwave system engineering.
Several years of experience in telecom OSP engineering or network design in a utility or similar industry.
Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems (cable types, splicing, connectors, OSP construction practices).
Proficiency in microwave radio system design and RF engineering principles (path loss, antenna propagation, frequency coordination).
Familiarity with packet-based transport networks (MPLS, Carrier Ethernet) and traditional TDM systems (SONET/SDH, DCS, channel banks).
Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals and their interface with telecom transport networks.
Proficient in using engineering and mapping tools, including GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS, GE Smallworld) and CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation).
Experience using telecom network inventory and database tools, especially ConnectMaster or similar OSS.
Comfortable with Microsoft Office suite, Visio, and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams.
Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and codes for telecom and utility installations.
Familiarity with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) guidelines and basic National Electrical Code (NEC) principles.
Awareness of telecommunications standards (Telcordia/Bellcore, IEEE).
Ability to design solutions that comply with safety regulations, utility policies, and applicable regulatory 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 verbal and written formats.
Self-starter who can work independently, take initiative, 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).
Knowledge of electric utility organizational structure and operations.
Active professional credentials, such as a state Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or equivalent industry certifications.
Experience with telecom change management and work management systems (e.g., ServiceNow).
Hands-on experience with telecommunications testing and commissioning practices (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.

Responsibilities

Plan and engineer outside plant fiber optic networks, including aerial (OPGW, ADSS) and underground routes, specifying hardware, creating splicing and termination plans, and ensuring network redundancy.
Oversee permitting and rights-of-way for fiber installations, ensuring compliance with NESC clearances and Entergy standards.
Design and optimize point-to-point microwave radio links, including path surveys, line-of-sight analyses, antenna selection, and link budget development.
Coordinate frequency management and regulatory compliance for microwave systems.
Prepare specifications for microwave radios, waveguides, and antennas.
Plan the placement and design of telecommunications facilities at utility locations.
Design and/or specify installation of telecom support structures (towers, poles, mounts) and housing (shelters, cabinets).
Address associated civil and site work, including layout, grading, access roads, trenching, and foundations.
Incorporate reliable power solutions, 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 systems.
Contribute to project lifecycle activities from scoping through commissioning.
Develop project scopes and cost estimates for new telecom infrastructure projects.
Create detailed engineering design packages, including construction drawings, splice diagrams, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, and bill-of-materials.
Utilize CAD software and GIS mapping tools for route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams.
Plan implementation schedules and participate in change management processes, coordinating cutovers and outage clearances.
Prepare method-of-procedure documents to minimize impact on energy delivery and operations.
Maintain accurate network documentation and records in Entergy's inventory and asset management systems.
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.
Collaborate with internal Telecom Engineering FTEs, aligning contractor work with utility standards.
Coordinate with Transmission Line Engineering, Distribution Engineering, and Substation & Protection & Control (P&C) Engineering.
Engage with Grid/System Operations and Relay/Protection teams to understand communication needs.
Interface with IT networking teams to integrate operational telecom with enterprise networks.
Work with field construction 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 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

Contractor/consultant role
Embedded within Entergy's Telecommunications Engineering group
Mix of office-based engineering design and field work
Attend design meetings, planning sessions, and project reviews
Conduct field visits to substations, telecom tower locations, generation plants, and control centers
Moderate 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