Telecommunications Engineer I-III

Grant County Public Utility District•Ephrata, WA

11h•$75,582 - $177,107•Hybrid

About The Position

The Telecommunication Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the District’s operational technology (OT) infrastructure. This role provides technical expertise in deploying and supporting mission critical communications and network systems that enable reliable utility operations. The position requires advanced knowledge of OT networking technologies, architecture, and telecommunications systems, with a strong emphasis on system reliability, performance, and resiliency. The Telecommunications Engineer develops, controls, and best practices to safeguard OT environments from evolving cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical infrastructure. Working closely with engineering, operations and other departments, this role supports the continued modernization and secure operation of the District’s telecommunications and OT network assets while maintaining compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology or other relevant degree; OR additional 2 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
Engineer I: 0-2+ year Years of Experience with OT systems, ICS, SCADA, PLS, standards implementation, industry team security, deployment and cybersecurity, or related infrastructure experience
Engineer II: 3+ years Years of Experience with OT systems, ICS, SCADA, PLS, standards implementation, industry team security, deployment and cybersecurity, or related infrastructure experience
Engineer III: 6+ years Years of Experience with OT systems, ICS, SCADA, PLS, standards implementation, industry team security, deployment and cybersecurity, or related infrastructure experience
Knowledge of common application development patterns, including, but not limited to, Software Engineering best practices for all applicable technology, client-server architecture, service applications, object-oriented, and object-based software design
Skill in problem-solving and thinking critically
Ability to interpret and apply written guidelines, precedents, and standardized work practices to a variety of unprecedented and problematic situations
Strong written and oral interpersonal communication; workflow and time management
Proficiency in utilizing MS office products; specialized software, tools, and applications

Nice To Haves

Utility experience or critical infrastructure experience
Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or industry recognized OT cybersecurity certifications (i.e. GISCP, ISA/IEC)

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate documentation, policies, and standards related to OT infrastructure and telecommunications systems.
Support compliance with regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, and District policies.
This position requires NERC CIP access, and incumbents must meet and maintain eligibility with the established criteria in the Grant PUD Personnel Risk Assessment Procedure.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.
Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD / IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence. The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.
Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & Procedures.
In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to: Following all safety policies and procedures. Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions. Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor. Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.
Learn how to design, configure, and deploy OT systems, including ICS, SCADA, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces).
Learn troubleshooting methods for OT networks and devices to ensure continuous operations in utility and industrial environments.
Learn how OT systems integrate with IT networks, using industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, OPC, and MQTT.
Assist in documenting OT system configurations, standards, and operating procedures.
Learn how to implement basic security measures to protect OT systems from cyber threats.
Participate in risk assessments and vulnerability reviews with guidance from senior engineers.
Respond to OT-related incidents under supervision, ensuring swift recovery and minimal impact on operations.
Collaborate with team members to design, configure, and deploy OT systems and supporting networks.
Maintain and troubleshoot OT networks and devices to ensure system reliability and availability.
Collaborate on integrating OT and IT systems securely, ensuring interoperability and compliance with standards.
Implement security measures (firewalls, intrusion prevention, access controls) to protect OT infrastructure.
Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
Monitor OT system performance using predictive analytics and real-time monitoring tools.
Prepare reports on system performance, incidents, and compliance for stakeholders.
Collaborate with IT, engineering, and operations teams to align OT infrastructure with organizational goals.
Support disaster recovery testing and business continuity planning for OT systems.
Design and lead implementation of OT systems, including ICS, SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and secure OT networks.
Serve as a subject matter expert on OT cybersecurity and compliance standards (IEC 62443, NIST, ISO 27001).
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex OT issues, coordinating with operations and IT teams.
Develop and oversee security strategies to protect critical OT infrastructure from cyber threats.
Conduct and lead risk assessments, audits, and compliance evaluations for OT systems.
Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning and testing for OT infrastructure.
Provide expert guidance to operations managers, plant operators, and engineering staff on OT best practices.
Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including system configurations, security protocols, and performance reports.
Coordinate with vendors and external partners for equipment procurement, upgrades, and security reviews.