Electronics Technician II

At Chugach Electric, our Telecommunications team designs, operates, maintains, and modernizes the operational technology infrastructure that enables the safe, reliable delivery of electric service to more than 100,000 member-owners across Southcentral Alaska.

Day in the Life

As an Electronics Technician II, you'll help maintain and support the communications systems that connect our power plants, substations, dispatch centers, communication sites, and field crews. This role combines field work, troubleshooting, maintenance, system administration, and project support across a wide range of utility communications technologies.

A Typical Day May Include

• Operating, commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting carrier-class microwave, fiber optic, and IP/MPLS transport networks.
• Monitoring network performance, responding to alarms, analyzing faults, and restoring service when issues occur.
• Installing, configuring, testing, documenting, and replacing communications and networking equipment.
• Supporting communications for SCADA/EMS, protective relaying, substation control, AMI, utility voice systems, land mobile radio, dispatcher communications, and commercial telecommunications services.
• Working alongside engineers, relay technicians, system operators, contractors, and field crews to improve the reliability, resiliency, and cybersecurity of Chugach's communications infrastructure.

What You’ll Bring

We're looking for candidates with experience in telecommunications, carrier networking, operational technology, industrial networking, public safety communications, military communications, broadband, or electric utility communications.

Experience with carrier-class microwave radio systems, fiber optic transport, IP routing, Ethernet transport, MPLS, or operational technology networking is highly desirable. Familiarity with Aviat IRU600 microwave systems, Nokia 7705 SAR platforms, or other carrier-grade communications platforms is a plus, but not required. If you have experience with similar technologies and a strong technical background, we encourage you to apply!

Summary

Electronics Technician II personnel support the operation, reliability, and continuous improvement of Chugach’s telecommunications infrastructure, which forms the backbone of system operations, SCADA, substation, and generation communications, AMI field networks, land mobile radio, and enterprise voice and data services. Technicians in this role perform advanced installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of microwave transport, fiber optic systems, RF networks, IP networking and MPLS platforms, digital telephony, backup power systems, and site security technologies used throughout the utility. The position requires strong technical judgment, field readiness, and the ability to restore critical communications under demanding conditions while coordinating with Dispatch, SCADA, Operations, and partner utilities. Electronics Technician II personnel also contribute to system design, documentation quality, vendor coordination, and mentoring of developing technicians, supporting both operational continuity and Chugach’s long term technology objectives.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to: Manager Telecommunications.
• Directs: Electronics Technician II may be required to direct the work of lower classifications.

Essential Functions

• Maintain competency in testing, maintenance, and safety practices through training, study of manuals, and hands-on application.
• Observe safe work practices in performance of daily work, including work at heights and in adverse weather conditions.
• Assist in design, testing, and installation of new telecom equipment as assigned.
• Analyze and interpret AC and DC diagrams, interconnect drawings, and schematics before starting work.
• Prepare, update, and maintain drawings, records of inventory data, installation and commissioning test results, as-builts and other relevant documentation as work is completed.
• Use computers and diagnostic software to test, configure, and maintain communications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards including FCC rules, NESC, OSHA, and manufacturer specifications.
• Support inter-utility coordination for shared telecommunications facilities, circuits, and system restoration.
• Installs and maintains Wide Area Network (WAN) equipment including hubs, switches, routers, term servers, and other IP devices in support of SCADA and telecommunications networks at generation plants, substations, and communications sites exclusive of the work performed by the SCADA/EMS Systems Engineer, Systems Analyst-SCADA/EMS, and the Relay Department already being performed.
• Configure, operate, troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain all types of advanced telecommunication systems, including:
• Digital microwave including multiplexers, channel equipment, antennas, and waveguide
• Digital telephone, teleconferencing systems, and related voice and data circuits.
• VHF and UHF trunked two-way radio systems
• Fiber optic transmission systems, including splicing, testing, and restoration.
• Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), field communications, and other spread spectrum radio systems such as Multiple Address System (MAS)
• UPS and DC battery and charger systems including DC to DC converters
• LAN and WAN equipment including routers, switches, firewalls, terminal servers, and other IP devices that support SCADA and telecommunications networks, as well as MPLS networking platforms used in the utility environment and inter-utility communications.
• Site security systems including intrusion detection and video camera systems.
• Provide technical input on system design, equipment selection, and vendor coordination for new installations and upgrades.
• Coordination with commercial carriers for leased services including voice, data, and fiber transport, and support of Chugach’s commercial microwave leasing agreements.
• Use advanced diagnostic equipment including protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, service monitors, spectrum analyzers, microwave power meters, transmission test sets, and optical test equipment to evaluate and repair systems.
• Provide mentorship and day-to-day technical guidance to Electronics Technician I personnel, modeling installation standards, documentation quality, and safe work practices.
• Performs Electronics Technician I duties when assigned.
• Performs other duties related to this classification as assigned.

Relationships

• Internal
• Manager Control & Communications Systems: reports to, receives work assignments from, discusses problems encountered in the work with, submits tests reports to, coordinates work assignments with.
• Senior Electronics Technician: Reports to, receives work assignments from, discusses problems encountered in the work with, submits tests reports to, coordinates work assignments with.
• Electronics Technician I: Provides technical assistance to, guidance to, coordinates work with.
• Other Chugach Electric Personnel -Coordinates work assignments and maintenance activities with as assigned by the Manager Control & Communications Systems
• Chugach Dispatch-Coordinates work with when working with critical systems or outage required work.
• External
• Equipment vendors, contractors, and service providers: provides technical support, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Other Railbelt utilities: works on joint projects, inter-utility telecommunications circuits, and fiber or microwave interconnections.
• Regulatory agencies: compliance with FCC licensing, FAA tower regulations, and related requirements.
• Commercial carriers: coordinates leased services that support Chugach operations.
• Customers and commercial partners: responds to inquires and provides information regarding Chugach’s telecommunications business for coordination of leased microwave and collocation services.

Qualifications

Education and Employment

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two year technical college degree related to electronic maintenance

OR

Successful completion of a military communications electronics-training program consisting of not less than 30 Weeks of full-time instruction

OR

Successful completion of four-year apprenticeship with the IBEW for telecommunications.

• Substitution: Individuals with a four-year electrical engineering degree and two years of communications system engineering experience will be considered

Experience

Four years’ experience in communications system installation and maintenance experience including operational troubleshooting required, with at least two years of direct utility or cooperative experience preferred.

Candidates Must Meet Baseline Qualifications And Should Demonstrate Proficiency In The Focus Area As Outlined Below. Examples Of Focus Areas And Representative Skills Include:

• Microwave Transport & RF. Digital microwave path alignment, multiplex configuration, antenna and waveguide work practices, throughput and availability verification, and restoration practices
• IP Networking and MPLS. Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing, QoS and traffic engineering concepts, network segmentation to support operational technology, and integration of transport such as microwave and fiber to support SCADA and station communications

Abilities And Skills

• Must have a basic understanding of electronic system operation, and maintenance.
• Must be able to utilize electronic test and diagnostic equipment, troubleshoot electronic equipment, and read AC and DC control, wiring, and schematic drawings.
• Must be willing to study equipment and test manuals and apply learning on the job.
• Must have knowledge of basic electronic circuits and controls.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and complete technical documentation, records, and reports.
• Ability to learn and maintain baseline competencies outside the employee’s current focus area to support team coverage.
• Ability to produce clear technical documentation for designs, turn ups, changes, and restorations associated with the employee’s focus area.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective coordination with internal departments, external utilities, vendors, and commercial partners.
• Must have knowledge of basic personal computer operation, including Windows and Excel.
• Must have the mechanical and physical aptitude to fabricate, construct and install equipment as needed for projects.
• Must be able to read color-coded components and cables.
• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. to waist height.
• Ability to climb and work at heights of up to two hundred feet.

Other Requirements

• Valid Alaska Driver License
• FCC General Radiotelephone Radio's license at hire or obtained by the end of probationary period.
• Must maintain a residence, by the end of the probationary period, which permits a Sixty (60) minute report time to the Chugach Dispatch Center.
• Willing to spend approximately twenty percent (20%) of working time out of town
• Availability for call outs for department needs outside of normal work hours.
• Carry a company provided cellular phone while on duty or on standby.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in tower climbing and rescue, fall protection, and related safety programs.

Work Conditions

Work will be performed in the field in varying weather conditions. Flights in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters will be required. Work will include working with helicopters slinging communications equipment to remote sites. Occasional exposure to cold temperatures for extended periods of time may be necessary.

Company Description

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.

A little more about us: Chugach has been around for a long time, recently celebrating 75 years! We are a stable company, in a stable industry. And while we may have stability, we are modern, sustainable and forward-thinking to ensure that we provide reliable services for generations to come. We also pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. We have several 20, 30 and 40 + year tenured employees who continue foster an inclusive, innovative corporate environment. Find your spark!

Chugach's Corporate Vision

Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's Corporate Mission

We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's Corporate Values

Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.

Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

Chugach Electric does not sponsor employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application and throughout employment. Employees must be able to provide documentation to Chugach Electric to show their identity and authorization to work.

Benefits

Health Benefits (Available through IBEW with the Alaska Electrical Trust Fund)

• Medical & RX
• Dental
• Vision

For more information, you can contact the IBEW Hall at View phone number on workus.org or visit

Financial Security

• 401K Plan
• Defined Benefit (Pension through IBEW)
• Dependent Flex Spending Account

Life Insurance Benefits

• Basic Life Insurance paid for by Chugach Electric
• Supplemental Life Insurance

Work, Life, Health

• 160 hours vacation for the first year
• 10 Paid Holidays + 3 Float Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• MetLife Will Preparation