Telecommunications Design Engineer

ReNuke Services is seeking a Telecommunications Design Engineer for our site in New Orleans, LA. DESCRIPTION: Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer - External Contractor (Entergy). Role Summary Entergy, a leading electric power utility, is seeking an experienced Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer for a contractor/consultant role. In this position, you will support Entergy’s internal Telecommunications Engineering team in designing and implementing outside plant components of the company’s communications network. This network underpins critical utility operations – including electric transmission and distribution communications, substation and power plant connectivity, SCADA and protection & control systems, and enterprise data/voice networks – requiring high reliability and safety standards. The OSP Design Engineer (Contractor) will plan and engineer fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, design telecom site infrastructure (towers, shelters, backup power), and coordinate with cross‑functional utility teams to enable robust and secure telecommunications across Entergy’s multi‑state service territory. This role works closely with internal engineers and field personnel to ensure that telecom projects are executed safely, on time, and in compliance with Entergy’s standards and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities Fiber Optic Network Design & Deployment Plan and engineer outside plant fiber optic networks to connect substations, generation facilities, control centers, and other utility sites. Design aerial fiber (including OPGW on transmission lines and ADSS cables on distribution poles) and underground fiber 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 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearances and Entergy standards. Microwave Radio System Engineering Design and optimize point‑to‑point microwave radio links to connect remote sites and reinforce the fiber network. Perform path surveys, line‑of‑sight analyses, determine tower locations, select antennas and frequencies, and develop link budgets. Coordinate with frequency management and regulatory compliance (FCC licensing and interference studies) for microwave systems. Telecom Site & Facility Design Plan placement and design of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations (substations, power plants, control centers, etc.). Design and/or specify installation of telecom support structures such as towers, poles, antenna mounts, shelters, cabinets, or control house upgrades. Address associated civil and site work, including layout, grading, access roads, cable trenching or conduit installation, and equipment foundations. Ensure designs meet physical security requirements, environmental/hazard mitigation standards, and compatibility with existing utility infrastructure. Power & Backup Systems Integration Specify and coordinate AC power feeds, DC power plants, battery backup systems, and appropriately sized standby generators for telecom sites. Ensure proper grounding, surge protection, and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Entergy electrical standards. Project Planning and Execution Support 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, fiber splice diagrams, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, and bill‑of‑materials). Utilize CAD and GIS mapping tools (ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) to produce route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams. Records & Standards Management Maintain accurate network documentation in Entergy’s telecommunications inventory and asset management systems. Update fiber route records, circuit databases, and equipment inventory to reflect new installations and configuration changes. Follow and enforce Entergy Telecom Engineering standards and industry best practices (Telcordia, IEEE, utility telecom standards). Cross‑Functional Coordination Collaborate with Entergy’s internal Telecom Engineering FTEs, Transmission Line Engineering, Distribution Engineering, Substation & P&C Engineering, Grid/System Operations, Relay/Protection teams, IT networking teams, field construction crews, and external contractors. Testing & Commissioning Support Develop test plans and assist with field testing of fiber links (OTDR, power meter readings, end‑to‑end circuit tests) and microwave systems (path alignment, BER testing). Verify that installed systems meet performance specifications and integrate correctly with existing networks. Identify and troubleshoot issues during installation or cutover, and work with vendors and internal teams to implement solutions. Qualifications Education & Experience – Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience combined with relevant technical training/certifications is considered. Technical Proficiency – Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems, microwave radio system design, and packet‑based transport networks (MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, SONET/SDH). Tools & Software Skills – Proficient in GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld), CAD tools (AutoCAD or MicroStation), telecom network inventory tools (ConnectMaster or similar), and Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge of Standards & Regulations – Working knowledge of NESC, NEC, Telcordia/Bellcore standards, IEEE communications standards, and NERC reliability standards. Analytical & Project Skills – Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; experience developing cost estimates, work scopes, and schedules; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Communication & Collaboration – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of an embedded team. Preferred Qualifications Utility Telecommunications Experience – Prior experience supporting telecommunications projects in an electric utility or similar critical infrastructure environment. Professional Certifications – State Professional Engineer license or equivalent industry certifications. Additional Technical Skills – Experience with telecom change management and work management systems (e.g., ServiceNow), hands‑on testing and commissioning practices (fiber OTDR testing, microwave link survey), power‑telecom interface equipment, and participation in industry committees. Work Environment & Conditions This position is a contract/consultant role working on‑site and remotely with Entergy’s teams. The OSP Design Engineer will be embedded within Entergy’s Telecommunications Engineering group, collaborating closely with full‑time Entergy engineers and project managers. The work includes office‑based engineering design, field visits, moderate multi‑state travel, and adherence to Entergy safety policies and procedures. The contractor may need to work outside standard business hours or during storm/outage restoration efforts to support critical communications infrastructure. #J-18808-Ljbffr ReNuke Services