Engineer I/II/III - Communications

Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others. Leads the design and day-to-day support of the 2-way radio system and Energy Management System (EMS) including: upgrades, FAT, SCADA, ICCP, AGC, and database management. Performs detailed engineering designs, cost estimates for capital and O&M projects, and procurement of materials. Responsible for ensuring the Company’s electric operations remain compliant with North American Electric Reliability Cooperation (NERC) reliability standards and performs as a SME for designated standards. Provides direction, training, technical guidance, and resource knowledge to departmental staff.

Engineer I - Communications: Applies basic engineering techniques for entry-level assignments with review and guidance from a higher level.

Engineer II - Communications: Applies standard engineering methods and techniques to solve problems with moderate guidance and direction provided. Work is normally reviewed from a high level.

Engineer III - Communications: Applies a broad range of engineering skills and techniques, leads projects, and provides direction to lower-level engineers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Engineer I - Communications: ($73,460 - $91,830)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.

Engineer II - Communications: ($84,460 - $105,570)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline; and
• Two years related work experience.

Engineer III - Communications : ($97,110 - $121,390)

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline; and
• Five years of progressively responsible experience and understanding of communication systems, hardware, and EMS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with communications or embedder emphasis.
• Previous experience with SCADA and Energy Management Systems (EMS).
• Familiarity with programming in C/C++, Linux commands, file editing, and Office Suites.
• An EI (Engineering Intern) or an EIT (Engineering in Training) Certificate.

In addition to the above, an Engineer III has:

• Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with Communications, Embedder, Electromagnetic, or Cyber emphasis.
• Previous experience with DMR Tier III 2-way radio system.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
• Required to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Moderate (25%) travel within service territory is required.
• Due to the need for unescorted access to security sensitive business locations and systems, must submit to periodic background checks.
• Participates in on-call rotation.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United State, no sponsorships considered.
• Subject to pre-employment drug screen and background check.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides safe, secure, and reliable operation of the communications network, systems, and EMS through continuous involvement with MDU’s NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) procedures as a subject matter expert (SME).
• Provides engineering design as well as day to day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and analysis.
• Configures, troubleshoots, and updates Energy Management System (EMS) and Front-end Processor (FEP).
• Designs, updates, and maintains various EMS subsystems such as ICCP, calculations, video walls, one-line displays, SCADA, and historian.
• Programs and configures various makes and models of RTUs and upgrading legacy RTUs.
• Applies various supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communication protocols such as: Modbus, DNP, and SEL fast messaging.
• Interfaces with and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
• Programs network equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless devices.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Additional to the above, the Engineer III:

• Leads in the engineering design and day-to-day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and EMS analysis.
• Responsible for communications network equipment including: switches, routers, firewalls, 2-way radios, and terminal servers.
• Responsible for leading Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and On-site testing for software and hardware upgrades.
• Designs, maintains, and troubleshoots various communications equipment including: Power Line Carrier, Sonnet, MPLS, VPLS, OPGW, and wireless.
• Interfaces with external vendors and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
• Acts as project manager of large and complex projects. Prepares scope of work, detailed cost estimates, and establishes schedules.
• Participates in the development of the department’s capital and O&M budgets.
• Provides direction to department staff in absence of department manager. Provide technical, informational, and other engineering recommendations to management.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Deadline to apply: September 3, 2026 @ 11am CST

To view our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, click here.

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