Senior Communication Engineer/Specialist

Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure. Orbital Engineering has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions. Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values.

The Senior Communication Engineer/Specialist serves as the communication designer for new microwave, wireless systems, fiber optic, and infrastructure. This includes communication for high and low density point to point microwave links, multiplex, wireless, multiple address communication systems, and spread spectrum systems. The position will be the technical liaison to other Utilities for design and new system coordination. Additionally, this position will be liaison to communication equipment manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and contractors. The Senior Communication Engineer/Specialist will perform work in an industrial setting, including electric substations, generating stations, gas stations, gas compressor and storage stations. The position may require work on elevated structures, such as communication towers. As well as perform field survey work for new communication systems, performance engineering calculations, bid specification writing, standards, FCC and FAA rule applications, application of RF safety rules, application of electric and gas safety rules and working knowledge of structure standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Recommends and applies Substation and Communication Engineering principles to substation/communication engineering solutions.
• Recommends and applies complex electrical engineering principles and sound communication engineering solutions to nearly all types of communication engineering projects.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems in area of expertise including field assessment and mitigation activities in collaboration with operational groups.
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities and resolve problems/issues. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
• Operate and coordinate safe working practices and principles for general and field assessment activities as stated in safety and standard operating procedures.
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation. Maintains accurate records and files.
• Design Wireless, Fiber Optic, and Serial Communication Systems
• Conduct wireless path surveys in the field for microwave path design
• Calculate Microwave path performance, propagation and reliability
• Evaluate microwave path designs for space diversity applications and passive reflectors for path design.
• Conducts engineering communication traffic studies
• Designs MAS communication systems.
• Compiles RF safety documentation for sites where RF equipment installed.
• Designs multiplex systems for information transport.
• Designs wireless point to point T1 systems for low density applications.
• Designs Antenna mounts including stress analysis, preparation of shop fabrication drawings
• Designs new microwave Site layouts.
• Applies ASR/ FAA obstruction standards for communication towers.
• Conducts FAA studies and evaluations for tower installs
• Evaluates requirements for FCC tower registration.
• Develops detailed material list for communication projects
• Interprets substation and communication schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Leads communication field and office meetings.

This position will be filled as an Engineer or Specialist depending on degree and work experience.

Required Qualifications

• Proficient in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete complex projects on schedule.
• Proficient in the ability to read, interpret, and correct various electric schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of AutoCad.
• Knowledge of engineering software packages, like PathLoss, MatLab, and RadioSoft.
• Understanding of communication tower standard TIA-222 latest revision.
• Understanding of tower wind loading, twist and sway, and strength of materials.
• Understanding of microwave propagation and margin calculation.
• Understanding of fiber optics, modes, and margin calculation.
• Knowledge of field survey instruments, such as transit, and theodolite.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership during projects and meetings with various stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the electric utility industry performing similar work.
• Proficient in principles of project management.
• Project management certification (PMP or CAPM).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D. Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.