Communications Engineer I, II, III, IV, Senior

                                                                            Position Description

Responsible for the design, planning, implementation, and administration of the Unisource Transmission and Distribution Telecommunications system and network infrastructure for Unisource’s substation LAN/WAN.  Create engineered designs and documentation for new and existing communications facilities and infrastructure for substation projects and other company wide telecommunication application needs.  The creation and administration of Ethernet and other networks for multiple Wide Area Networks.  Perform engineering studies and evaluate alternative designs or processes related to communication equipment and networks.  Specify material and estimate time and material costs required for assigned projects and assist in the evaluation of suppliers and products. Act as a project engineer/manager for communications projects as well as train less experienced personnel.

                                                               Position-Related Responsibilities

• Design network and telecommunications solutions for Unisource and its subsidiaries with an emphasis on integration between companies and flexible solutions that are cost-effective and scalable for effective control, monitoring, protection and maintenance of electrical generation, high voltage transmission, and distribution systems. As well as provide Corporate Voice and Data Transport Communications Systems.
• Wide range of communications knowledge as well as computer networking experience required to manage networks and intelligent electronic devices utilizing different telecommunications equipment.  Specific knowledge about Ethernet networks and basic Wide Area Network (WAN) skills to compliment a traditional telecommunications knowledgebase. 
• The networks are built utilizing Ethernet networks and multiple telecommunication options utilizing microwave, fiber optics and licensed radio equipment.  
• Document physical and logical maps of the infrastructure as well as define and follow standards and procedures in relation to the network and its devices.
• Ensure security is maintained on the network and software patches are applied appropriately.
• Ensure change control processes are followed and service levels affected by those changes, are maintained.
• Evaluate vendor products and services to insure a long term hardware and software platform for the network utilizing industry standards and equipment.
• Measures performance of the network and telecommunications equipment and takes appropriate actions to ensure that performance.
• Assist in selection and assignment of department objectives.
• Assist in departmental or interdepartmental training to assure proper operation and/or maintenance of equipment.  Provide technical assistance to the Electronics Construction & Maintenance Section.
• Assist in divisional O & M and Capital Budget preparation and adherence.
• Internal and external representation of section responsibilities, requirements, methods and procedures.
• Initiate job tasks (work orders) and track expenditures as may be required to complete Capital Budget project assignments.
• Lead formal and informal meetings concerning assigned projects and is able to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel both in the office and field crews.
• Interfaces with other Engineering, Operations, and IT sections for any communications matters.
• Develop and provide detailed design specifications for bidding and purchase requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend equipment and/or components available to meet project requirements or improve existing installations in a way which optimizes cost and reliability.
• This position may provide services to affiliates of the Company subject to the UNS Energy Code of Conduct and the related Policies and Procedures.

                                                                     Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
                                                           (Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.)
Level I
Description:

• Will have primary responsibility for small modification or revision projects.  
• Will assist more experienced personnel in large projects.  
• Will assist in the review and revision of material and design standards.
• Requires close supervision and detailed instruction for tasks and expected results.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Effective written and oral communication skills are required plus a willingness to learn in a rapidly changing environment.
• Enterprise networking aptitude is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or related discipline is preferred.
• Two or more years of professional experience in Engineering or IT related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.

Level II
Description:

• Will have primary responsibility for medium sized projects and act as the project engineer/manager. 
• May be assigned to perform technical studies as needed.  
• May have several projects assigned at the same time. 
• Requires close supervision on new aspects of assignments.
• Assists more experienced personnel on projects and deals with day to day support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires two or more years of experience as an Engineer I or a Master’s degree or qualifications for Engineer I plus a corporate network background.
• Shall have strong analytical capabilities.
• Requires self-direction and the ability to work with vendors on creating statements of work and completing that work.

Level III
Description:

• Will have primary responsibility for medium to large projects and act as the project engineer/manager.  
• Will direct the designs of technicians when necessary.  
• Can represent TEP when meeting with other companies or organizations. 
• Creates budgets for projects and maintains accountability for the actual dollars charged to that budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires two or more years of experience as an Engineer II or Industry certifications (i.e. CCNA, CCNP) or equivalent experience of 3-5 years in a network/communications discipline. 
• Requires technical guidance and supervision on non-standard assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Is a self-starter and has developed good time management skills, completing all assignments on time.
• Has developed good leadership skills and is fully comfortable leading meetings and speaking in front of others.

Level IV
Description:

• Will have primary responsibility for projects of any size or complexity and act as the project engineer/manager.  
• May be assigned to perform technical studies as needed.  
• May direct other personnel in large projects. 
•  Follows approved standards in design with minor modifications.  
• Assists with the development of standards and equipment review. 
• Will assist in training of less experienced engineers or technicians.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires two or more year’s professional experience as an Engineer III or requires industry certifications (i.e. CCNA, CCNP) or equivalent experience of five or more years in a network discipline.
• Individual is considered at full proficiency in the network/communications field and a leader on the communications team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Is able to work independently on most projects but needs technical guidance on unusual or complex projects, and supervisory approval on proposed plans.
• Time management, technical knowledge, and economic consideration are exhibited in all assignments.  
• Basic leadership skills have been developed and shows demonstrated use of the skills.

Senior
Description:

• A top-level individual contributor who may be assigned any project that is within the section’s responsibilities.  
• Approves design changes and creates new design standards.
• They will be the primary source of training for the section and will share information openly.   
• Will assist in personnel selection.  
• Primary focus will be on supervisory skills training, but must be technically proficient.  
• Provides direct backup support for section Supervisor in allocating work assignments to other personnel, preparing and doing performance evaluation and assist in manpower planning. 
• Needs guidance only on overall objectives, policy matters or critical issues.  

Minimum Qualification:

• Requires two or more year’s professional experience as an Engineer IV or requires industry certification (i.e. CCNA, CCNP) or equivalent experience of seven or more years in a network discipline and the ability to lead all network/communications projects.
• Proficient in all aspects of time management, project organization, and technical analysis.   
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and supports all decision making with superior technical knowledge and economic analysis.  
• Visionary, that is proficient at all required network/communications aspects and helps others to become more proficient.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Makes decisions independently and does not require guidance or supervision on any technical or project management duty.
• Completes projects and provides strategic direction on how the network/communications should evolve.