Associate Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary - Telecommunication & Control Field Engineer

This position is responsible for the implementation, analysis, testing, operation and maintenance of advanced communication and control systems that support the reliable operation of electric utility infrastructure. Telecomm Field Engineers work hands-on in the field with technologies such as fiber optics, microwave radio systems, RF systems, RF (900Mhz) and fiber optic Field Area Networks (FANs), MPLS-TP nodes, SCADA systems, and carrier-grade protection systems. While not design engineers, Telecomm Field Engineers collaborate closely with design teams to ensure systems meet operational needs and performance standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Telecommunication & Control Field

-Engineer 1 / Specialist 1 / Associate Engineer

• Assists in the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of communication systems including fiber optics, microwave radios, RF networks, and SCADA components.

• Supports configuration and validation of MPLS-TP nodes and network devices operating at speeds up to 100 Gbps.

• Participates in field verification of carrier protection systems and remote terminal units (RTUs).

• Aids in the analysis of system faults and communication failures to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

• Works with design engineers to ensure field implementations align with system requirements and standards.

• Maintains documentation and records for system configurations, test results, and maintenance activities.

Telecommunication & Control Field

-Engineer 2 / Specialist 2

• Independently performs testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex communication and SCADA systems.

• Develops and maintains RTU configurations, network configurations and routing schemes for SCADA, MPLS-TP, and FAN systems.

• Analyzes system performance metrics and recommends improvements to enhance reliability and throughput.

• Provides technical support for field personnel and assists in training on new systems and technologies.

• Conducts peer reviews of junior engineers' work and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

Telecommunication & Control Field

-Engineer 3 / Specialist 3

• Leads field implementation of new communication technologies and SCADA system upgrades.

• Develops and tests advanced RF, fiber optic, and SCADA communication schemes for utility applications.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on microwave radio systems, MPLS-TP architecture, SCADA protocols, and carrier protection systems.

• Participates in the development of standards and best practices for communication system deployment and maintenance.

• Supports compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., NERC, CIP, IEEE).

• R&D - Engages in industry forums and technical groups to stay current with emerging technologies and practices.

Senior Engineer / Senior Specialist

• Provides technical leadership and mentorship to engineering staff.

• Oversees complex projects involving multi-technology communication and SCADA systems and ensures high-quality execution by the rest of the team.

• Represents the group in cross-functional meetings and external engagements.

• Helps develop and approve future projects, design templates, and hardware used in current and future designs.

• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.

• Leads strategic initiatives to modernize communication infrastructure and integrate new technologies.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

• Understanding of fiber optic systems, RF technologies, microwave radio equipment, and SCADA systems.

• Familiarity with MPLS-TP, Ethernet networking, IP routing protocols, and SCADA communication standards (e.g., DNP3, Modbus).

• Ability to use engineering software and tools for testing and diagnostics.

• Strong understanding of utility communication systems and their role in grid reliability.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• Prior military experience involving radar, radio, or electronic communication systems.

• Familiarity with cellular technologies and infrastructure.

• Active or former ham radio operator (amateur radio license).

• Knowledge of NERC/CIP standards and utility communication compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with tools such as Wireshark, SEL AcSELerator, SCADA system interfaces, and Python scripting PLC's, Industrial Automation, Telecomm Systems.

• Understanding of carrier protection systems, tuners, wave-traps, utility line protection systems.

• Familiarity with utility-specific technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Power Line Carrier.

Education & Experience

• Engineer 1/ Specialist 1: Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, or related field.

• Engineer/Specialist 2: Bachelor's + 3 years of relevant experience or Master's + 2 years.

• Engineer/Specialist 3: Bachelor's + 7 years or Master's + 5 years.

• Senior Engineer/Sr. Specialist: Bachelor's + 10 years or Master's + 8 years.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance available.

• Physical demands and responsibilities may vary based on field conditions and project scope.

• Telecomm Field Engineers are on-call and can work some days after hours.

Successful candidates will be considered for the 4 Engineering Levels within this job family based on experience and education.

• Engineer 1/Associate Engineer $67,900 - $101,900

• Engineer 2/ Specialist 2 $79,800 - $119,600

• Engineer 3 / Specialist 3 $93,800 - $140,700

• Senior Engineer / Senior Specialist $110,200 - $165,300

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.comor 1-888-640-3320

E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

• E-Verify Poster(English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster(English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

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