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Job Description: ReNuke Services is seeking a Telecommunications Design Engineer for our site in Russellville, AR 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 be responsible for planning and engineering fiber optic cable routes and microwave radio systems, designing telecom site infrastructure (towers, shelters, backup power), and coordinating 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 both aerial fiber (including Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on transmission lines and All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (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 to support mission-critical services (SCADA, protective relaying, corporate communications). Oversee permitting and rights-of-way for fiber installations and ensure designs meet National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearances and Entergy standards for attachment on utility infrastructure. * 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 and line-of-sight analyses, determine appropriate tower locations and heights, select antennas and frequencies, and develop link budgets to ensure reliable, high-capacity communications. Coordinate with frequency management and regulatory compliance (e.g., FCC licensing and interference studies) for microwave systems. Prepare specifications for microwave radios, waveguides, and antennas consistent with Entergy"s requirements and industry standards (e.g., Telcordia). * Telecom Site & Facility Design: Plan the placement and design of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations (substations, power plants, control centers, etc.). Design and/or specify the installation of telecom support structures such as communications towers, poles, and antenna mounts, as well as prefabricated communication shelters, cabinets, or control house upgrades to house telecom equipment. Address associated civil and site work - including site layout, grading, access roads, cable trenching or conduit installation, and equipment foundations - in collaboration with civil and structural engineers. Ensure all telecom facility designs meet physical security requirements, environmental/hazard mitigation standards, and compatibility with existing utility infrastructure. * Power & Backup Systems Integration: Incorporate reliable power solutions into telecom designs to guarantee continuous operation of critical communications during power outages. Specify and coordinate AC power feeds, DC power plants and battery backup systems, and appropriately sized standby generators for telecom sites such as repeater huts, microwave relay sites, and substation telecom rooms. Ensure proper grounding, surge protection, and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Entergy"s electrical standards when integrating generators and backup power equipment at communications facilities. * 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 (fiber expansions, microwave link deployments, network upgrades). Create and deliver detailed engineering design packages (incl. construction drawings, fiber splice diagrams, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, and bill-of-materials) for use by field construction crews and contractors. Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and GIS mapping tools (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) to produce route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams. Plan implementation schedules and participate in Entergy"s change management processes - coordinating network cutovers, scheduling necessary outage clearances, and preparing method-of-procedure documents to minimize impact on energy delivery and operations. * Records & Standards Management: Maintain accurate network documentation and records in Entergy"s telecommunications inventory and asset management systems (such as the ConnectMaster OSS and related databases). Update fiber route records, circuit databases, and equipment inventory to reflect new installations, removed facilities, and configuration changes. Follow and enforce Entergy Telecom Engineering standards and industry best practices in all designs, drawing on sources like Telcordia industry standards, IEEE guidelines, and utility telecom standards. Continually seek opportunities to improve standard designs and templates while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies. * Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with a wide range of internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure successful project execution. Collaborate daily with Entergy"s internal Telecom Engineering FTEs, aligning contractor work with the utility"s design standards and processes. Coordinate with Transmission Line Engineering on fiber optic cable installations on power lines (including scheduling fiber installations such as OPGW during line construction or maintenance outages), with Distribution Engineering on last-mile fiber connections, and with Substation & Protection & Control (P&C) Engineering on telecommunications requirements for substation SCADA, relaying, and automation systems. Engage with Grid/System Operations and Relay/Protection teams to understand communication needs for operational systems, ensuring low-latency and redundant paths for critical control and monitoring circuits. Interface with IT networking teams to integrate utility operational telecom with enterprise networks where appropriate (e.g., for corporate communications or security monitoring). Work with field construction and maintenance crews and external construction contractors, providing technical guidance, responding to RFIs, and ensuring that fiber and microwave installations in the field adhere to design specifications, quality standards, and safety rules. * Testing & Commissioning Support: Support field testing, inspection, and commissioning of new telecom facilities. Develop test plans and assist with or oversee field testing of fiber links (OTDR testing, power meter readings, end-to-end circuit tests) and microwave systems (path alignment, BER testing). Verify that installed systems meet performance specifications (bandwidth, latency, reliability) and integrate correctly with existing networks (e.g., confirm new fiber routes properly interface with multiplexers, routers, or teleprotection equipment). Identify and troubleshoot any issues during installation or cutover, and work with vendors and internal teams to implement solutions. Ensure that final as-built documentation is completed and accurately represents the installed configuration for future maintenance and asset management. E15043210 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS DESIGN ENGINEER - RUSSELLVILLE, AR - 12 MONTHS REQUIRED 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 will be considered. Demonstrated experience in telecommunications engineering, with a strong focus on outside plant fiber optic network design and/or microwave system engineering. (A track record of several years in telecom OSP engineering or network design in a utility or similar industry is expected for this contractor role.) * Technical Proficiency in Telecom Systems: Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems (including fiber cable types, splicing techniques, connectors, and outside plant construction practices for aerial and underground installations). Proficiency in microwave radio system design and RF engineering principles (path loss calculations, antenna propagation, frequency coordination). Familiarity with packet-based transport networks (such as MPLS or Carrier Ethernet) and traditional time-division multiplexing (TDM) systems (e.g., SONET/SDH, DCS, channel banks) used in utility telecommunications. Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals and how telecom transport networks interface with IP-based systems. * Tools & Software Skills: Proficient in using engineering and mapping tools common to telecom and utility design. This includes experience with GIS software (such as ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld) for route planning and asset tracking, and computer-aided design (CAD) tools (e.g., AutoCAD or MicroStation) to develop construction drawings. Experience using telecom network inventory and database tools, especially ConnectMaster or similar Operational Support Systems (OSS), to document network elements and manage telecom assets, fiber routes, and circuit records. Comfortable with productivity and documentation software (Microsoft Office suite, Visio) and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams). * Knowledge of Standards & Regulations: Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and codes for telecom and utility installations. Must be familiar with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) guidelines for line construction and structure clearances, and basic National Electrical Code (NEC) principles for facility electrical systems. Awareness of telecommunications standards (such as Telcordia/Bellcore standards, IEEE communications standards, and other industry"s best practices) is expected. Ability to design solutions that comply with safety regulations, utility policies, and any applicable regulatory standards (e.g., NERC reliability standards) governing communications in electric power systems. * Analytical & Project Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in network design and capacity planning. Ability to perform engineering calculations for link budgets, power budgets, path reliability, and structural loading (for aerial fiber installations or tower mounts). Experience developing cost estimates, work scopes, and schedules for telecom projects. Capable of managing multiple projects or design tasks simultaneously, with attention to detail and effective time management. * Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to work effectively as an embedded team member, coordinating with various internal engineering groups and external contractors. Skilled at conveying technical information clearly in both verbal discussions and written documentation/drawings. Self-starter who can work independently, take initiative in resolving problems or knowledge gaps, and adapt to Entergy"s processes without continuous supervision. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Utility Telecommunications Experience: Prior experience supporting telecommunications projects in an electric utility or similar critical infrastructure environment is highly desirable. Understanding of how telecom networks are used for power system operations, such as SCADA communications, protective relay teleprotection circuits, distribution automation, or other grid control systems, will enable the contractor to quickly integrate into Entergy"s telecom projects. Knowledge of electric utility organizational structure and operations (e.g., familiarity with power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, substation design practices, regulatory environment) is a plus. * Professional Certifications: Active professional credentials are a plus. Examples include state Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or equivalent industry certifications. These demonstrate a high level of technical competence and commitment to the field of telecommunications engineering. * Additional Technical Skills: Experience with telecom change management and work management systems (for example, familiarity with service ticketing and change control tools like ServiceNow). Hands-on experience with telecommunications testing and commissioning practices (e.g., fiber OTDR testing, RF site surveys, spectrum analysis for microwave links). Knowledge of power/telecom interface equipment (such as Power-over-Ethernet systems, DC power plants, and inverter/rectifier systems) used in telecom facilities. Any experience with utility telecom standards development or contributions to industry committees (IEEE, utility telecom councils) is a bonus. Work Environment & Conditions: This position is a contract/consultant role working on-site and remotely in coordination with Entergy"s teams. The OSP Design Engineer will be embedded within Entergy"s Telecommunications Engineering group, working closely with full-time Entergy engineers and project managers. The work typically involves a mix of office-based engineering design and field work. You will attend design meetings, planning sessions, and project reviews with internal stakeholders, and also conduct field visits to sites such as substations, telecom tower locations, generation plants, and control centers for surveys, inspections, and support of project implementation. A moderate amount of travel within Entergy"s multi-state service territory may be required to visit company facilities and job sites. While on site, the contractor must strictly adhere to all Entergy safety policies and safety culture practices. This includes following the Entergy Safety Manual and all applicable safety procedures, especially when working in energized substations or alongside high-voltage transmission and distribution lines. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be required. The role may occasionally involve working outside standard business hours or in coordination with storm/outage restoration efforts if critical communi