Remote Power Line Inspector Jobs in Meridian, ID

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Idaho Power - located in vibrant Boise, Idaho - is looking for an Engineer I, II, or Senior to join our Engineering Communications team. It's an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we're working hard to provide our customers with the safe, reliable, affordable energy they depend on. While this position is based at Idaho Power's downtown Boise location, we offer both flexible schedules and the opportunity to work up to 40% remote. Relocation assistance may also be provided to the successful candidate.

What does a Computer/Communications Engineer do for us?

The communications engineering department deploys a variety of modular, firmware upgradeable, networked equipment for company use, including microwave radios, optical multiplex, MPLS routers, Ethernet routers, serial Portservers, etc.

They plan, design, configure, analyze, and operate utility MPLS, fiber, microwave, cellular, powerline carrier, mobile radio, multiplex, multipoint radio, and LEO/GEO satellite systems which include network and firmware management.

Specific additional job duties:

• The Communications Engineering Team provides mission-critical communications circuits and systems to ensure secure operation of the interconnected electrical power system. Communications systems include microwave, radio, power line carrier, telephone, fiber optics, leased circuits, and other associated electronic equipment
• This position specifies, evaluates, tests, designs, and writes computer applications to support system requirements that enable reliable and secure grid operations

• Specifies, evaluates, tests, designs, and writes computer applications
• Specifies, evaluates, and develops database systems
• Specifies, evaluates, tests, and designs systems used for remote equipment configuration and data collection
• Deploy, configure, and administer servers for the above systems
• Specify and create integrations between in-house developed applications and vendor applications
• Monitors and maintains computer applications and system performance
• Troubleshoots and maintains data acquisition and database systems
• Monitors computer application and system performance and takes corrective action when required
• Makes corrections or instructs vendors to make corrections to applications and systems
• Design and implementation of IP networks
• Troubleshoots and makes corrections to computers, computer networks, and circuits

Engineer I

Operating under general supervision and with oversight, an Engineer I develops technical expertise in their field. This role plans and leads assignments and projects as well as interfaces with internal departments and external organizations. They also receive guidance from leaders and other engineers as needed.

Engineer II

Operating under limited supervision, an Engineer II has an intermediate level of technical expertise in their field. This role plans and leads moderately complex assignments and projects as well as interfaces with internal departments and external organizations. They also receive high-level guidance from leaders and other engineers as needed.

Senior Engineer

Operating under minimal supervision and using independent initiative, Senior Engineers have comprehensive technical expertise in their field. This role plans and leads complex assignments and projects as well as interfaces with internal departments and external organizations. They also mentor other engineers and engineering support staff as needed.

In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

A COMPETITIVE CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

Knowledge of:

• Computer programming (.NET framework or comparable environments), computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, database design (SQL server or comparable DBMS), computer networks, electronic circuits, embedded systems, control systems, digital communications, data acquisition
• System administration (Windows Server and Linux)
• Network routing protocols such as MPLS, OSPF, ISIS, and BGP
• Analog and digital communications systems including microwave, radio (base station and two-way), power line carrier, telephone, fiber optics, and leased telephony circuits
• Communications measurements, engineering economics, and application of computers in engineering work
• General knowledge of engineering principles
• Developing specific knowledge related to discipline, utilities and their business environment
• Power system analysis and programs, Substation operations, Protective relay application, Instrument transformers
• Transformers, capacitors, reactors, and control systems
• Communication system requirements specific to the needs of power grid applications on a real-time critical operational system

Skills in:

• Computer application and database development, delivering training on computer applications and database systems
• Troubleshooting circuits and systems
• Operating test equipment
• Interdisciplinary skills
• Effective oral and written communication
• Producing technical reports

Ability to:

• Develop and write computer application and database software; specify, evaluate, set, test, and repair circuits, computers, and computer networks
• Integrate communications circuits and systems
• Direct the design and commissioning of new equipment
• Effectively communicate complex engineering principles and criteria to a wide variety of audiences
• Work in a collaborative project team environment to effectively create a project vision and contribute to project success
• Work independently, be a self-starter, communicate effectively, accurately gather and organize technical data, interpret and create maps and drawings
• Act as a liaison between other departments and organizations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Exercise technical judgement in decision-making and independent action
• Develop alternatives and work with others to evaluate their value and potential for meeting company needs
• Responsible for budgeting, financial accountability and timelines on assigned projects
• Draft written and oral reports of problems, alternatives and recommendations
• Evaluate progress and results and recommend changes in procedures
• Utilize industry and discipline-related knowledge to interpret and comply with regulations as required by NERC, FERC, WECC, EPA, NESC, OSHA, FCC, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution

OR

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from a non-ABET accredited institution and a Professional Engineer (PE) license

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited institution

Experience:

• Engineer I - 0 - 2 years related experience
• Engineer II - 2 or more years of related experience
• Senior Engineer - 6 years of related engineering experience OR 5 years of related engineering experience plus PE or advanced engineering degree, and 3 years in the area of expertise

Preferred:

• Engineer I/II - Engineer in Training (EIT) designation
• Senior Engineer - 3 years in the area of expertise and/or PE

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position has both office and field requirements. This position requires working at a desk/computer for extended periods of time. It requires the use of office equipment, fine motor skills including typing on the computer, dialing phones, filing paper, and working near other people. It also requires walking on even/uneven surfaces and ascents/descents, up to 5 miles daily, while carrying 14-26 lbs. of equipment. Lifting of up to 36 lbs. and carrying up to 30 lbs., (up to 50 feet), is performed occasionally. Climbing of ladders/racks and work within elevated lifts (up to 40 feet high) with competency in use of safety equipment is required. Squatting, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lying at ground level is performed to work within confined spaces of power plants/dams/generators, for extended intervals up to a full shift. Driving is required to perform work throughout the IPC territory, (3-7 hours). The above is a summary of the primary essential functions of the position. This job may require the performance of additional tasks assigned by company leaders or management. Questions regarding job requirements or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel with out-of-town stays may be required.

Senior Engineer: For internal candidates, must have 6 months or greater at Engineer II level, Step 13.

#IPC1

Competencies:

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Need Assistance Completing Your Application?

Please contact our Recruiting Office if you have questions, require assistance or accommodation while applying for employment with Idaho Power Company:  Phone: 208-388-2965 or Email: jobs@idahopower.com

Idaho Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, marital status, and any other status protected by applicable federal and state laws.

Please note: Idaho Power will not provide sponsorship for obtaining an employment visa, such as an H-1B visa.