Mgr Communication Engineering

Pay Grade

18

Position Summary

The Manager of Communications Engineering is responsible for overseeing of engineering, technical and administrative staff in support of Outside Plant (OSP) fiber-optic cable infrastructure, electronics associated with providing lit-fiber mission-critical Operational Technology (OT) data communications, and network infrastructure. They will regularly interface with internal (EDS, ESMO, Power Gen, Transmission, Distribution, System Ops, etc.) & external (CoSA, SAPD, SAFD, VIA, etc.) partners to manage project activity and develop new solutions related to data transport needs. The Manager of Communications Engineering will be responsible for ensuring that we remain in NERC compliance and will participate in NERC audits as relates to communications responsibilities. They are responsible for developing staff training plans and overall talent development within the department to ensure competencies keep up with changing technologies and to foster professional growth. They will provide strategic input into ways to further enhance our ability to provide highly reliable, cost effective services to internal and external partners.

Deadline to apply: 7/10/25

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive fiber optic network plans, including route selection, infrastructure design, GIS/database management, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies to assess new fiber projects.
• Recommend hardware and software solutions to optimize workflow and efficiency.
• Provide input into the strategic direction and vision on OSP design and requirements.
• Offer technical expertise on complex problem resolutions.
• Participate in data gathering, validation, and audits related to TxRE, NERC & ERCOT compliance. Mitigate corporate risk exposure around NERC compliance, laws, regulatory requirements, policy, and process documentation for BlackStart, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, etc.
• Interface with internal and external partners and vendors to develop new solutions and perform scheduled upgrades, outages, etc.
• Schedule and coordinate daily work activities of internal and external resources to ensure project, operational, and SLA objectives are met, maintaining high reliability/availability of mission-critical transport systems.
• Ensure work is performed safely, adhering to all corporate policies and procedures. Lead crews in proper safety related to work in Energized High Voltage environments and other field-related activities.
• Develop and manage area budget, provide budget input, develop metrics to track and manage the budget, and manage staff overtime activity.
• Translate corporate vision & mission strategy into strategic and operational objectives, providing technical knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to communications and networking to implement corporate strategy and vision.
• Ensure proper incident resolution services, performance and capacity management, compliance with SLAs, develop monthly/yearly metrics, and identify tools to support system monitoring, incident resolution, and problem resolution. Ensure proper documentation and procedures are in place, reviewed periodically, and adjusted as necessary. Documentation includes hardware and software installation and use, technical specifications and operating standards, system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
• Manage real-time performance alerts and expectations, ensure problem resolution and root cause analysis, and provide regular review and analysis of performance data to identify trends and proactively detect potential future issues.
• Ensure systems are maintained, administered, configured, and documented accurately and timely. Lead, design, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Conduct regular review/analysis of performance data to identify current performance problems and proactively detect potential future performance problems.
• Identify possible service-affecting issues. Lead serious troubleshooting events, conduct root cause analysis, and implement solutions to processes, procedures, hardware, software, or other transport network systems.
• Administer contractual services to ensure compliance with contract agreements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing team of technicians responsible for SONET/SDH system operation & maintenance.
• Proven knowledge of SONET/SDH, PDH, TDM, DWDM, Microwave radio, Ethernet layer 2 & 3 protocols, TCP/IP and MPLS networks.
• Working experience with communication systems in high-voltage utility environments; including Microwave Radio, Fiber Optics, Teleprotection, High Voltage Protection for Telecommunications and Power Line Carrier communication.
• Experience working within GIS mapping systems.
• Ability to manage through obstacles with the goal of timely installation of services to exceed both customer expectations and budget objectives.
• Ability/willingness to operate in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Analytical/critical thinking ability.
• Expert in Microsoft Office Package

Competencies

Minimum Education

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Physical Demands