Telecommunication Engineer/Specialist
Position Overview
The Communications Engineer/Specialist serves as the communications designer for new microwave, wireless systems, fiber optics, and infrastructure. Responsibilities include designing high- and low-density point-to-point microwave links, multiplex systems, wireless systems, multiple-address communication systems, and spread-spectrum systems.
- Acts as a technical liaison with other utilities for design and system coordination
- Serves as a liaison to communication equipment manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, and contractors
- Performs work in industrial environments, including:
- Electric substations
- Generating stations
- Gas facilities, compressor stations, and storage stations
- May require work on elevated structures (e.g., communication towers)
- Conducts:
- Field surveys for new communication systems
- Performance engineering calculations
- Bid specification development
- Standards development
- FCC and FAA application support
- RF safety compliance
- Electric and gas safety compliance
- Maintains working knowledge of structural standards
Note: This position may be filled as an Engineer or Specialist based on education and experience.
Communications Engineer/Specialist Level 2
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design wireless, fiber optic, and serial communication systems, including SCADA and high-speed relaying
- Conduct wireless path surveys for microwave design
- Calculate microwave path performance, propagation, and reliability
- Evaluate path designs for space diversity and passive reflector applications
- Conduct communication traffic studies
- Design fiber optic links, including performance calculations
- Design MAS communication systems and estimate RF propagation performance
- Conduct RF safety site surveys and compile documentation for NIPSCO sites
- Design:
- Multiplex systems
- Point-to-point wireless systems
- Antenna mounts (including stress analysis and fabrication drawings)
- Antenna systems for microwave and wireless links
- Microwave site layouts
- Conduct FAA studies and tower installation evaluations
- Develop detailed material lists and system specifications for bidding
- Develop standards, procedures, and policies
- Evaluate FCC tower registration requirements
- Provide technical expertise to identify, analyze, and resolve issues
- Support business objectives through planning, organizing, and scheduling
- Prepare accurate technical reports and maintain documentation
- Build strong working relationships and communicate effectively
- Ensure compliance with company standards, codes, and regulations
- Apply safety practices and standard operating procedures
- Develop estimates and order materials via MAPPS/Ariba
- Apply ASR/FAA obstruction standards
- Interpret schematics and wiring diagrams
- Apply substation and communications engineering principles
- Obtain and maintain RF safety certification
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Engineering Technology (ABET preferred) or Master’s in Electrical Engineering
- Related degrees (Science, Math, IT) considered with relevant experience
- 2–4 years of electric utility/telecom experience in communications design
Skills
- Understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving
- Knowledge of communication system configuration
- Ability to perform project estimates
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD
- Experience with tools such as PathLoss, MATLAB, RadioSoft
- Knowledge of TIA-222 tower standards
- Understanding of NESC codes
- Familiarity with field survey instruments
- Ability to manage multiple projects
- Knowledge of:
- Tower loading and structural behavior
- Microwave propagation and link budgets
- Fiber optics and margin calculations
Desired Qualifications
- Utility industry experience
- Project management knowledge or certification (PMP/CAPM)
- EIT or PE certification
Communications Engineer/Specialist Level III
Duties & Responsibilities
(Includes all Level II responsibilities, plus the following)
- Lead and complete complex communication design projects
- Apply NESC codes and FAA/ASR standards to projects
- Interpret and correct complex schematics and diagrams
- Improve and apply engineering standards
- Lead technical meetings and field activities
- Provide advanced engineering solutions across projects
- Maintain RF safety certification
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of microwave propagation and calculations
Qualifications
- Same educational requirements as Level II
- 4–9 years of relevant experience
Skills
- Proficiency in engineering principles and design practices
- Ability to manage and complete complex projects
- Advanced schematic interpretation skills
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Demonstrated project leadership experience
Desired Qualifications
- Utility experience
- Project management certification
- EIT or PE certification
Senior Communications Engineer/Specialist
Duties & Responsibilities
(Includes all prior levels, plus the following)
- Lead technical strategy and execution for complex projects
- Mentor and coach team members
- Ensure achievement of business objectives
- Manage and maintain company standards, codes, and policies
- Lead stakeholder coordination and decision-making
- Apply advanced engineering calculations and system design
- Improve communication engineering standards
- Develop large-scale project estimates and material planning
- Recommend system redesigns for safety, compliance, and efficiency
- Demonstrate mastery of communication networks and infrastructure
Qualifications
- Same educational requirements
- 7–12 years of relevant experience (including demonstrated advanced responsibility)
Skills
- Advanced engineering expertise
- Strong leadership and project management capabilities
- High-level analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications
- Utility industry experience
- Project management certification (PMP/CAPM)
- EIT or PE certification
Salary Ranges
- Specialist II: $82,200 – $123,200
- Engineer II: $82,200 – $123,200
- Specialist III: $96,600 – $144,900
- Engineer III: $96,600 – $144,900
- Senior Specialist: $113,500 – $170,300
- Senior Engineer: $113,500 – $170,300
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.com or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.
E-Verify
NiSource participates 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:
Salary Range*:
$82,200.00 - $170,300.00
*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.
Posting Start Date:
2026-05-14
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-05-29
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
