Telecoms Engineer in Sunderland

The energy industry is advancing with investment in smart technology innovation and Northern Powergrid, as the company responsible for powering everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the Northeast, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is at the forefront of delivering a power network that meets the region’s needs, now and in the future. Our vision is to be the best energy company in serving our 3.9 million homes, whilst delivering a sustainable energy solution.

As a Telecoms Engineer you will be an integral part of achieving this, while always striving to keep our customers' power flowing. Working primarily within the Telecommunications team, this role will build, change and run operational and non-operational IP data networks to deliver a reliable telecommunications service to the Northern Powergrid business. The successful applicant must participate in the Telecoms technical out of hours standby rota.

Along with a competitive salary between £53,711 - £73,451 (dependent on experience), we also offer great benefits such as:

• Enrolment into our pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (increasing with tenure)
• Agile policy of 80/20 split in office
• Car allowance and access to the company car scheme

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Configuration and Implementation: Configuring and implementing both WAN, LAN, wired and wireless communication networks, ensuring they meet specific requirements for data speeds, coverage, and reliability. Ensure network designs meet network security requirements and remain aligned to company IS security standards.
• System Maintenance and Optimisation: Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and implementing upgrades to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Installation and Testing: Overseeing the installation of network equipment and conducting thorough testing to ensure all components function correctly. Working with contractors and when necessary, witness acceptance tests.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Diagnosing and resolving issues in communication systems to maintain smooth operation. Work harmoniously with all areas of service and support to resolve incidents and restore services whilst maintaining a blameless culture.
• Technical Support: Providing technical support to customers and internal teams and preparing technical documentation. Providing technical support to customers and where necessary liaising with colleagues to solve complex issues.
• Project Support: Provide overall project management and direction to team members in the delivery of high-quality solutions within committed timeframes and cost. Translate key stakeholder requirements into specifications and proposed solutions.
• Service Delivery: Comply with all requirements in relation to incident and change control processes. Ensure following any changes accountable to you, that system records and monitoring accurately reflects the current network. Working with colleagues and customers to ensure a continuity of service.
• Major Incidents: Participate in the Telecoms technical MIMP arrangements. Fully support reasonable alterations to normal duties, and additional measures that may be required during periods where the Major Incident Management Plan is invoked.
• Staying Updated: Keeping up with advancements in telecommunications technology and recommending necessary upgrades.

Key Competencies:

• Managing your own working time to ensure that jobs are completed in the most efficient manner.
• Working safely and in accordance with agreed Northern Powergrid procedures and techniques.
• Highly motivated and able to set and achieve challenging goals.
• Willingness to make decisions, exhibit sound and accurate judgement and include the appropriate people in the decision-making process.
• Ability to work well as part of a team or individually whilst building relationships with other departments.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to complete root cause analysis and provide future fault prevention fixes.
• Ensure high levels of performance, availability and security of the infrastructure.
• Update and maintain accurate network diagrams and asset information.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified at least to HNC level 4 in Networking, Electrical or a relevant subject.
• Valid CCNA or equivalent IP network qualification.
• Minimum 4 years’ demonstrable experience of working on complex WAN / LAN Telecoms systems e.g. IP, Routing, Hardware deployment, design, fault finding.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• ITILv4.
• Degree in relevant STEM subject area.
• Working in substation and OT environments.
• Knowledge of incident & change management.
• Experience with PDH MUX Technology, MPLS-TP networks, and Telecoms DC Power Distribution equipment would be an advantage.
• Experience or awareness of key network security tools and technologies.

Telecoms systems training will be provided for the successful candidate.

Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.