Job Summary 

This position will provide leadership and direction to the Communication Engineering team in the design, engineering, management, and technical support of NIPSCO's Communication Network. The incumbent will provide guidance, training, and supervision to the Communication Engineering staff, as well as be responsible for the planning of the Communication Network. Monitors and periodically evaluates performance of the internal engineering staff to ensure the completion of company goals and department objectives. Assists in the development of capital budget programs and provides management controls throughout project execution. Ensures all projects are designed according to company standards and other applicable guidelines and safety codes. The incumbent will provide technical expertise to solve complex engineering problems, as well as offer quality oversight of work produced in Communication Engineering. Incumbents are expected to have advanced engineering skills in electric utility or telecom space. This position will demonstrate sound collaboration with company personnel and peer departments, while providing timely technical input and economic evaluations to ensure safe, reliable, and technically balanced solutions. 

Essential Functions 

• Overall management of NIPSCO’s Communication Networks, including managing the planning, design, and execution of maintenance and capital projects. 

• Communicates key messages regarding the organization’s vision and values. 

• Establishes implementation plans for Communication Engineering objectives and goals. 

• Identifies and explores opportunities to develop or improve internal/external partnerships. 

• Identifies areas for departmental improvements and develops plans to achieve them. 

• Develop and execute the annual capital program. 

• Develop methods to measure the performance of the engineering department that are linked with NiSource business goals. 

• Develop strategic long-range plans. 

• Guide the engineering team in project management and provide engineering direction throughout the project life cycle. 

• Work with external engineering contractors to ensure project quality, constructability, as well as conformance to all company standards, procedures, applicable safety codes, and long-term system plans. 

• Provide technical support for internal departments and associate project stakeholders. 

• Research, specify, order, coordinate material purchases and establish stocking levels of major communication equipment. 

• Verify Communication Engineering's methods and procedures are kept current with the latest and best industry safety requirements and engineering practices. 

• Ensure accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of work activities. 

• Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally. 

• Assigns and delegates projects and responsibilities to engineering staff. 

• Drives functional consistency, process standardization, and operational excellence involving change throughout the department. 

• Promotes a safe working environment for company employees and ensures public safety on all communication projects. 

• Participates in storm restoration activities and other emergencies. 

• Receives input from Operations groups on engineered designs; evaluates and improves the quality of future designs and processes within Engineering. 

• Interfaces and works with various interconnected companies, utilities, and entities such as INDOT, REMC, FERC, NERC, and MISO, where appropriate. 

• Ensures Communication Engineers are progressing by providing clear goals aligned with company values, assisting with performance reviews, visiting job sites, inspecting work, and coaching employees. 

• “Leads diverse team of qualified individuals with authority to hire, terminate, promote, demote, coach, develop, and performance manage.” 

Required Qualifications for Position 

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college (ABET accredited preferred) or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Engineering Technology OR a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Will consider college majors in Science, Mathematics, or Information Technology only if it is coupled with work experience similar to this position. 

• Minimum of 7+ years of electric utility/telecom experience in Wireless, Fiber, or Serial Communication System Design (5 of those years including significant performance showing substantial job responsibilities). 

• An expert in researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting results. 

• Ability to read and interpret various types of engineering drawings. 

• Must have good planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to perform duties effectively under emergency and contingency situations. 

• Ability to supervise, support, and guide engineering employees and contractors in a technical environment. 

• Able to coach and develop employees. Ability to encourage teamwork and motivate individual participation. 

• Possess strong computer skills for engineering, communications, reports, databases, and spreadsheets. 

• Experience in engineering project management, including engineering contractor management and standard methodologies and processes for engineering projects. 

• Ability to work with customers, contractors, and internal partners on highly complex and emergent projects. 

• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position 

• Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification 

• Professional Engineer (PE) License 

• Certified associate in project management (CAPM) 

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position.