Engineer I/II/III - Communications

Bismarck, ND (On-site)

$73K/yr – $121K/yrFull time

Posted 1 month ago

Job Description

Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others. Leads the design and day-to-day support of the 2-way radio system and Energy Management System (EMS) including: upgrades, FAT, SCADA, ICCP, AGC, and database management. Performs detailed engineering designs, cost estimates for capital and O&M projects, and procurement of materials. Responsible for ensuring the Company’s electric operations remain compliant with North American Electric Reliability Cooperation (NERC) reliability standards and performs as a SME for designated standards. Provides direction, training, technical guidance, and resource knowledge to departmental staff.

Engineer I - Communications: Applies basic engineering techniques for entry-level assignments with review and guidance from a higher level.

Engineer II - Communications:  Applies standard engineering methods and techniques to solve problems with moderate guidance and direction provided. Work is normally reviewed from a high level.

Engineer III - Communications: Applies a broad range of engineering skills and techniques, leads projects, and provides direction to lower-level engineers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Engineer I - Communications: ($73,460 - $91,830)

  • Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.

Engineer II - Communications: ($84,460 - $105,570)

  • Must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline; and
  • Two years related work experience.

Engineer III - Communications: ($97,110 - $121,390)

  • Must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline; and
  • Five years of progressively responsible experience and understanding of communication systems, hardware, and EMS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with communications or embedder emphasis.
  • Previous experience with SCADA and Energy Management Systems (EMS).
  • Familiarity with programming in C/C++, Linux commands, file editing, and Office Suites.
  • An EI (Engineering Intern) or an EIT (Engineering in Training) Certificate.

In addition to the above, an Engineer III has:

  • Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum with Communications, Embedder, Electromagnetic, or Cyber emphasis.
  • Previous experience with DMR Tier III 2-way radio system.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
  • Required to maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Moderate (25%) travel within service territory is required.
  • Due to the need for unescorted access to security sensitive business locations and systems, must submit to periodic background checks.
  • Participates in on-call rotation.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United State, no sponsorships considered. 
  • Subject to pre-employment drug screen and background check. 
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides safe, secure, and reliable operation of the communications network, systems, and EMS through continuous involvement with MDU’s NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) procedures as a subject matter expert (SME).
  • Provides engineering design as well as day to day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and analysis.
  • Configures, troubleshoots, and updates Energy Management System (EMS) and Front-end Processor (FEP).
  • Designs, updates, and maintains various EMS subsystems such as ICCP, calculations, video walls, one-line displays, SCADA, and historian.
  • Programs and configures various makes and models of RTUs and upgrading legacy RTUs.
  • Applies various supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communication protocols such as: Modbus, DNP, and SEL fast messaging.
  • Interfaces with and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
  • Programs network equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless devices.
  • Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Additional to the above, the Engineer III:

  • Leads in the engineering design and day-to-day operation support for the System Control Center staff regarding communications issues and EMS analysis.
  • Responsible for communications network equipment including: switches, routers, firewalls, 2-way radios, and terminal servers.
  • Responsible for leading Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and On-site testing for software and hardware upgrades.
  • Designs, maintains, and troubleshoots various communications equipment including: Power Line Carrier, Sonnet, MPLS, VPLS, OPGW, and wireless.
  • Interfaces with external vendors and supports Communication Specialists during retrofits, upgrades, and green field commissioning.
  • Acts as project manager of large and complex projects. Prepares scope of work, detailed cost estimates, and establishes schedules.
  • Participates in the development of the department’s capital and O&M budgets.
  • Provides direction to department staff in absence of department manager. Provide technical, informational, and other engineering recommendations to management.
  • Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Deadline to apply: October 19, 2026 @ 11am CST

Energizing Lives for a Better Tomorrow

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. logo

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.

You’re probably familiar with the expression "A light bulb went on," meaning someone just had a good idea. Well that’s what happened – quite literally – on the border between Montana and North Dakota in 1924.Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. was created that year to serve a handful of small farm communities in the area. Since then the company has grown into a large regional energy supplier. During those years of growth, we’ve changed our name a few times, acquired a number of smaller companies and progressed side-by-side with those we serve.Today, we’re a Subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc., a diversified energy company based in Bismarck, N.D. We provide retail natural gas and/or electric service to parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Our service area covers more than 168,000 square miles (5.5 percent of the continental United States), and we serve about 355,000 customers.Over the years, Montana-Dakota has adopted the slogan "In the Community to Serve," and we believe in those words. Our success as a company is rooted in the growth and prosperity of our communities. We're committed to help meet tomorrow's challenges and opportunities by providing affordable and reliable energy services.

Founded in 1924
Bismarck, North Dakota, USA
374 employees (6 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$73K/yr – $121K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

See all Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. salaries
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Engineer I/II/III - Communications

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. · Bismarck, ND · On-site