Telecom Engineer - Protection, Telecommunication & Distribution (PT&D)

Job Overview

The Telecom Site Engineer specialized in substation projects is tasked with managing and carrying out all telecommunication and SCADA-related activities on-site, ensuring they meet design standards, communication protocols, safety rules, and project timelines. The position involves installing, testing, integrating, and commissioning telecom systems such as SDH/MPLS devices, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), SCADA networks, teleprotection setups, CCTV, access control, PA systems, networking hardware, and related communication infrastructure. This role ensures uninterrupted communication between substations and control centers, collaborating closely with clients, vendors, contractors, and cross-functional project teams for successful delivery.

Primary Duties

• Supervise daily telecom equipment installation and communication system activities at the substation site.
• Ensure correct installation of telecom apparatus including SDH/MPLS routers, switches, RTUs, teleprotection devices, CCTV and access control systems, PA systems, and all necessary cabling per approved schematics and specifications.
• Monitor contractor deployment of manpower, tools, and materials to ensure efficient utilization.
• Validate installation quality covering cable routing, terminations, labeling, and system integration.
• Keep all telecom-related works aligned with project milestones and timelines.
• Oversee testing, configuration, and commissioning processes for telecom and SCADA systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturers, vendors, and technical specialists during equipment setup and system integration.
• Conduct pre-commissioning inspections verifying communication links are functional and stable.
• Support troubleshooting of network and communication issues encountered during commissioning.
• Maintain comprehensive records of testing, commissioning, and acceptance documentation.
• Ensure all telecom tasks conform to project specs, approved methodologies, client standards, and quality control procedures.
• Perform regular inspections and compile inspection reports highlighting site observations and ensuring timely rectifications.
• Work with QA/QC engineers for inspections, testing approvals, and assurance of equipment compliance.
• Confirm telecom materials and devices meet approved technical standards upon delivery.
• Coordinate effectively with electrical, protection, SCADA, and civil teams to ensure telecom tasks are harmonized with other discipline works.
• Act as liaison among subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and clients regarding telecom installations and testing phases.
• Participate actively in daily and weekly progress meetings, providing status updates on telecom activities.
• Resolve technical conflicts and site challenges through collaboration with engineering and commissioning teams.
• Support interface management between substation equipment and central control centers.
• Ensure telecom activities comply with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations, enforcing safety practices and PPE usage.
• Conduct safety audits, participate in toolbox talks, identify installation risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Report all safety incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions, driving corrective action implementations.
• Keep detailed and up-to-date documentation including daily site reports, progress logs, testing records, and activity documentation.
• Prepare necessary documentation such as Material Inspection Requests (MIR), Work Inspection Requests (WIR), testing summaries, and commissioning checklists.
• Maintain records of approved drawings, revisions, site directives, and technical papers.
• Assist in developing as-built drawings and compiling final project documents.
• Ensure comprehensive handover documents and operation manuals are delivered at project completion.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Telecommunication, Electrical Engineering, or related field is required.
• 8 to 12 years of relevant experience in telecom system installation and commissioning within substations, power utilities, or related infrastructure projects.
• Preferably experienced in high-voltage substations (132kV, 220kV, 400kV).
• Proficient with SCADA, RTU, teleprotection, networking, and communication system technologies.

Technical Proficiencies

• In-depth understanding of substation telecom and communication frameworks including SDH, MPLS, RTUs, SCADA systems, teleprotection, CCTV, access control, and networking devices.
• Capability to read and interpret telecom schematics, network architecture diagrams, cable schedules, and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3, and utility communication protocols.
• Skilled in testing, configuring, integrating, and commissioning various telecom systems.
• Knowledgeable in fiber optic cable installation, splicing, testing, and problem-solving techniques.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and coordination with stakeholders.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Team leadership and collaboration capabilities at site operations.

Working Environment

• This role is primarily based on-site with exposure to outdoor construction environments.
• Extended working hours may be required during crucial installation and commissioning stages.
• Responsibilities include field inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and collaboration with multiple parties throughout the project lifecycle.