Power/Utilities Communications Engineer

Want to use your power systems and communications expertise to make a real difference? We're looking for a Power/Utilities Communications Engineer to join a team working on critical national security and energy infrastructure projects. If you're passionate about innovation and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect opportunity to advance your career and contribute to projects of national significance.

What Makes This Opportunity Exceptional

This position offers access to one of the world’s most advanced research environments for power systems and critical infrastructure communications. The facilities include:

• A full-scale, isolatable power grid test bed for real-time validation of power system models.
• A Real-Time Digital Simulator supporting hardware-in-the-loop, controller-in-the-loop, and grid-in-the-loop testing.
• Extensive capabilities include load banks, energy storage systems, SCADA test beds, a microgrid test bed, and wireless communication resources.

This unparalleled infrastructure supports transformative work on power system reliability, resilience, and innovation—placing you at the forefront of solving real-world challenges for critical infrastructure.

What You'll Do

As a Power/Utilities Communications Engineer, you’ll bridge the gap between networking and power systems communications, tackling challenges that ensure the nation's critical infrastructure's stability, security, and reliability. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Systems Architecture & Design: Analyze current communication systems used by utilities and propose innovative architectures to enhance their reliability and efficiency.
• Protocol Expertise: Work with industry-specific communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, and MPLS.
• Network Engineering: Configure routers, switches, VLANs, and software-defined networks while ensuring seamless integration with OT systems.
• Lab Testing & Configuration: Set up and test network management systems, simulate communication scenarios, and ensure lab systems align with operational goals.
• Research & Innovation: Explore emerging communication technologies, including 5G, 6G, and satellite applications, and their potential in the utility space.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Support cross-disciplinary teams in addressing complex challenges related to grid communication and critical infrastructure.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is a technical powerhouse with expertise in utility communication systems and a passion for safeguarding national infrastructure. You have:

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of power systems operations and associated communication needs.
• Deep understanding of OT communications, networking fundamentals, and specific utility protocols.
• Hands-on experience configuring and managing communication networks for situational awareness and system operations.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Ability to identify, diagnose, and mitigate risks in communication systems.
• Innovative thinker, capable of crafting solutions that balance cutting-edge technology with legacy system investments.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Comfort working in a lab setting, interacting with customers at a technical level, and providing data-driven support to leadership.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage tasks across multiple projects.

**MUST be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.**

What’s in It for You?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to projects that protect national security and power critical infrastructure.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to work on novel research and applied science in emerging technologies.
• World-Class Facilities: Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including full-scale power grid and SCADA test beds.
• Work-Life Balance: Idaho Falls offers unmatched access to outdoor adventures—hunting, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling, all within reach.
• Community & Culture: Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values ingenuity and initiative.
• Competitive Pay & Benefits: This is a top-tier role with compensation that reflects the critical nature of your contributions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or eligible for a Top Secret Q clearance.
• Experience working in or with utility industries.
• Familiarity with the unique demands of critical infrastructure communication systems.

Employment Type: Contract-to-hire opportunity.

Location Details: Idaho Falls, ID (preferred), has potential for remote work during an initial contract period. While Idaho Falls is the preferred location to foster collaboration and hands-on problem-solving, we are open to remote candidates for an initial contract period. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate interested in transitioning to a full-time role.

Blackmere is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.