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Network Engineer - Microwave and Radio
Non-Union Position
Network Engineering; PORTLAND, OR, Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT
Posting # 5306
About Us:
At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
The Role:
As a Network Engineer for Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, you will design, install, and connect computer and network systems to ensure the stable and secure operation of the organization’s network. You will bring your depth of experience as you represent Network Engineering in cross-functional project and incident response teams.
In addition to ensuring the fingerprints of our Core Values are in everything we do, the Network Engineer, is expected to embody the IT&S department’s four cultural pillars…
Accountability & Integrity
We hold ourselves to a high standard and follow through on our commitments. Our transparency, and ability to deliver on our promises make us a trusted and respected business partner.
Customer Focus
We understand our customers’ needs and advocate for them. Our relationship with our customers ensures the technical needs of the business are met.
Growth & Learning
We embrace new technology and skills to better meet the company’s needs. Our passion for new technology keeps us ahead of future opportunities for the business.
Respect
We relate with inclusion, kindness, curiosity, and humility. Respect for differences leads to innovation and collaboration
Day to Day:
Daily Operations
- Provide support to Comms and Control technicians during telemetry site troubleshooting activities.
- Provide support to Gas Management team (OT application owners) during telemetry site or system wide troubleshooting activities.
- Provide support to Networking team during backhaul troubleshooting activities.
- Review issue logs on DC power plants at various hilltops when requested by field personnel.
- Perform CR and SR activities as assigned or required by IT&S Change Management policies
- Monitor operational status and stability of network infrastructure in both IT and OT environments
- Provide remote support to field team during telemetry site commissioning or maintenance work.
- Program and configure 4RF Aprisa SR+ radios for new and existing telemetry sites.
- Review performance data of remotes and base stations.
- Provide recommended antenna and cable configuration. Provide solution when a new site's receive signal is sub-optimal.
- Review Microwave performance data of remote and base stations when NMS indicates a link issue.
- Provide remote support to field team when a microwave link is in error.
- File Return Equipment Agreement with Aviat/NEC support.
- Open support tickets with Aviat/NEC when equipment errors are non-repairable.
- Download equipment files as required for support tickets
- Provide remote support to field team during commissioning of new voice radio sites.
- Provide assistance to Voice WAVE Console users, typically this involves end-user support.
- Review system status of voice radio WAVE dispatch server and application.
- Provide support for new Tait equipment to field techs, end-users, and contract team during deployment. This includes programming and troubleshooting both mobile, portable, and hilltop radios.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
- Create and maintain documentation.
- Participate in on-call rotation for support.
- Create reports as needed and present results to stakeholders.
- Assist with recommending, scheduling, and implementing system hardware and/or software upgrades or repairs.
- Research, evaluate and recommend software and hardware solutions based on business need & anticipated growth.
- Support Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices
Operational Management
- Coordinate commissioning & decommissioning of Microwave/Radio network equipment
- Create, baseline, and monitor Microwave/Radio key performance indicators
- Create knowledgebase articles to document procedures and routine tasks
- Complete emergency (zero day) patch deployments
- Manage and ensure effectiveness of our security solutions
- Participate in routine audits and create reports to meet compliance requirements
Come on your first day with:
Formal Education & Certification
- College diploma or university degree in the field of Electrical Engineering / computer science and/or 8+ years equivalent work experience.
- The following certifications are highly desired:
- RF Design Engineer
- Certified Microwave Radio Frequency Engineer (CMRFE)
- Certified Radio Frequency Engineer (CRFE)
- CCNA
- ITIL Foundation
Knowledge & Experience
- 8+ years, experience managing and configuring enterprise-wide Microwave Equipment: Trango Giga Orion, Trango Giga Lync, Trango Giga and Giga Plus; NEC VR10 and NEC chassis.
- 4+ years, experience managing and configuring 4RF Aprisa SR+
- 2+ years, in RF engineering role
- 2+ years, experience managing and configuring voice radios Telex IP-224 gateways, Tait TB9300, TM9300, TP89300
- 2+ years, experience in an industry with regulatory oversight
- 4+ years, managing enterprise enterprise-wide WAN/LAN/WLAN/SD-SWAN
- 2+ years, experience managing and configuring routers, firewalls, switches
- Technical documentation ability
- Experience with transport layer protocols & media (cellular, microwave, dark fiber, leased services)
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware such as servers, routers, firewalls, switches, modems, network interface cards, etc.
- Excellent working knowledge of current protocols and standards.
- Experience with Firewalls, Remote Access VPNs, and other security appliances
- Red Hat Linux proficiency highly desired
- Understanding of orchestration and automation methodologies
- Knowledge and understanding of system flow charts, data processing concepts, and telecommunications principles
- Experience in a Managed Services environment is a plus
Personal Attributes
- Good understanding of the organization's goals and objectives
- Security-oriented mindset
- Desire to provide mentorship and technical leadership
- Superb interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Able to independently conduct research into issues and products as required
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
- Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language
- Keen attention to detail
- Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
- Highly proficient documentation & technical writing skills
- Passionate about providing a high quality of service and believes in relentless customer satisfaction
- Promote a strong work ethic with the ability to meet commitments & deadlines
- Ability to maintain ownership & independence in a fast-paced high-volume environment
- Ability to maintain a sense of professionalism & urgency in all customer communications
Work Conditions
- Work responsibilities may require after hours
- Participate in on call rotation
What we offer:
Health & Wellness –
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Up to 23 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- Flexible work arrangements
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
- Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women’s Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
- 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial -
- Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
- Wellness incentive program
Discounts -
- 20% off natural gas service
- Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
- TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
- Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless
Base salary range: $107,500.00 - $153,200.00 per year, depending on qualifications
Annual Target Incentive: Level 3, 12.0% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% – 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/careers
Deadline: 7/15/25
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at employment@nwnatural.com or (971) 979-6341.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Portland Oregon