Electronics Engineer

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Communications and Control Planning (TPMC), Transmission Communications and Grid Modeling (TPM), Transmission Planning and Asset Management (TP), Transmission Services (T), As a senior expert, you will design long-range plans for crucial fiber and microwave communication networks. You'll lead technical teams, guide regional grid safety standards, and translate complex engineering needs into clear business cases.

Powering the Pacific Northwest: Shape the Future of Grid Communications At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), we power lives and drive the economy of the Pacific Northwest. Our high-voltage transmission grid is the backbone of the region's clean energy, and it relies on a sophisticated, highly secure communications network to run safely and reliably. We are seeking a senior-level Electronics Engineer to serve as a principal strategist and technical expert. In this role, you won't just maintain existing systems-you will design, expand, and safeguard the critical telecommunications infrastructure (including advanced fiber optic and microwave radio networks) that keeps our power grid smart, responsive, and secure. Here are the key opportunities and duties where you will make a lasting impact: Lead Long-Range Telecom Strategy - Conduct visionary, long-range studies of our sprawling regional communications system. You will evaluate the capacity of our radio and fiber networks, identifying where to expand, upgrade, and secure funding to keep BPA at the cutting edge of utility communications. Design Next-Generation Communication Systems - Create comprehensive blueprints and functional blueprints for next-generation microwave systems, fiber optic network upgrades, and advanced mobile radio technologies that directly support regional grid operations and customer energy connections. Serve as the Principal Technical Advisor - Act as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert on complex transmission and communication planning. You will provide authoritative advice to internal engineering groups, external utility partners, and BPA's executive leadership. Champion Industry Policies and Standards - Represent BPA on influential national and regional committees. You will help write, interpret, and update industry policies and compliance standards that govern how modern, large-scale utility communication networks operate safely. Negotiate High-Impact Utility Agreements - Formulate and negotiate critical business and technical agreements with other major utilities and commercial partners. This includes drafting agreements for shared network usage, leased fiber-optic capacity, and regional system interconnections. Resolve Complex Technical Challenges - Dive deep into unique, unprecedented engineering obstacles. You will perform system requirement analyses, resolve complex technical discrepancies between organizations, and evaluate the feasibility of innovative communication solutions. Secure Project Funding and Build Business Cases - Translate technical engineering concepts into compelling, high-level business cases for executive leadership. Your expertise will secure the necessary funding and resources to bring major capital infrastructure projects to life. Mentor the Next Generation of Engineers - Share your mastery and passion for engineering by mentoring junior staff, coaching student interns, and developing instructional guides to pass on critical knowledge and sustain a high-performing team.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.