Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is a public limited company wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Uganda. The company is responsible for operating the high-voltage electricity transmission grid, bulk power supply, power imports and exports, system operations, and public infrastructure provision, including the ownership and operation of optical fibre infrastructure.
Vision: To be Eastern Africa’s leading electricity transmission company.
Mission: To buy, transmit and sell reliable and quality bulk power for sustainable regional development.
UETCL is inviting applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates to fill the position of Communication Engineer (Transmission & Access System).
The Communication Engineer will be responsible for planning, installing, integrating, operating, and maintaining access and transmission communication infrastructure to achieve a target of 98% service availability.
The role involves managing communication technologies such as Power Line Carrier Communications (PLCC), MPLS-TP, SDH, PDH, DWDM, and OTN. The successful candidate will ensure the reliable transmission of real-time SCADA grid data, tele-protection signals, LAN/WAN traffic, and tele-metering links in compliance with applicable standards, ICT policies, and UETCL's strategic objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Maintenance and Management of Access and Transmission Systems
Plan, coordinate, and implement preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for access and transmission systems in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and established maintenance policies.
Identify and mobilise maintenance resources, supervise maintenance activities, and prepare detailed technical reports highlighting equipment degradation, network quality issues, and recommended corrective actions.
Manage and maintain PLCC, MPLS-TP, SDH, PDH, DWDM, and OTN networks, applying traffic engineering principles to optimise bandwidth utilisation and system performance.
Configure and maintain tele-protection interfaces supporting critical power system protection schemes, including differential protection using IEEE C37.94 and distance protection in accordance with IEC 60255-121.
Maintain and configure IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104 SCADA interfaces and communication links supporting the National Control Centre (NCC).
2. Network and Cybersecurity Management for Operational Technology
Design, configure, and troubleshoot network security equipment, including Operational Technology (OT) firewalls, secure routers, and access-control infrastructure across transmission nodes.
Implement Quality of Service (QoS) configurations for TCP/IP networks to prioritise latency-sensitive grid automation data, tele-metering, tele-protection signals, and SCADA traffic.
Implement and enforce network security policies, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), IPsec VPN tunnels, and data encryption across network segments supporting critical communication protocols.
Conduct routine security patching and maintain appropriate security controls to protect operational technology infrastructure.
3. System Operations, User Support, and Business Continuity
Monitor daily network operations, analyse system performance, and proactively identify, isolate, and resolve faults in accordance with ICT service-level agreements.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventories of access and transmission equipment, system configurations, and backup status to support business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
Maintain version control and update network routing, channel allocations, and network topology documentation using AutoCAD.
Support the reliability and availability of communication systems through effective fault management, performance monitoring, and documentation.
4. Installation, Integration, and System Tool Management
Develop installation guidelines for new access and transmission equipment in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and recognised international practices.
Integrate new communication equipment and systems into the existing UETCL telecommunications network to support electricity grid operations.
Test, commission, and document new system interfaces, configurations, and physical communication links in line with applicable international standards.
Maintain and update software tools, human-machine interface (HMI) applications, and databases used for transmission system management.
Ensure regular system and database backups to support recovery and business continuity.
5. Budgeting and Procurement
Participate in the preparation of the section's annual budget, including activity planning, budget development, and procurement plan preparation.
Contribute technical input to the identification of equipment, maintenance resources, and communication infrastructure requirements.
Qualifications and Academic Requirements
Applicants must possess:
A Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electronic Engineering from a recognised university.
Technical Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following technical expertise:
1. Utility Communications and Tele-Protection Protocols
Practical experience configuring tele-protection interfaces for differential protection using IEEE C37.94 and distance protection in accordance with IEC 60255-121.
Knowledge of SCADA communication protocols, particularly IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104.
2. Optical and Transport Networks
Strong proficiency in PLCC, MPLS-TP, SDH, PDH, DWDM, OTN, and Carrier Ethernet systems.
Ability to apply traffic engineering principles for MPLS-TP networks and optimise communication network performance.
3. Network Engineering and Operations
Proficiency in network operations, LAN/WAN design, TCP/IP troubleshooting, and Quality of Service (QoS) configuration.
Ability to prioritise latency-sensitive traffic used in grid automation and protection systems.
4. Cybersecurity
Practical experience configuring OT firewalls, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and IPsec VPNs.
Understanding of network security controls and the protection of critical operational technology infrastructure.
5. Professional Certifications
Certifications in any of the following areas will be an added advantage:
Power Line Carrier Communications.
MPLS-TP, SDH, or utility communications.
Network and information security.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Fortinet, Palo Alto, or CompTIA Security+ certifications.
Required Work Experience
Applicants must have:
At least two (2) years of experience in network design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
At least one (1) year of experience managing carrier or transmission communication systems, including TDM, PDH, SDH, DWDM, MPLS-IP, MPLS-TP, and OTN equipment in a utility, industrial, or enterprise environment.
Demonstrated experience maintaining critical telecommunications and network security infrastructure.
Personal Attributes and Other Requirements
The successful candidate should possess:
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
A strong commitment to teamwork and professional integrity.
Resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Flexibility to work extended hours when required.
A valid national driving permit.
How to apply