The SCADA & Controls Engineer provides technical leadership for SCADA & Controls Engineering team. Designs and provides oversight to SCADA vendors and third party EOR’s in order to develop preliminary designs and Bill of Materials which will be provided to estimators for estimating projects. Aligns and works with the procurement team to ensure they have necessary design information, quantities and parameters to bid the work. This individual will leverage their subject matter expertise to drive value into the entire SCADA lifecycle, from development through commissioning. This includes flow down of requirements into the design, control loop tuning during commissioning, controls performance analysis and optimization. Works with the construction division and third party EOR’s to ensure design has met the requirements of the project including safety, reliability, and quality. This position reports to the Director of SME, or another management personnel that the Vice President of Engineering may designate. This position is located remotely and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as an SME for SCADA & Controls equipment and their data interfaces used to serve site data to owners and commands to operate plants.
- Lead as the leading expert in SCADA design review, architecture, and contract review optimization.
- Lead the design, performance, and execution of plant controls during the construction and commissioning phases of new assets and acquisitions.
- Craft design specifications based on project inputs from PPA, IA, ISO Requirements, industry standards and best practices.
- Maintain traceability of requirements from specification to FAT through CSAT.
- Perform diligence on new Controls Integrators for selection to be included in the Approved Vendors List (AVL).
- Review EPC design elements related to SCADA & Controls equipment and software algorithms, addressing any shortcomings prior to O&M turnover.
- Document and Standardize SCADA & Controls Engineering best practices regarding selection of equipment, network architecture, algorithms, etc.
- Perform site operational compliance testing in accordance with regulatory body standards, documenting results.
- Baseline and improve performance of SCADA & Controls equipment and control algorithms using data analytics and simulation modeling tools.
- Drive SCADA & Controls related field modifications through the Management of Change Process, maintaining rigor in documentation and analysis of risk along with review & approval through concerned parties.
- Pursue continuous improvement by keeping abreast of industry standards and implementing innovative new designs to enhance plant reliability and performance.
- Understanding NERC CIP requirements for large plants for co-located and standalone plants.
- Support cybersecurity strategy, ensuring security in depth mechanisms are implemented on SCADA & Controls equipment as specified.
- Work in a team to develop and improve the system standards;
- Assist with technical training for team members and new employees;
- Build a quality culture of continuous improvement that enhances company efficiency and engineering quality;
- Drive a safety culture that embraces both a “Responsibility to act” and “Show by Example” approach;
- Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required.
- Preferred: Professional Engineering License
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within an Engineering discipline
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in specific to Solar / BESS SCADA engineering
- Utility scale Power Generation controls experience highly desired.
- Understanding of network security protocols and cyber security standards
- Experience with integration of Energy Storage Systems with Renewable Plants
- Experience with programming substation relays (GE, SEL, etc.)
- Knowledge of IT networks and telecommunications infrastructure
- Detailed knowledge of SCADA systems and software.
- Experience with SEL RTAC / IEC 61131-3 Logic Engine, or comparable plant control devices such as PLCs.
- Experience with OPC, Modbus, SEL, EtherNet/IP and DNP3 protocols
- Experience with change management best practices
- Knowledge of electrical generation management and control systems in IOU/ISO world
- Knowledge of industry trends
- Strong Verbal and written communication skills
- Highly data driven and analytical.
- Strong knowledge in Engineering Principles and Processes
- Ability to Teach, Train & Mentor
- High proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word & Outlook
- Project management skills
- Customer focus driven.