Automation & Controls (SCADA) Engineer

Responsible for implementing, maintaining and supporting the automation & process control infrastructure. Provide expert assistance and collaborate in creating engineering plans, designs, monitoring, build and commissioning of automation & process control systems. Understand and apply new technological systems and multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative system solutions that match operational and business requirements. Assist in the development of standards, practices and policies related to the installation, maintenance and operations of automation & process control systems. Develop, deploy and maintain standard and custom programming and configuration code for the automation & process control systems. Provide second level support for maintaining the automation & process control infrastructure, which includes on call as well as on site when required. Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Perform quality assurance checks of automation & process control systems as required. Manage direct reports as required.

• Develop programming and configuration code for process control systems, make changes to existing programs, review work performed by outside contractors, participate in factory witness testing, and coordinate control system issues between project engineering, the instrumentation contractor, and American Water management.
• Review control logic strategies and implement programming changes to optimize control strategies for treatment and pumping processes and automate where appropriate.
• Provide supervision and/or support for Controls Engineer or Controls Specialist staff members as required.
• Perform upgrades, add new facilities, and provide replacement of hardware and software.
• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operations personnel, and other internal staff on the design, review, information gathering, inspection, and commissioning / start-up of projects that include process control equipment or systems.
• Ensure compliance with the Change Management process.
• Investigate new technological developments and processes. Research, recommend, and implement systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability.
• Rapidly assesses options and likely consequences when under time pressure to make decisions or solve problems.
• Review vendor specifications, report findings and make recommendations.
• Work with operations personnel to implement appropriate policies, standards, practices, and guidelines for all phases of Process Control implementation and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain relationship with Process Control vendors to keep current with changes in operational control systems.
• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results.
• Work with members of operating company to enforce compliance with mandatory Process Control policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues.
• Advise, instruct, and/or assist operating company personnel on proper operation and maintenance of Process Control equipment or Systems. Provide Technical instruction as required.
• Perform or coordinate maintenance activities on process control equipment or systems.
• Enforce process control system life cycle practices.

Nimble learning

Travel, including overnight, as required.

Operating Facilities – Multi District/State Coverage Area. Requires “on-call” out of hours support during evenings, nights, holidays and weekends.

• Experience with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry.
• Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application; water/wastewater equipment and systems operations preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to configure HMI with Iconics, Intellution, or Wonderware.
• Experience with OPC, Visual Basic, and SQL applications.
• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation process control equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes).
• Ability to develop Process Control Functional descriptions.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex process control problems related to water / wastewater systems.
• Good verbal and written communications skills, including presentation expertise and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, control elementary drawings, ISA instrument specifications, and loop diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability to configure programmable process controllers PLCs / RTUs (Allen – Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Emerson)
• Proficient with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry.
• Proficient with identifying, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating detailed phases of Capital Projects
• Significant additional experience and/or certifications or other education and training may be substituted for formal education.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in the maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs / RTUs (Allen – Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Emerson) and HMIs (Iconics, Intellution, Wonderware), control and instrument loops.
• Working knowledge of industrial control system platforms including PLC / DCS / HMI programming / design / configuration.
• Excellent interpersonal, people and people management skills (e.g. listening, coaching, facilitating, tact/diplomacy, employee relations, development, motivation, team building)
• Four year (4) degree or equivalent.
• Excellent planning, time management and organization skills.
• Excellent client relations skills and customer service orientation.
• Strong knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools.
• Ability to execute projects from conception to start-up within budget and project schedule.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changes in priority efficiently.
• Knowledge of process computers and data collection methods. Understanding of PC Networking technology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases.