Senior Automation & Controls (SCADA) Engineer

Responsible for implementing, maintaining and supporting the automation & process control infrastructure (SCADA). 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 may include off hours and/or on-site support when required. Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Perform quality assurance checks of automation & process control systems as required. Manage system integration partners and relationships.

• 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 SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues.
• Perform upgrades, add new facilities, and provide replacement of hardware and software.
• Review control logic strategies and implement programming changes to optimize control strategies for treatment and pumping processes and automate where appropriate.
• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results.
• Investigate new technological developments and processes.
• 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 SCADA system.
• Develop programming and configuration code for process control systems, make changes to existing programs, review work performed by outside contractors, participate in factory acceptance testing, and coordinate control system issues between project engineering, the instrumentation contractor, and operations.
• Ensure compliance to policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain relationship with system integrators and other partners/vendors
• Research, recommend, and implement systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability.
• Review vendor specifications, report findings and make recommendations.

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

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.