Job summary  
The SCADA engineer is responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and support of SCADA/EMS infrastructure to ensure reliable, safe, and secure operation.  This individual provides end-user support to power system operators, study engineers and others who use SCADA/EMS. SCADA engineers maintain the system in a compliant manner in accordance with applicable regulatory standards. 

This role report to Platte River's headquarters offices in Fort Collins and works closely with three others in a collaborative team setting. SCADA Engineers also conduct site visits within owner communities on a routine basis. 

Posting closing: Thursday, February 6 at 5:00 pm Mountain (Platte River's careers site)

Essential duties 

• Models the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization.
• Designs, configures, and maintains SCADA/EMS infrastructure in accordance with policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Documents operating procedures to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards such as workflow plans, infrastructure changes, compliance assessments, testing of significant changes, system configurations, access reviews, and equipment disposal.
• Configures SCADA/EMS to communicate with field equipment including remote terminal unit (RTUs) and meters.
• Maintains and supports SCADA/EMS functionality including real-time databases, displays and one-lines, control sequences and scripts, and alarming.
• Configures and supports ICCP database and data exchange with the balancing authority, reliability coordinator, market, and neighboring utilities.
• Maintains and supports the distribution of near real-time data to internal and external customers and markets.
• Programs, maintains, and supports the data historian infrastructure.
• Coordinates SCADA/EMS database and display activities with the power system operations staff.

Other duties  

• Coordinates with engineering team on transmission system changes.
• Ensures recoverability of SCADA/EMS and continuity of operations through regular system backups and regular testing of the backup control center's functionality.
• Participates in an on-call rotation and responds to operations, security, or compliance incidents.
• Serves as subject matters expert and participates in internal and external audits.
• Provides system technical support to power system operations staff.
• Directs or assists in troubleshooting efforts during recovery and incident response.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities  

Required for consideration

• Proficiency in administrating, programming, and troubleshooting real-time SCADA/EMS or DCS systems and displays and troubleshooting related software.
• Strong computer and networking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication and evidence documentation skills.
• Ability to work with people of various technical skill levels.
• Ability to manage projects and time effectively to meet strict regulatory deadliness.
• Ability to serve an on-call rotation and respond to afterhours callouts.

Areas of ability or knowledge required within 12 months of hire:

• Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line drawings.
• Proficiency with OSIsoft Inc PI data historian.
• Knowledge of bulk electric system concepts including equipment and units of measure.
• Knowledge of power system operations concepts, processes and procedures.
• Thorough understanding of NERC CIP standards.
• Solid understanding of SCADA system communications.

How to qualify   

Required criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, engineering, or related field.
• 3 years in configuring, maintenance and troubleshooting SCADA/EMS or equivalent DCS.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain eligibility in accordance with corporate vehicle liability insurance policy requirements.

Ideal experience

• Experience configuring and troubleshooting DNP3 and ICCP protocol
• Experience implementing NERC CIP standards and participating in audits as an SME.

Pay  

This position is salaried exempt; wages are paid bi-weekly. Factors that may be used to determine actual wages include specific skills, years of experience, education, and certifications.  

• Full pay range: $134,328 to $194,851 if annualized.
• Hiring range: $135,328 to $164,643 if annualized.

About Platte River Power Authority

Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Platte River's generation portfolio includes thermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.

Connections working at Platte River Power Authority