Job Title: Process Control Engineer (Water Treatment)

Job Summary:

The Senior Process Control Engineer (Water Treatment) is responsible for the design, optimization, and management of process control systems in water treatment facilities. This role involves overseeing complex control systems, ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and consistent water quality across all stages of the water treatment process. The Senior Process Control Engineer will provide leadership for a team of engineers, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and drive improvements in process control systems to enhance water treatment processes, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This position requires advanced technical expertise and a deep understanding of both water treatment processes and control system engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Oversight:

   • Lead the design, optimization, and integration of advanced process control systems for water treatment processes, including filtration, disinfection, chemical dosing, and pumping systems.
   • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
   • Develop and implement strategies to improve system reliability, optimize energy use, and reduce operational costs.
   • Set the vision and direction for process control improvements in alignment with company and regulatory objectives.

2. Process Control System Design and Optimization:

   • Oversee the design, configuration, and optimization of SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, and other process control systems in water treatment facilities.
   • Ensure that control systems are accurately monitoring and adjusting key parameters such as pH, chlorine levels, turbidity, and flow rates, ensuring water quality standards are met.
   • Continuously improve system performance by implementing advanced control strategies and process optimization techniques (e.g., predictive maintenance, model-based control, advanced data analytics).

3. Water Quality Management and Regulatory Compliance:

   • Ensure the effective management of water quality throughout the treatment process by developing and maintaining real-time monitoring and control of water quality parameters.
   • Lead compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations related to water treatment, ensuring all systems meet or exceed quality standards.
   • Oversee the preparation and submission of water quality reports, audit documents, and compliance records to meet regulatory requirements.

4. Troubleshooting and System Diagnostics:

   • Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex system issues, including communication failures, equipment malfunctions, and data inconsistencies across control systems.
   • Provide expert guidance in diagnosing and resolving control system issues, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent operations.
   • Implement corrective and preventive measures for recurring system problems to enhance reliability and reduce operational disruptions.

5. Project Management and System Upgrades:

   • Manage large-scale projects related to process control system upgrades, new installations, or integrations with other water treatment technologies.
   • Oversee project planning, resource allocation, scheduling, and budget management to ensure successful and timely completion of SCADA-related projects.
   • Lead the commissioning and start-up of new systems or upgraded control technologies, ensuring they are fully operational and meet required specifications.

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Collaborate closely with senior management, engineering teams, IT, operations, and maintenance to ensure that process control systems support the overall goals of water treatment facilities.
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for process control issues, offering expert guidance on system design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
   • Communicate effectively with non-technical staff and stakeholders, providing updates on system performance, improvement efforts, and operational challenges.

7. Data Analysis and Performance Reporting:

   • Lead the analysis of SCADA system data to assess water treatment performance, identify trends, and recommend optimizations or improvements to increase process efficiency and water quality.
   • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of process control systems.
   • Provide detailed technical reports and presentations to senior management on system performance, ongoing improvements, and compliance with regulatory standards.

8. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

   • Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the process control engineering team, encouraging innovation and the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
   • Drive the adoption of advanced process control techniques, including AI, machine learning, and data analytics, to optimize water treatment processes and improve system efficiency.
   • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to ensure water treatment systems are optimized for the future.

Key Focus Areas:

• Process Control System Optimization: Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous optimization of SCADA, PLCs, and related systems to enhance water treatment processes.
• Water Quality and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure water quality monitoring and regulatory compliance across all aspects of water treatment.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Lead and mentor a team of engineers, promoting innovation, skill development, and technical excellence.
• Troubleshooting and Performance Reporting: Lead system troubleshooting efforts, improve system performance, and generate reports to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Project Management: Manage large-scale process control system projects, ensuring successful execution, cost management, and timely completion.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Advanced knowledge of process control systems (SCADA, PLCs, RTUs), instrumentation, and automation technologies used in water treatment.
• In-depth understanding of water treatment processes, including filtration, chemical dosing, disinfection, and water quality management.
• Strong background in process optimization techniques, data analysis, and system integration.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex system issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor engineers and manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior management, operators, and external stakeholders.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Relevant certifications in process control systems, SCADA systems, or water treatment technologies (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, PMP) are desirable.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in process control engineering, automation, or water treatment with a strong focus on SCADA, PLC systems, and water quality management.
• Proven experience leading large-scale projects, managing teams, and optimizing process control systems in the water treatment industry.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements related to water treatment and environmental protection.

Tools and Technologies:

• Expertise in SCADA platforms (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition) and PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Experience with water quality monitoring instruments, sensors, and systems (e.g., pH, chlorine analyzers, turbidity sensors).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and performance monitoring software (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI).

Other Requirements:

• Strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking to resolve technical challenges and optimize system performance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to different sites for troubleshooting, system installation, or commissioning as required.