Job Title: SCADA Systems Engineer (Water Treatment)
Job Summary:
The SCADA Systems Engineer Manager (Water Treatment) is responsible for leading and managing the design, optimization, implementation, and maintenance of SCADA systems used in water treatment facilities. This leadership role oversees the entire SCADA infrastructure, ensuring its seamless integration with other control systems (such as PLCs, RTUs, and sensors) and its alignment with operational goals, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The Manager will lead a team of engineers, coordinate cross-departmental collaboration, and drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance SCADA system performance, increase efficiency, and support water treatment operations effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Manage and lead a team of SCADA engineers, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to ensure the team's success in meeting project deadlines and performance targets.
- Set clear team goals, allocate resources effectively, and oversee performance reviews to ensure team members meet organizational expectations.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, promoting continuous learning, professional growth, and technical excellence.
SCADA System Strategy and Implementation:
- Lead the design, configuration, and integration of SCADA systems for water treatment plants, ensuring they meet operational and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement SCADA system architecture, HMI design, and control strategies for optimal performance, real-time monitoring, and efficient data acquisition.
- Oversee the integration of SCADA systems with other automation technologies (e.g., PLCs, RTUs, sensors) to ensure seamless communication and process control.
- Ensure that all SCADA systems are designed for scalability, reliability, and security, meeting both current and future water treatment needs.
System Performance Monitoring and Optimization:
- Monitor the performance of SCADA systems and lead efforts to optimize system efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance data accuracy.
- Identify performance bottlenecks, system issues, or areas for improvement in SCADA operations and implement solutions to optimize workflow and functionality.
- Lead the process of fine-tuning system configurations, calibrations, and protocols to ensure smooth and efficient operation across the water treatment plant.
Project Management and Execution:
- Manage SCADA-related projects, from initial planning and design to implementation and maintenance, ensuring the delivery of projects on time, within budget, and in line with quality expectations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, maintenance, and IT, to integrate SCADA systems into plant operations seamlessly.
- Oversee the preparation and review of project documentation, technical specifications, and project plans.
Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
- Lead efforts to troubleshoot and resolve complex SCADA system issues, including connectivity problems, software malfunctions, and data inaccuracies.
- Act as the primary technical expert, providing support for both technical and non-technical teams during system failures or performance issues.
- Manage corrective actions and preventive measures to ensure SCADA system reliability and minimize production downtime.
Compliance and Safety Standards:
- Ensure SCADA systems comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control protocols, particularly in the context of water treatment processes.
- Ensure all SCADA-related work adheres to the regulatory requirements set by governing bodies (e.g., ISO, ANSI, and local water safety authorities).
- Develop and implement safety protocols for SCADA systems to ensure that both operators and engineers are aware of safe operating practices.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Oversee the collection, storage, and management of SCADA data, ensuring it is accurate, accessible, and aligned with operational goals.
- Generate and review detailed performance reports, operational metrics, and regulatory compliance data, presenting findings to senior management and stakeholders.
- Lead the analysis of SCADA data trends to identify potential areas for operational improvement, regulatory compliance, or system upgrades.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance SCADA system functionality, reduce operational costs, and streamline water treatment processes.
- Stay updated with industry trends, SCADA advancements, and emerging technologies to ensure the plant is utilizing cutting-edge solutions and best practices.
- Drive innovation by proposing new SCADA features, automation capabilities, or process improvements to ensure efficiency and operational success.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure that SCADA systems align with water treatment objectives and meet operational needs.
- Serve as the liaison between management, engineers, and external vendors, ensuring that SCADA system changes and updates are clearly communicated and successfully implemented.
Key Focus Areas:
- SCADA System Design and Optimization: Lead the design, configuration, and optimization of SCADA systems for water treatment operations.
- Team Leadership and Development: Manage a team of engineers, fostering growth, collaboration, and high-performance standards.
- Project and Resource Management: Oversee SCADA-related projects, ensuring successful implementation, resource allocation, and budget adherence.
- Compliance and Safety Standards: Ensure SCADA systems comply with all regulatory and safety standards.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Drive continuous improvement and innovative solutions for SCADA systems and water treatment operations.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition) and their application in water treatment or similar industries.
- In-depth knowledge of PLCs, RTUs, sensors, and other automation devices used in water treatment facilities.
- Experience with system design, configuration, and troubleshooting, particularly in industrial environments.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead complex projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Knowledge of water treatment processes and the role of SCADA systems in optimizing these processes.
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
- Experience in ensuring SCADA system compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI) and regulatory requirements (e.g., EPA, local water quality standards).
- Excellent communication skills for liaising with cross-functional teams, senior management, and external vendors.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in SCADA systems, PLC programming, industrial automation, or water treatment processes are desirable.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience working with SCADA systems in industrial automation, preferably in water treatment or a similar sector.
- Proven experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing SCADA systems, with a focus on performance monitoring and system integration.
- Strong background in managing SCADA-related projects and leading cross-functional teams to ensure operational success.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in SCADA platforms (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk).
- Proficiency with PLC programming, industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC), and control systems.
- Familiarity with water treatment processes and their integration with SCADA and automation systems.
- Knowledge of data analysis and performance monitoring tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI).
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and project management skills to lead teams and ensure successful project delivery.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel for site assessments, troubleshooting, or training if required.