Job Title: Water Systems Automation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Mid-Level Water Systems Automation Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of automation systems in water treatment facilities and distribution systems. This role requires expertise in process control systems such as SCADA, PLCs, and instrumentation, focusing on improving operational efficiency, water quality monitoring, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. The engineer will collaborate with senior engineers, operators, and cross-functional teams to optimize water treatment processes, troubleshoot automation system issues, and implement system upgrades or improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
Process Control System Design and Optimization:
- Lead the design, configuration, and optimization of SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, and other control systems used in water treatment and distribution systems.
- Implement control strategies to optimize water treatment processes such as filtration, chemical dosing, and disinfection, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and operational goals.
- Analyze system performance data and identify areas for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction.
Automation System Integration and Troubleshooting:
- Manage the integration of automation systems with other water treatment technologies, such as pumps, sensors, chemical dosing systems, and filtration equipment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues related to SCADA, PLCs, sensors, and other equipment.
- Lead efforts to identify root causes of system failures and implement corrective and preventive measures to minimize downtime and enhance system reliability.
Water Quality Monitoring and Compliance:
- Oversee water quality monitoring systems, ensuring that key parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity) are continuously monitored and maintained within regulatory standards.
- Ensure that automation systems are configured to meet water quality requirements and regulatory standards for both treated water and environmental discharge.
- Collaborate with regulatory compliance teams to ensure that water treatment processes meet local, state, and federal water quality regulations.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Lead efforts to collect, analyze, and manage data from automation systems for reporting, compliance, and performance monitoring purposes.
- Prepare regular reports for internal stakeholders, regulators, and management on water quality, system performance, and any corrective actions taken.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for water treatment operations and automation system performance.
System Upgrades and Improvements:
- Lead or assist in system upgrades, including software updates, hardware replacement, and integration of new technologies.
- Oversee the implementation of new control algorithms, process improvements, or system configurations to enhance treatment process efficiency and reliability.
- Participate in the commissioning of new or upgraded systems, ensuring they meet operational and regulatory requirements.
Project Management:
- Manage water systems automation projects, from initial planning through implementation and ongoing maintenance.
- Ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet specified technical requirements.
- Coordinate resources, timelines, and deliverables, and provide regular updates to senior management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Support:
- Work closely with plant operators, maintenance teams, engineering, and IT to ensure smooth system integration and operation of water treatment automation systems.
- Provide technical guidance and support to operators and technicians in the use and maintenance of automation systems.
- Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to address complex operational or technical challenges.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement in water treatment automation processes, focusing on system performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to recommend innovative solutions that improve water system operations.
- Promote the adoption of new technologies, such as advanced sensors, predictive analytics, or AI-driven control systems, to enhance water treatment automation.
Regulatory and Safety Compliance:
- Ensure that all automation systems comply with relevant environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Participate in audits and inspections related to water treatment operations and automation systems.
- Work with safety teams to develop, implement, and review safety procedures for the operation and maintenance of automation systems.
Key Focus Areas:
- System Optimization and Design: Lead the optimization and design of automation systems to ensure water treatment operations meet efficiency, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Troubleshooting and Support: Resolve complex issues related to SCADA, PLCs, and instrumentation systems, ensuring system reliability and minimal downtime.
- Water Quality and Compliance: Oversee water quality monitoring and ensure compliance with regulatory standards for both treated water and environmental discharge.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize automation systems and integrate new technologies into water treatment processes.
- Project Management: Lead projects to implement new systems or upgrades, ensuring successful integration and alignment with operational goals.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition), PLC programming, and control systems used in water treatment processes.
- Strong understanding of water treatment processes (e.g., filtration, chemical dosing, disinfection) and their automation.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing process control systems and instrumentation.
- Knowledge of water quality parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity) and experience with water quality monitoring equipment.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards for water treatment systems (e.g., EPA, local water quality regulations).
- Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing system upgrades or process improvements in an industrial setting.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and optimize water treatment automation systems.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in SCADA systems, PLC programming, or water treatment processes are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in process control, automation, or water treatment engineering, with hands-on experience in designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems.
- Experience with SCADA, PLCs, and other water treatment automation systems is essential.
- Proven track record of managing projects, process improvements, and leading technical teams in water treatment facilities.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens WinCC, Wonderware, Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk).
- Proficiency with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC), and control systems.
- Familiarity with water quality monitoring instruments (e.g., pH meters, chlorine analyzers, turbidity sensors).
- Experience with data analysis tools and performance monitoring software (e.g., Power BI, SQL, Excel).
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to guide junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while ensuring alignment with operational goals.
- Willingness to travel for project execution, troubleshooting, or site assessments.