Job Title: Water Systems Automation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Water Systems Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, optimization, integration, and maintenance of advanced automation systems for water treatment and distribution networks. This role involves overseeing the operation of SCADA, PLCs, sensors, and other automation technologies to ensure that water treatment systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all regulatory standards. The Senior Engineer will lead the development and improvement of automation systems, drive system integrations, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that water treatment plants and distribution systems meet both operational and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
System Design, Integration, and Optimization:
- Lead the design and optimization of advanced automation systems, including SCADA, PLCs, RTUs, sensors, and instrumentation, to control and monitor water treatment and distribution systems.
- Drive system integration efforts for the automation of water purification processes, chemical dosing, filtration, and distribution networks to ensure seamless system functionality.
- Develop advanced control strategies and algorithms to optimize water treatment processes and system performance.
Project Leadership and Management:
- Lead and manage complex automation projects, from planning and design to implementation and commissioning, ensuring that all system requirements are met on time and within budget.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, maintenance, IT) to ensure smooth project execution and system integration.
- Ensure that automation systems are deployed in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
Advanced Troubleshooting and System Diagnostics:
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting and problem-solving for complex system failures, control issues, and automation system malfunctions.
- Diagnose and resolve complex issues related to SCADA, PLCs, instrumentation, and communication systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive maintenance programs to reduce system failures and improve reliability.
Water Quality Management and Regulatory Compliance:
- Oversee the monitoring and control of water quality parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, turbidity) through automation systems, ensuring that water treatment processes comply with regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with compliance and regulatory teams to ensure that water systems meet all local, state, and federal environmental standards, including reporting and documentation requirements.
- Stay informed of regulatory changes and ensure automation systems are adapted to meet evolving standards.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for system upgrades, process optimizations, and technological advancements in automation and water treatment.
- Lead efforts to adopt new technologies, such as advanced sensors, AI-driven control systems, predictive maintenance, and data analytics, to enhance automation systems and water quality monitoring.
- Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging the team to explore new automation technologies and approaches to improve system efficiency.
Team Leadership and Mentoring:
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers, providing guidance on technical challenges, system design, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
- Ensure that junior engineers are trained and develop the necessary skills to succeed in their roles.
- Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a team-oriented culture to ensure the team’s success in achieving operational and project goals.
Data Management and Analysis:
- Oversee the collection, storage, and analysis of data from automation systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance with water quality standards.
- Lead data-driven decision-making by developing key performance indicators (KPIs), generating performance reports, and identifying trends that inform system improvements.
- Develop advanced data analytics models to optimize water treatment processes, including predictive modeling for system performance and water quality forecasts.
System Documentation and Reporting:
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation for system designs, configurations, maintenance logs, and operational procedures.
- Provide detailed reports to senior management on system performance, project progress, compliance status, and any areas for improvement.
- Ensure that documentation aligns with regulatory standards and is easily accessible for audits and compliance inspections.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with operators, maintenance teams, and senior engineers to ensure that automation systems are fully integrated into plant operations and effectively support water treatment goals.
- Collaborate with IT teams to ensure the integration of automation systems with plant network infrastructures and enterprise-level systems.
- Act as the technical liaison between management, contractors, vendors, and other departments, ensuring alignment on project requirements and system specifications.
Key Focus Areas:
- Automation System Optimization: Lead the optimization of SCADA, PLC, and process control systems to improve system performance, efficiency, and compliance with water quality standards.
- Project Management and Leadership: Manage automation projects from concept to implementation, ensuring successful execution and alignment with operational goals.
- Troubleshooting and System Reliability: Address complex system issues and drive efforts to minimize downtime and enhance system reliability.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and explore innovative technologies to optimize water treatment and distribution systems.
- Team Development and Mentoring: Mentor and lead a team of engineers to develop expertise in water systems automation and control systems.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition), PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), and industrial control systems.
- In-depth knowledge of water treatment processes (e.g., filtration, chemical dosing, disinfection) and how automation systems are used to control and monitor these processes.
- Strong experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing complex automation systems in industrial environments.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance related to water quality standards, environmental regulations, and safety protocols.
- Ability to lead large-scale projects, including planning, resource allocation, scheduling, and budgeting, while managing cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical skills and experience in data analysis, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics in the context of water systems automation.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in SCADA systems, PLC programming, water treatment technologies, or industrial automation are desirable.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in automation, process control, or water treatment systems, with a focus on SCADA, PLC, and control systems optimization.
- Proven experience in managing large-scale automation projects and leading technical teams in a water treatment or industrial setting.
- Extensive experience with water quality management and regulatory compliance in the water treatment industry.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise with SCADA software platforms (e.g., Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk).
- Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC), and control systems.
- Knowledge of water quality monitoring instruments (e.g., pH meters, chlorine analyzers, turbidity sensors).
- Familiarity with data analysis tools and performance monitoring software (e.g., Power BI, SQL, Excel).
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
- Willingness to travel to different sites for troubleshooting, installations, or system upgrades as required.