SCADA Control Systems Engineer

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Summary:

Portland General Electric is seeking a Control Systems Engineer who will have the unique opportunity to work on the conceptual design, programming, configuration development, testing, and commissioning of SCADA and Automation systems used in our power utility substations and distribution systems.

In this role, you will handle complex assignments applying industrial and utility automation standards to select and program both field and central system components. You'll ensure substation integration and automation systems provide clear, concise, and real-time operational field information for System Control Center Dispatch functions, coordinating with EMS and PI databases structured to match substation equipment. A critical aspect of your role will be ensuring various systems are properly linked using applicable interfaces and protocols, and that NERC critical asset sites meet CIP regulatory requirements.

We currently have one opening available, and the position level will be determined based on your experience.

Responsibilities:

- Develop integration and automation architecture for substation and distribution projects

- Specification and Configuration of a variety of vendor equipment including, but not limited to:

- Programmable Logic Controllers

- Remote Terminal Units (RTU's)

- Transducers and Meters

- Communication Processors

- Gateway devices

- Electronic Relays used for power system protection

- Major Equipment (Breaker, Transformer, Bushing etc.) monitoring devices

- Network equipment including Ethernet switches, routers, terminal servers etc.

- Human Machine Interface programs and Hardware.

- Modems, media converters, radios and other communication devices.

- Development of Automation logic utilizing IEC 61131-3 and Ladder Logic programming languages

- Develop HMI displays for substations and DA systems

- Develop SCADA points list for RTU's to be interfaced with System Control Center SCADA/EMS system

- Assist technicians in troubleshooting complex SCADA, Communications, and control and logic systems in the field.

- Provide field testing and commissioning support for technicians.

- Drive end to end testing for EMS/SCADA systems.

- Routine substation visits for equipment and technician support.

- Support a documentation system for SCADA and Automation hardware and software programs

- Support engineering reviews of new substation SCADA, Integration and Automation system designs and equipment.

- Provide engineering support for real-time operational data to System Control Center.

- Design, maintain and troubleshoot Control Center SCADA Equipment used for interchange telemetering, UG Network Monitoring, Recloser/Distribution SCADA and Distribution Automation and mobile/temp switchgear monitoring.

- Provide technical support to NERC-CIP compliance activities and act as SME for SCADA and Substation Automation equipment.

- Communicate verbally and in writing with engineers and company management to present and justify automation systems.

- Provide consultation and technical expertise to various PGE departments.

- Communicate with other utilities' personnel to share information and provide technical expertise.

- Provide cost effective integration solutions for integrating devices using multiple standards and technologies.

- Solve integration and automation challenges at various substations where multiple equipment and integration standards are used.

- Keep up with rapidly changing integration and automation technology

- Keep up with rapidly changing networking, programming and software technology.

- Investigate system construction, maintenance, and operational problems and recommend corrective action.

- Analyze causes and recommend solutions to complex but routine operational maintenance problems.

- Evaluate and resolve technically complex problems, broad problems with numerous variables of uncertain relationship and magnitude.

Qualifications

Required: Education:

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering. ABET-accredited engineering program or program accredited by an equivalent agency preferred.

Experience:

- Senior Level, P3: Typically, five or more years in related field.

- Intermediate Level, P2: Typically, two or more years in related field.

- Valid Driver's license required.

Preferred:

- Working knowledge of various devices used for industrial control systems (PLC, Transducers, I/O devices)

- A basic understanding of electric utility substation protection and control systems

- Ability to read substation schematic and wiring diagrams

- Familiarity with substation equipment and operating mechanisms

- Ability to validate data collected by the integration systems.

- Working knowledge of various major equipment monitoring devices and associated communication and configuration programs and functionality.

- Ability to develop logic using ladder logic programming and IEC61131-3 standards.

- Working knowledge of communication and networking standards such as TIA/EIA RS-232 & RS-485, Fiber Optic and Ethernet.

- Excellent knowledge of SCADA protocols DNP 3.0, Modbus (Serial and TCP/IP), Modbus Plus, L&G 8979, OPC and ICCP.

- Thorough knowledge of Network design (TCI/IP and Modbus Plus) and OSI Layers.

- Working knowledge of TCP/IP networks, subnets and routing and network services and management tools such as SNTP, NTP, PPTP and SNMP.

- Basic understanding of scripting languages (Java, VB, Python etc.)

- Ability to troubleshoot SCADA protocol and SCADA network related issues.

- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex logic programming issues, substation network issues, device malfunction etc.

- Experience in industrial automation, utility automation and/or SCADA experience.

- Deal effectively with pressure of real-time problem solving.

- Evaluate technical programming requirements for automation projects.

- Work on complex programming problems for substation SCADA and automation equipment.

PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE DEMANDS AND SCHEDULE/ATTENDANCE

Physical

- Does the job require a valid driver's license? - Yes

- Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)

- Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

- Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

- Lifting/pushing/pulling (check appropriate weight): Up to 10 lb.

- Carrying (check appropriate weight): Up to 10 lb.

- Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats):

- Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)

- Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)

- Stairs (over 10 steps)

Cognitive Demands

- Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks

- Ability to follow accuracy standards

- Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks

- Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment

- Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress

- Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change

- Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback

- Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement

- Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks

- Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization

- Demonstrates sound memory

- Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance

- Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule [typically for nonexempt positions, although some exempt positions may have an established start/stop time]

- Ability to work long hours

- Ability to work a variable schedule

- Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

- Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance

Environment

- Office environment

- Plant environment

- Field environment

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Compensation Range:

$71,325.00 - $166,625.00

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.