Senior SCADA Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior SCADA Engineer (P4) will be responsible for utility-scale solar, wind and storage power plant instrumentation, SCADA and controls design, specifications, installation, and commissioning support. Engineering experience with SCADA and control systems design required. Field experience in testing/commissioning and/or telecommunications is a plus. This position reports to Operation Technology Department.

Essential Functions

• Work with plant operations and IT team to develop/maintain SCADA specifications for solar, wind, and energy storage plants
• Ensure 24/7 reliability and availability of SCADA systems across power plant and grid-interconnected assets
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of SCADA, network, and control system issues
• Design, develop, and maintain Ignition (Inductive Automation) applications, including:
• HMI/SCADA screens (Vision / Perspective modules)
• Alarm management system (ISA-18.2 compliant where applicable)
• Data historians and reporting dashboards
• Develop and maintain tag structures, UDTs, and scripting (Python/Jython) in Ignition
• Integrate Ignition with:
• PLCs (Allen-Bradley, RTAC)
• Power Plant Controllers (PPC)
• External systems (EMS, DCS, ISO interfaces, APIs)
• Lead the design, configuration, and development of PPC systems for grid-connected plants
• Implement control strategies including:
• Active power (MW) control
• Reactive power (VAR) / voltage control
• Power factor control
• Ramp rate control and curtailment
• Ensure compliance with grid codes and interconnection requirements (ISO/ERCOT, NERC, etc.)
• Integrate PPC with:
• SCADA (Ignition)
• Inverters, turbines, BESS, or generation assets
• Utility or ISO control signals
• Perform model validation, tuning, and testing of PPC algorithms
• Support commissioning activities including:
• Functional testing
• Site acceptance tests (SAT)
• Grid compliance verification
• Coordinate with:
• EPC contractors
• OEM vendors (inverters, PPC providers)
• Utility/interconnection teams
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and technical risks
• Ensure systems meet:
• NERC CIP (if applicable)
• ERCOT / ISO requirements
• IEEE and IEC standards for power system controls
• Maintain documentation for audits and regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• 4-Year Bachelors Engineering Degree
• Minimum 5 years of relevant technical experience; renewable power generation preferred
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to clearly communicate ideas to non-engineers
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage technical projects, including interaction with outside vendors
• Experience with Power Plant Control Design and Tune up
• Experience with utility-scale solar and storage SCADA system design
• Experience with utility-scale solar plant instrumentation specifications
• Experience with BESS EMS system
• Experience with Inductive Automation Ignition software
• Experience with communication protocols for base-level devices: Modbus, Modbus TCP, OPC, DNP3, etc.
• Experience with FAT and SAT testing and documentation
• Working knowledge of Utility Meters, Substation RTAC, Protection Relays
• Knowledge of NERC CIP requirements
• Knowledge of Power Plant Networking, Security and Firewalls

Key Skills & Tools

• Ignition SCADA (Perspective, Vision, Gateway scripting)
• PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, SEL RTAC, etc.)
• Power system controls & grid compliance
• Communication protocols (DNP3, Modbus, OPC UA)
• Python/Jython scripting
• Networking (Firewalls, VLANs, VPNs)
• Database systems (SQL Server, PostgreSQL)

Work Environment

This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.