Engineer, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

This is a fully remote role for candidates who are based outside of the New York Metropolitan area. For those located in the area, we encourage you to consider our hybrid work arrangement (1-2 days a week in our NYC office). That said, we value flexibility and if you have a different preference, please do not let that deter you from applying – let’s talk about it!

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment-based visas at this time.

Energy storage is the key to unlocking a future where our world is powered by renewable resources. At Convergent Energy and Power, our mission is to make the electrical grid cleaner, more reliable, and less expensive by leveraging state-of-the-art energy storage and distributed generation technologies.

The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems help monitor and control operations and processes for our growing fleet of distribution-level renewable energy generation and battery energy storage facilities.

A SCADA Engineer’s duties are broadly focused on the design, configuration, testing, validation, troubleshooting, support and maintenance of all plant monitoring and controls equipment. Our SCADA Engineers provide remote support for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) such as – Production and Revenue Meters, Protection and Recloser Relays, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Real-Time Automation Controller (RTACs), Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) integrations, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Controllers, data communications equipment and services, computer hardware, and other BESS and Solar PV electrical protection and telemetry devices.

Additionally, SCADA Engineers generate valuable input and feedback to the teams responsible for managing technical design standards, controls construction contractor scopes of work, station architecture and project development to ensure future project development incorporates lessons learned and aligns with requirements set forth by Operations to safely and efficiently deliver services to our customers.

This is an individual contributor role and therefore does not have any direct reports but will exercise informal mentorship and guidance to junior level staff and Remote Operators on SCADA-related matters.

What You’ll Do

SCADA System Administration (30%)

• Implement and enforce change management and work processes to maximize system stability, uptime and SCADA operator user experience.
• Perform Moves, Adds, Changes and Deletions for IED’s on the Survalent SCADA platform.
• Periodically review SCADA system performance metrics and ensure the SCADA system is accurately collecting, recording, and reporting diagnostic, alarm, and performance data.
• Perform routine SCADA platform maintenance and support operations such as feature implementation or retirement, data point fine tuning and validation, system maintenance, software and hardware updates, etc.
• Collaborate with Asset Performance and Portfolio Managers to develop operating reports and automate key performance tracking.
• Collaborate with the Data Science and Engineering team to integrate the SCADA data historian with other internal systems and support feature developments related to asset fault detection and dispatch optimization.

Capital Project Support (30%)

• Provide controls and automation technical guidance to design, execution, and support activities during plant development and construction.
• Document project specific SCADA system design packages such as project charters, communications and network designs, control narratives, points lists, hardware and I/O designs, etc.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on project specific SCADA system development and procurement activities such as functional design reviews, non-standard functionalities development, development and testing environments, detailed points list, configurations, screens development, software and hardware acceptance testing, operational maintenance procedures, etc.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on project specific SCADA system deployment deliverables such as installation plans, training manuals, hardware installations, IED and network configuration, etc.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on project specific SCADA system commissioning deliverables such as commissioning plans, points verifications, functional verifications, site acceptance tests, operational handoff and training, as-built documentation, etc.

Network & Control Center Operations Support (25%)

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to support ongoing operations, upgrades, re-programming and retrofits of plant SCADA infrastructure such as automation controllers, protection relays, meters, network devices, cellular modems, etc.
• Lead investigation and troubleshooting efforts for electrical protection, automation, controls, communications equipment and software issues.

SCADA System Planning, Roadmap & Design (15%)

• Document SCADA system standards such as SCADA philosophy, availability/reliability guidelines, alarm philosophy, network architecture guidelines, panel design guidelines, data point list standards, etc.
• Support continuous improvement of the SCADA system by leading work processes including long term planning, security, documentation, change management, verification, and auditing.
• Generate annual operating reports on the status of the SCADA solution – Performance, Licensing, Roadmap, Challenges, Opportunities, etc.
• Engage in professional development training programs, sessions, seminars, or conferences and reinforce knowledge transfer with internal teams by presenting technical materials and reports

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with electrical utilities, industrial plants or renewable energy plants as a SCADA engineer, integration engineer, commissioning engineer, protection engineer or similar.
• Hands-on experience with Electric utility SCADA platforms such as SurvalentONE or Monarch
• Experience developing SCADA system documentation including standards, guidelines, and procedures.
• Experience leading SCADA system design, administration, configuration, commissioning, and operation of DERs plants with customers, owners, and utility SCADA systems.
• Experience supporting commissioning activities related to electrical power systems and related equipment.
• Protection and Control – Configuration, programming, and testing of SEL protection relays.
• Automation – Configuration, programming, and testing of SEL automation controllers and RTUs.
• Communication – Configuration, programming, and testing of L2/L3 ethernet switches and routers.
• Metering – Configuration, programming, and testing for power quality and revenue meters
• Familiar with renewable energy (solar, wind) and energy storage (BESS, flywheels) technologies.
• Experience supporting IT/OT network architecture design, documentation, configuration, and commissioning.
• Exposure to critical infrastructure and the application of cyber and physical security best practices.
• We are a growing organization and team with evolving needs – applicants must be flexible, able to proactively work around roadblocks and comfortable with stretch goals.
• Ability to successfully assess requirements and execute the primary functions of the role with autonomy and confidence.
• Strong understanding of SCADA fundamentals, power systems and industry standards.
• Communication protocols: DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA.
• Database and alarming management, data storage, HMI development.
• ISA18, ISA95, ISA101, IEEE C37.1, IEEE Std 1815.1, IEEE Std 1547, IEEE 2030.
• Advanced knowledge of SEL RTAC programming libraries, functions, and programs
• Comfortable developing custom protection, automation and control logic
• In depth knowledge of RTAC client/server configurations, database development and mapping
• Proven programming skills and application knowledge of IEC 61131-3, SQL, python, and C++.
• Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and protection logic diagrams.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and analyzing transient and non-transient power system disturbances.
• Relevant experience and confidence configuring servers, databases, remote terminal units (RTU), programmable logic controllers (PLC), real-time automation controllers (RTAC) and related equipment.
• Must be able to analyze operational requirements in a highly logical manner and be able to recommend modifications and improvements based on a thorough knowledge of computer processes and existing electrical control system designs.
• As applicable, this role may involve physical activity, including but not limited to standing, walking, or lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Alignment with Convergent’s mission and values: Continuous Improvement, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Ethical Governance, Safety, Sustainability, Collaboration, Ownership, Resilience, and a strong interest in the Clean Energy Transition.
• 10% travel expected, primarily for conferences, training, team events and company-wide meetings, and very rarely for site visits. Travel to remote sites may be required, which could involve driving or air travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent strongly preferred. Master of Science in Engineering or majors in electric power engineering, energy systems or equivalent recommended. Associate’s technology degrees can be considered with relevant 10+ years of work experience.
• Analytical ability and technical skills to troubleshoot issues with field telemetry and control systems is desirable.

We're dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all our clean energy professionals. We embrace and learn from our diverse backgrounds, encouraging open dialogue and growth. Through resources like our active Employee Resource Groups, DEI Working Group, and comprehensive training and workshops, we're continuing to build a supportive community that celebrates the convergence of our identities.

Our priority is to ensure that every team member feels valued and supported to have a healthy balance between work life and personal life. We believe a full life outside of the office makes for a happier, healthier team. We support that by offering robust benefits such as but not limited to, the following:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer days
• 401K with an employer safe harbor match
• Special Vendor Discounts on programs for:
• Identity theft and fraud prevention

Base Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000; Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience.

We encourage people from minority or marginalized groups to apply. If you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application.

Convergent is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements in the country where we operate. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to talent@convergentep.com