Control System Specialist I, II, III or Senior

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.•Westminster, CO

8d•$80,000 - $139,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for supporting, designing, and implementing control system and technology solutions to ensure operational stability, security, and efficiency for Tri-State operations. The role involves implementing and maintaining a supportive convergence of Information Technology, Operational Technology, and Generation policies and technologies. The position can be filled at one of four job grade levels: Control Systems Specialist I (job grade 7), Control Systems Specialist II (job grade 8), Control Systems Specialist III (job grade 9), or Senior Control Systems Specialist (job grade 10), based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, and Tri-State's business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or associate’s degree in Electronics, Information Technology, data science, or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Safety first: obey all Tri-State safety regulations, and best practices bearing in mind that connected OT systems, if misconfigured, or shut down can result in personal injury, loss of generation facility hardware, and possible loss of revenue. It may be required to work near medium and high voltages. It may be required to work around exposed live electrical apparatus. It may be required to wear OSHA approved FR clothing and safety toe shoes.
Ability to recognize and solve complex problems.
Ability to read/interpret blueprints, schematics, Loop drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID).
Ability to interpret electrical engineering drawings and trace electric circuitry.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and Database tools.
Familiarity with blueprints, schematics, Loop drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID).
Understanding of industrial networking practices.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to mentor and teach skills necessary for maintenance of equipment after installation.
Knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking.
Working knowledge of virtualization technologies such as Citrix, VMWare or Microsoft.
Eight (8) years’ progressive experience with operational technology solutions or power plant experience with a focus on technology.
Experience with implementing or replacing distributed control systems
Experience with client/server hardware and software troubleshooting.
Experience with Windows, Linux computers and system administration.
Familiarity with network systems (switching, routing, firewalls) in a client-facing support role.
Familiarity with Linux and Windows server/desktop.
Experience using or maintaining large, distributed control systems, programmable logic controllers, or intelligent electronic devices
Experience with GE, Allen Bradley PLCs, and Modbus and OPC protocols.
Willingness to travel as required (must possess a valid driver’s license) to visit sites and attend training sessions, conferences and meetings off site.
Must be able to demonstrate that he/she can perform all the essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or related discipline
Education, formal training, and experience in Industrial Control Systems or DCS implementation
Experience with real-time operational data historian (Pi) administration and configuration.
Working knowledge of electrical power generation
Cyber security formal certification
Experience with NAS and SAN technology products.
Proficiency and experience creating reports/graphics/displays for industrial use
Experience with Microsoft Server Administration; MSCE highly desired.
Experience in client/server domain administration.
Experience in process control/critical systems/real time database environments and supporting technologies.
Scripting experience with SQL, vbscript, PowerShell.
Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Support Generation Technology software tools, including OSIsoft/Aveva Pi data historian, and EtaPro thermal performance suite.
Support Generation Control Systems with expert knowledge of; Emerson Ovation, GE MarkVIe, Programmable Logic Controllers, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, various equipment monitoring systems (system 1, transformer monitoring, SEL Relays, etc.).
Assist in developing operational data reports and data flows to business intelligence software (PowerBI/Tableau) (data lake).
Conduct software and control system modifications and upgrades, including control and graphical enhancements. Provide global process control guidance and enforcement.
Provide oversight of the Management of Change process with respect to controls and cybersecurity.
Verify data flows daily, investigating and troubleshooting any issues.
Ensure operational data integrity as a front-line responder to loss of data flow.
Assist in providing first-line support to facilities that do not currently have dedicated controls and technological support.
Provide assistance for FERC and NERC compliance at Generation Facilities. Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements. Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards, and best practices applicable to the functional area, including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety. Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance.
Help to define future standards for an efficient, stable, usable, and secure architecture.
Support project planning and implementations, leveraging vendors, Engineering and Construction department, and IT resources.
Coordinate instrumentation, controls, and electrical related work activities with Generation Facilities staff.
Help inform internal project managers of standard practices, standard OT network architecture, and preferred software branding to standardize the OT footprint across all TSGT assets.
Define, document, and enforce server and operational standards for implementation of new projects. Monitor and maintain policies for Distributed Control System (DCS) access, including foreign devices and remote access.
Maintain security of control system infrastructure by establishing and enforcing policies.
Troubleshoot control system problems, including DCS networking, sensor networking and Control logic, collaborating with administration personnel on changes.
Coordinate with Generation facility supervision to fully support scheduled equipment maintenance outages in any needed capacity. (i.e., logic reviews, FAT, SAT, drawing and turnover packages, etc.)
Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of regulations, laws, standards, and best practices applicable to functional area.
Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.
Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 40%
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Tuition Reimbursement
Life Insurance
Retirement Option
Long Term Disability (LTD)
Short Term Disability (STD)
Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
Paid Leave Benefits