SCADA Control Systems Engineer

Portland General Electric•Tualatin, OR

33d•$71,325 - $166,625

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

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.