Scada Engineer

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

Urban Grid is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience specifically related to utility scale solar power plant SCADA design and plant construction, with a deep understanding of solar plant system design and function.  As a SCADA Engineer, the candidate will play a crucial role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of SCADA systems for Urban Grid’s solar power projects. The candidate’s expertise will contribute to the efficiency, reliability, and performance optimization of Urban Grid’s solar energy systems. The primary responsibilities of the SCADA Engineer will be overseeing the successful implementation of SCADA on utility scale solar projects while supporting Urban Grid’s Performance, Project Delivery, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Teams on any requests associated with the plants’ SCADA systems.  The successful candidate will develop design standards and play a key role in the commissioning and operation of the SCADA systems at Urban Grid’s project sites.

The SCADA Engineer will provide oversight and technical management of SCADA systems during preconstruction and construction through O&M for multiple Urban Grid’s solar projects.  The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing contract technical documents and drawings during the EPC bidding and design phases and managing the SCADA design through construction to O&M.  The role entails responding to requests for information (RFIs) and coordinating with EPC’s and engineering consultants to answer SCADA design and construction related project questions.  The successful candidate will have a broad knowledge of utility scale solar SCADA design and implementation and will be responsible for ensuring all projects meet the standards and specifications outlined in the Contract Documents for each project.  The SCADA Engineer will also be responsible for the coordination and delivery of design drawings and technical documents to ensure each project remains on schedule.  The successful candidate will have direct experience in construction of solar SCADA systems, from the inverters to the high voltage collector substation.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing the development and design of SCADA systems tailored for solar power plants and implementing the design successfully during construction and O&M. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Performance, Project Delivery, and O&M) to integrate SCADA solutions designs seamlessly with new or existing infrastructure.
• Coordinate with Urban Grid Procurement and Supply Chain Teams to ensure the technical accuracy, timely, and cost-effective acquisition of required equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors, EPC’s and engineering consultants for the integration of new hardware and software components.
• Oversee the design and implementation of robust communication networks for efficient data transfer and control between solar field components and central monitoring systems.
• Ensure network security protocols are being implemented correctly to safeguard against cyber threats.
• Comprehend and communicate alarms and notifications for quick response to system anomalies.
• Utilize SCADA data to conduct performance analysis and identify areas for improvement in solar power generation.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance procedures to ensure the continuous and reliable operation of SCADA systems.
• Provide training to O&M teams on SCADA system usage.
• Ensure that SCADA systems comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Review contractor and vendor equipment submittals to acknowledge SCADA compliance with IFC drawings.
• Work with Owner’s Engineers, EPCs, and engineering consultants to coordinate review and finalization of design drawings per contract requirements.
• Assist in the coordination of project commissioning activities, including system testing, performance verification, and operational readiness.

Location:  Houston, Texas office location is preferred.  Remote working is negotiable depending on individual circumstances.  Position may require periodic trips to active construction sites, or Richmond, VA for team meetings or site visits to support engineering and development activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably electrical, computer science, or renewable energy-related fields).
• Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Working knowledge of relevant engineering electrical codes and standards (NEC, IEEE, ASTM and others)
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles related to SCADA systems.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, HMI development, and communication protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Must have the ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work both individually and/or in a collaborative team environment with minimal guidance.
• Must be able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while creating and maintaining internal and external relationships with contractors and co-workers, respectively.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to coordinate and communicate work with multiple disciplines, organizations, agencies, vendors, and contractors.
• Working knowledge of Substation, Switchyard and Battery Storage design, and utility interconnection is preferred, but not required.

Benefits

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.