Scada Engineer

Main Function & Scope

As a member of the Operational Technology Team under the Asset Excellence department, the SCADA Engineer will provide SCADA engineering support to in-house maintenance teams, and other key stakeholders in the business to support the safe delivery of upper quartile asset performance.

As an expert in hardware and software systems for wind farm SCADA systems and associated networking, the SCADA Engineer will reach across the business to ensure operational best practice for first level SCADA, and compliance with cyber security standards.  Their initial focus will be to support the upcoming move to in-house maintenance services on GE wind turbines in France.

Location

Whilst this role is advertised as remote working, we operate an Agile Working policy which allows employees to work flexibly near our office locations. You must have the right to work in the UK/European Union.

Key Responsibilities

O&M Support to In-House O&M Unit

Support delivery of upper quartile asset performance by providing expert SCADA support to assets maintained by our internal maintenance team:

• Provide remote and, where required, on-site support in SCADA fault diagnosis and resolution

• Determine suitability of replacement components and where required third-party refurbishment works

• Ensure SCADA system configuration control through accurate documentation and periodic back-up of control system software and parameters, and by assessing all proposed technical changes under the business Engineering Change Process

• Provide technical support in the maintenance of wind farm SCADA network

• Manager and administer wind farm SCADA data interfaces (e.g. OPC, ODBC)

SCADA Engineering

Working with key stakeholders in Asset Management, Asset Maintenance, and IT support the delivery of Operational Strategy: 

• Liaise with OEMs and ISPs to resolve SCADA system performance issues and to assess proposed configuration changes and ensure accurate documentation

• Support the development and implementation of strategies to achieve and maintain SCADA system access sufficient to enable full O&M services to be conducted

• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of SCADA data interfaces connected to company second level SCADA system and other data retrieval systems

• Support ongoing Grid Code compliance through management of park control systems and provision of data and control services to network operators

• Maintain compliance with company cybersecurity standards by regularly assessing SCADA systems for vulnerabilities, applying security updates, and coordinating with IT and cybersecurity teams to implement robust security measures and conduct periodic audits

Engineering Optimisation Support

Support business value delivery strategy through asset optimisation and new asset development:

• Provide engineering support on control systems to Asset Optimisation team in the development and validation of wind turbine upgrades

• Extend asset life through SCADA component obsolescence management

• Specify the SCADA system requirements for new renewable energy projects (i.e. wind, solar PV, BESS) ensuring that operational requirements are captured in EPC and supply agreements

Competencies & Behaviours

Essential

• Organised and methodical mindset

• Safety orientated

• Results focussed

• Drive and persistence

• Confident and articulate communicator

• Excellent level of written communication

• Teamwork

• Directing others

• Developing relationships

• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Expert knowledge of wind SCADA systems including hardware and software of wind turbine controllers, park controllers, and data interfaces and associated server technology
• Expert knowledge of a broad range of communication protocols used in SCADA systems in the electricity generation industry
• Expert knowledge of wind farm internal networking design and maintenance
• Knowledge of latest industry specific cyber security requirements
• Working knowledge of safety legislation specific to electricity generation industries
• Understanding of O&M contracts and specifically being able to understand technical scope
• Confident and articulate communicator who can explain complex engineering problems in non-technical language

Desirable

• Knowledge of solar PV SCADA systems

• Knowledge of SCADA systems for electrical infrastructure

Relevant Experience

Essential

• Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of working with Wind Power Plant and the associated SCADA hardware and software
• Experience of working with GE wind turbine SCADA systems
• Experience of managing contractors and delivering multiple projects simultaneously, to schedule and budget
• Effective team member who can support in the delivery of cross functional work scopes
• High level of computing literacy
• Strong interpersonal including both verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, methodical mind with the ability to combine innovative thinking with a solutions-orientated approach
• Ability to make effective decisions in pressured situations

Desirable

• Worked across several jurisdictions

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering discipline

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (essential);

• Additional Portuguese, French, Spanish, or German languages would be advantageous.

Software Programmes

• Microsoft Office Suite

• First and Second Level SCADA Software Platforms

• Network Configuration and Security Tools

• Database Management Systems

• Project Management Software

Travel Requirements 

Occasional travel across our portfolio, project sites and offices may be required.