Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

Blue Ridge Power is a full-service EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) company for solar projects across the United States, offering integrated engineering, a qualified professional labor force, and an expansive fleet of equipment to serve the needs of our clients. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, with offices in Fayetteville, NC, and Lexington, SC. Blue Ridge Power has installed 8 GW of solar infrastructure throughout the country and employs about 700 team members. Learn more at blueridgepower.com.

Blue Ridge Power (BRP) is seeking an Instrumentation & Controls Specialist responsible for supporting the commissioning of SCADA systems for medium to large utility-scale PV and battery storage generation sites. This position reviews engineering drawings, codes, standards, and specifications to implement and execute all related commissioning and startup practices, tools, techniques, and programs to achieve contractual compliance. They will support multiple projects across BRP’s portfolio, which may include travel to different states within the mainland United States. This position reports to the Instrumentation and Controls Manager. This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position.

This position is 60% – 80% travel and offers per diem while traveling and working on our project sites. Site states include, but are not limited to: North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, etc.

What You’ll Do:

• Support commissioning of the SCADA system by confirming the design provided in drawings against installation in the field, creating submittals, requests for information (RFI), and written reports from SCADA testing.
• Lead and coordinate SCADA field equipment troubleshooting and support verification of field data to the SCADA system.
• Work with the SCADA vendor to troubleshoot, identify, and resolve communication integration issues.
• Verify alarms in the SCADA HMI system by safely activating the field I/O.
• Troubleshoot communication interfaces at the site based on media such as CAT 5e and fiber optic cables.
• Support ethernet network commissioning by updating the configuration of Ethernet switches and firewalls on site.
• Support commissioning of Power Plant Controller (PPC), HMI Servers, communication gateways, PLC, and protection relays.
• Work with Inverter and Met station and track OEMs to troubleshoot communication integration issues.
• Support the Commissioning team in troubleshooting failed equipment (ISUs, Inverters, etc.) during the commissioning process.
• Collaborate with others to create innovative solutions, test operating constraints, and develop tools to help the SCADA team during commissioning.
• Review pre-functional checklists and functional testing procedures and support testing to commission utility-scale solar and BESS projects successfully.
• Raise work order tickets with equipment Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Vendors for failed equipment.
• Work with the commissioning team to create and manage equipment RMA processes.
• Adhere to and support Health, Safety & Environmental, and Sustainability Policies.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to support SCADA commissioning procedures with SCADA vendors.
• Develop project-specific written commissioning procedures.
• Stay current on applicable technical processes, methods, standards, and best practices.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks effectively and timely, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Performs other duties as requested by Commissioning leadership.

Must-Haves:

• 4+ years’ experience commissioning utility-scale solar projects.
• Proficiency in reading design documents such as utility-scale solar, BESS, substation design plans, and equipment specifications.
• A good understanding of major electrical equipment such as switchgear, VAR systems, Inverters, reclosers, and MV transformers.
• Knowledge and expertise in PV solar equipment, including PV modules, combiner boxes, solar trackers, inverters, DAS/SCADA equipment, communications hardware, meteorological sensors, etc.
• Good knowledge and expertise in troubleshooting SCADA equipment.
• Required software: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience developing SCADA configurations for automation controllers such as SEL-RTAC and other PLCs.
• Preferred software: Procore, CMS.
• Demonstrated willingness to travel on short notice for short and long-term assignments.
• Ability to develop and implement a detailed and integrated commissioning and start-up process and plan.

Education and Certifications:

• AA in EET (or BS/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Systems).
• Must possess and maintain a current valid driver’s license required.

Working Environment and Physical Demand:

• 60% – 80% travel depending on project requirements and offers per diem while working on our project site(s).
• Ability to receive and execute tasks delegated by a more senior technician, all while recognizing potential safety concerns and maintaining a good attitude.
• Must be able to comply with all company safety standards and procedures, including OSHA requirements.
• Complete OSHA training as required.
• Must follow organization policies and procedures.
• Individuals in this position work in an outdoor environment and must be able to tolerate all climates.
• Must be able to sit, stoop, kneel, bend, stand, or walk short to long distances for 8-10 hours daily.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Blue Ridge Power believes in taking care of our employees by offering benefits that support their physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Matching 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, Training and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, Hybrid Work Options, Remote Work Options, Dog-Friendly Offices, and much more!

Blue Ridge Power supports organizations local to our offices in Fayetteville, NC, and Asheville, NC, including the school systems, environmental groups, athletics, youth organizations, and more.

Blue Ridge Power is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.

Blue Ridge Power does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies.