EPC Solar – SCADA Technician

Overview SCADA is an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. The task for SCADA is to design Control Systems and monitor data to logically manage the successful production of goods. In this case, renewable energy control applications, managing and supervising the controls and machinery used in the production, storage, and transmission of solar energy, ensuring the reliability and availability of LPL Solar’s EPC utility grade projects by overseeing and troubleshooting the SCADA control systems and energy control applications on our projects. Project sizes range from 50-300+ MW state-of-the-art utility grade solar facilities.

Under the direction of the SCADA and Control Systems Manager, a SCADA and Control Systems Technician analyzes, plans, inspects, and participates in highly skilled work within the renewables energy sector. More specifically, spreadsheet and reporting software, Human Machine Interface (HMI), automated control systems, server systems, meteorological systems, field telemetry communications systems, energy information networks, LAN/WAN networks, fiber optic networks, and the latest technology of measurement, data acquisition, and control thereof. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Specific Characteristics

This is a position that must have the ability to work independently, with vision, patience, and forethought. Many times, the SCADA & Control Systems Technician shall exercise independent judgment on diverse and specialized duties involving the design, programming, installation, and maintenance of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), proprietary software, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and related energy automation and control systems. The position ensures the support of network communications and associated hardware including process input/output (I/O) networks and LAN/WAN used in plant information networks. The SCADA and Control Systems Technician is also responsible for planning, organizing, providing technical support, evaluating, and participating in the teamwork with many different disciplines of staff responsible for the design, construction, installation, modification, maintenance and repair of electrical, instrumentation, control systems, operational technology, critical power systems, equipment, machinery, and devices at a state-of-the-art utility grade solar facilities. Additionally, the technician is responsible for providing technical level support to an Electrical Services Manager and Commissioning Manager in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Supervision

The SCADA & Control System Technician receives direction from the SCADA & Control Systems Manager, Commissioning Manager, and LPL’s VP of Projects. Most importantly, the technician exercises a team-oriented philosophy with all management and technical staff.

Day To Day Responsibilities

Note: The responsibilities listed below are only general descriptions of the various types of work that are expected of the SCADA and Control Systems Technician. The actual duties could be like, related to, or a related assignment thereof.

Participates in providing technical assistance and advice to assigned staff.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with the LPL Solar team to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports the goals of LPL Solar’s mission, strategic plan, objectives, and values.

Assists with the development and teamwork of LPL Solar’s EPC utility grade solar projects including SCADA sub-contractors, consultants, equipment, materials, and supplies; requests necessary expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary to meet changing conditions.

Coordinates, evaluates, and participates in the maintenance and enhancement of renewable energy related automation and network functionality; installs, upgrades, configures, integrates, and maintains renewable energy automation and information networks across multiple platforms, including PLCs, SCADA, I/O networks, HMIs, servers, proprietary software, virtual machines, web servers, workstations, printers, and routers.

Ensures SCADA systems and the automatic energy control systems are available, secured and functioning at optimal levels; reviews and responds to reactive maintenance of hardware, communication, and application failures; manages data recovery activities.

Provides technical guidance, and participates in the development of cybersecurity, industrial networks, energy output control, supervisory control and telemetry systems, programmable logic, process databases, and application programs.

Coordinates activities with other technology teams and with managers and staff in other business units; interfaces with business units to ensure supervisory control and data acquisition standards are followed.

Participates in the planning and implementation of complex projects and control system strategic planning; learns new process control, supervisory control and telecommunication methods, techniques, equipment, and recommends their application in the proper setting.

Provides technical assistance to staff and other LPL Solar sections and departments, seeks training in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions. Participates in specialized electrical training for safety and for understanding other sections and departments; inspects and evaluates work being performed by sub-contractors.

Identifies problem areas and recommends remedial action; interprets and modifies work for response to inquiries and issues at numerous projects; responds to emergency situations as necessary., verifying validity and necessity of requests; recommends special work or equipment maintenance; learns new operational methods, techniques, and equipment for recommendation of their application.

Responsible for carrying out all points of LPL Solar’s safety program; ensures subordinates follow safety practices in work methods and procedures; enforces proper safety procedures while working in dangerous situations; educates self in OSHA 30, with certification or attainable. Follows LPL Solar’s rules, regulations, codes, and safe work habits, and reports potential hazards inside their work environment.

Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports, including timecards, worksheets, incident reports, and issue requests.

Participates in and gives instruction on SCADA related first builds on projects and can clearly train other personnel on how to install equipment properly and effectively.

Has the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Principles and practices of team-oriented leadership philosophy and structured problem solving.

Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the work procedures.

Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team-oriented interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

Administrative principles and methods including goal setting, program development, and implementation.

Principles and practices of mathematical calculations with the ability to work remotely independently using software common to SCADA.

An understanding of methods, and equipment used in installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronics equipment and devices common to a utility grade solar power facility; theory of electrical/instrumentation, operation, calibration, various field devices and equipment, and installation.

An understanding of methods and techniques of installing, configuring, administering, and monitoring a diverse range of physical and virtual systems, evaluating system effectiveness, security and monitoring devices, and procedures to maintain integrity and security of data in networked systems.

An understanding of the principles, methods, protocols, and techniques in the design, installation, and operation of data, communications systems, networks, equipment, devices, cabling ladder logic / function block/scripting programming, designing interfaces, industrial control systems, and SCADA system device configuration.

The ability to enforce safety practices, safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work, codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the work.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with clients, owners, the public, vendors, sub-contractors, and LPL Solar staff.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, in order to communicate clearly, interpret project drawings, specifications, manuals, and documents, analyze, diagnose and modify computer-based hardware and software programs; use spreadsheets and database management systems for SCADA & Industrial Control Systems (ICS) configuration and report generation.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. Install, configure, maintain, and administer networked systems hardware and software and servers if requested.

Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience & Education

Four (4) years of experience in utility grade renewable power projects or similar industrial electrical and/or electronics maintenance and repair experience, including supervisory control and telemetry systems.

2-year college degree or advanced technical training in the field.

Licenses & Certification

A valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under LPL Solar’s Vehicle Insurance Policy

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in utility grade solar energy and related facilities; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various LPL Solar project sites; color vision to read gauges and identify appurtenances; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects to a weight of 50 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Employees work partially indoors and partially outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibrations, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances.