Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA) Manager

Job Description

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Job Title: Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA) Manager

Posting Start Date: 8/4/26

Job Description:

Possible Work Locations

This position offers the flexibility to work from one of several large American Water facilities or offices located throughout the state of Indiana.

Job Information

Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

• Manage / Review the overall performance and efficiency of the Automation & Control Systems along with all Policies and Practices to ensure their secure and reliable operation.
• Manage direct reports.
• Provide departmental planning, assure day-to-day support is delivered, project management oversight, and assurance that overall satisfaction with performance in their State organizational structure.
• Manage or provide input for the CAPEX Recurring Project budgets.
• Collaborate with Operational and Functional Departments to ensure the state and local Automation & Process Control Systems strategies and master plans are progressing to plan.
• Coordinate and or develop Automation & Process Control education and training for team members and others.
• Implement knowledge sharing and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Investigate and pilot, where appropriate, new technological systems, enhancements and multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative system solutions.
• Ensure quality compliance in all automation & process control systems.
• Provide expert assistance with planning and designing timely, cost-effective modernization projects.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage staff and activities of a State's control team to provide secure and reliable automation & process control system operation.
• Coordinate maintenance activities on automation & process control equipment or systems
• Participate as a Lead in the development, review and implementation of automation & process control systems Strategies, Policies, Practices and Master Plans.
• Manage or provide input to the CAPEX Recurring Project budgets.
• Manage automation & process control system projects as required.
• Create and manage the departmental OPEX budget.
• Establish quality compliance checks to ensure quality assurance of automation & process control systems.
• Investigate new technological developments and processes. Research, recommend, and implement systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability.
• Develop and/or coordinate Automation & Process Control education and training for team members and others.
• Develop and implement knowledge sharing and continuous improvement tools and activities.
• Work with Automation & Controls Staff & Production personnel implementing appropriate policies, standards, practices, and guidelines
• for all phases of Automation & Process Control System implementation and maintenance. Work with members of the Automation & Controls, Production, and Network to ensure compliance with Automation & Process Control System policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with functional and operating organizations and their executive management teams to address the organization's automation & control needs and plans.
• Analyze the Region's automation & process control needs in total and coordinate the planning for each of their Districts.
• Assure the support is in place for each Region to meet operational requirements and the training needs of local associates and other users.
• Oversee the development of capital improvement projects and estimates within area of responsibility. Manage the department budget and ensure that financial targets are met.
• Change Management:
• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results.
• Ensure compliance with the Change Management process.
• Enforce process control system life cycle procedures.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application; water/wastewater equipment and systems operations required.
• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation in automation & process control equipment and systems
• Working knowledge of industrial automation & control system platforms including PLC / DCS / HMI programming / design / configuration.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, control elementary drawings, ISA instrument specifications, and loop diagrams.
• Knowledge of process computers and data collection methods.
• Understanding of PC Networking technology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases.
• Knowledge of OPC, Visual Basic, and SQL applications
• Knowledge of data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry.
• Strong knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams et al).
• Demonstrated understanding of programmable process controller configuration, (PLCs / RTUs: Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, , Siemens, Emerson)
• Demonstrated understanding of HMI configuration with Ignition, Iconics, Wonderware, et al.
• Demonstrated understanding of data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, cellular and radio telemetry.
• Proficient with identifying, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating detailed phases of Capital Projects
• Ability to formulate work plans and manage multiple priorities within a regionally dispersed territory.
• Excellent interpersonal, people and people management skills (e.g. listening, coaching, facilitating, tact/diplomacy, employee relations, development, motivation, team building)
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including presentation expertise and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Excellent client relations skills and customer service orientation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changes in priority efficiently.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning, time management and organization skills.
• Rapidly assesses options and likely consequences when under time pressure to make decisions or solve problems.
• Excellent financial management skills (e.g. planning, budgeting, resource allocation)
• Ability to attract, manage and retain highly valued and regionally dispersed professional talent.

Experience/Education

• Four year (4) degree or equivalent.
• Significant additional experience and/or certifications or other education and training may be substituted for formal education.
• Minimum five (5) years management experience, including prior experience with team and project management, technical support, instrumentation, automation & process control system hardware & software design, programming, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
• 10 years of demonstrated experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs / RTU preferred.
• Previous Water/Wastewater (or Utility) experience is preferred
• Experience with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry

Travel Requirements

• Operating Facilities - Multi District Area.
• Requires"on-call" out of hours support during evenings, nights, holidays and weekends.

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