SCADA Engineer Salary and Job Description
SCADA Engineer Salary: $123,244.44 - $165,159.24 Annually Location: City of Escondido, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 03718 Department: Utilities Division Wastewater Treatment Reclamation Opening Date: 03/02/2026
Job Summary
If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of SCADA Engineer in Utilities Department/Wastewater Division.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• Performs a variety of analytical duties in the development, update, modification, operation, administration, and support of the City's utilities information systems including software applications in PLC logic and the SCADA system; • Operates specialized software for computerized valve actuators, spread spectrum radio communications, and SCADA systems; • Tests and supports a variety of specialized system hardware, software, components, and devices; • Participates in the evaluation and testing of new and enhanced applications; • Installs or upgrades software applications; • Troubleshoots and rectifies hardware and software related problems; • Coordinates and documents testing for new or revised software applications; • Deploys new applications in assigned areas; • Investigates, analyzes, and resolves computer related problems; • Resolves compatibility problems; • Troubleshoots system software, hardware, and communication problems; • Recommends and implements changes and improvements; • Serves as liaison with system software and hardware suppliers and vendors; • Initiates request for proposal documents for the selection of professional service contracts; • Monitors contracted services for quality and compliance with City standards; • Serves as focal program management point on a variety of projects related to control systems applications; • Evaluates water/wastewater operational requirements; • Researches and develops control systems solutions; • Develops project budgets; • Monitors project performance and compliance with applicable specifications; • Ensures quality and timeliness of work performed; • Maintains system security and integrity; • Monitors security of all systems and applications; • Identifies unauthorized access and potential security risks; • Makes recommendations on security enhancements; • Installs and maintains control system network components including routers, switches, bridges, hubs, and other network equipment and software; • Responds to user inquiries on system operations; • Troubleshoots and diagnoses system hardware, software, and operator problems; • Performs technical writing duties in the development, production, and maintenance of system documentation, instructional materials, and procedural manuals; • Reviews hardware and software technical specifications.
Additional Responsibilities
• Conferences with staff from various departments and outside agencies to facilitate upgrades and solve program, system, operational, and procedures problems; • Analyzes problems and recommends corrective action; • Designs, develops, and implements solutions; • Coordinates system activities; • Works with Infosystems to provide technical assistance in the development of policies and procedures related to system availability, security, and related services; • Maintains operational practices to support policies and procedures; • Contacts vendors for components, technical reference, and/or services required for system maintenance and enhancement projects; • Responds to emergency situations as necessary and troubleshoots problems as they arise on a 24/7 basis; • Participates in long-term planning to assess future needs as they relate to electrical, telemetry, and electronic systems, equipment, and devices; • Provides software training and support to utilities staff, as necessary; • Provides support to City Information Systems staff by loading software or performing other services on City network computers at their direction, when needed; • Independently develops, configures, and maintains complex SCADA and PLC systems to ensure 24/7 operation of water and wastewater utility systems; • Designs, programs, and implements automation strategies for process control, optimization, and reporting; • Manages small to medium-sized projects, including preparing technical specifications, budgets, timelines, and coordinating internal/external resources; • Develops and updates electrical and control system drawings, including P&IDs, loop diagrams, control panel layouts, and wiring schematics using AutoCAD; • Leads advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis across hardware, software, networking, and instrumentation systems; • Oversees installation, testing, and commissioning of new control system components and provides final system integration; • Serves as a subject matter expert on SCADA/HMI software, PLC platforms, industrial networks, and cybersecurity practices; • Participates in the planning and implementation of SCADA system upgrades, migration strategies, and integration with enterprise systems; • Evaluates and recommends new technologies, control strategies, or software tools to improve system reliability and performance; • Monitors and supports control system networks, including configuration of switches, routers, VPNs, leased lines, and telemetry infrastructure; • Reviews and approves work performed by contractors and vendors for conformance with City standards and system requirements; • Provides technical leadership, trains, plans, assigns, and reviews the work of the Control Systems Analyst staff and technicians, involved in the design, programming, and maintenance of the City's SCADA and control systems; • Ensures system security and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; • Maintains backup and recovery systems; • Participates in emergency response and after-hours troubleshooting as part of an on-call rotation; • Maintains detailed technical documentation, including SOPs, specifications, test results, and system configurations; • Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications
Knowledge
• Advanced SCADA system architecture, programming, and integration practices; • Industrial control systems design, including PLC programming and HMI development; • Instrumentation and process control theory related to water/wastewater systems; • Electrical design principles, NFPA/NEC codes, ISA standards, and best practices; • Control system communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, and radio telemetry; • Industrial networking concepts, including routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, and network security; • Project management principles, including budgeting, procurement, and contractor oversight; • Backup, disaster recovery, and system redundancy strategies for SCADA environments; • Cybersecurity standards for industrial control systems (e.g., NIST, ISA/IEC 62443); • Technical documentation standards and AutoCAD drafting practices.
Ability
• Lead complex control system projects from concept through implementation; • Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve advanced control system and communication issues; • Mentor and support junior engineers and technical staff; • Coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams, consultants, and vendors; • Interpret electrical and control drawings, specifications, and operational data; • Develop and implement standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules; • Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a dynamic work environment; • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; • Respond to emergency calls, analyze critical failures, and implement immediate solutions.
Education/Training
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field focused on control systems. • Experience: Five years (Full-Time equivalent) of increasingly responsible experience in the design, programming, implementation, and support of SCADA, Program Logic Controllers (PLC), and control systems, preferably in a water/wastewater or industrial process environment. • License/Certification: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license. Certifications in relevant technologies (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Wonderware/AVEVA, Ignition, Cisco networking, or ISA CAP) are desirable.
Benefits
The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family, and your budget.