Sr Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA)

Job Description

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Job Title: Sr Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA)

Posting Start Date: 11/2/26

Job Description:

Job Information

Salary Range: $92,000 - $109,000

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

Responsible for implementing, maintaining and supporting the automation & process control infrastructure(SCADA). Provide expert assistance and collaboration in creating engineering plans, designs, monitoring, buildingand commissioning of automation & process control systems. Understand and apply new technological systemsand multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative system solutions that match operational andbusiness requirements. Assist in the development of standards, practices and policies related to the installation,maintenance and operations of automation & process control systems. Develop, deploy and maintain standardand custom programming and configuration code for the automation & process control systems. Provide secondlevel support for maintaining the automation & process control infrastructure, which may include off-hours and/oron-site support when required. Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Perform qualityassurance checks of automation & process control systems as required. Manage system integration partners andrelationships.

Key Accountabilities

• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operations personnel, and other internal staff on the design,review, information gathering, inspection, and commissioning / start-up of projects that include processcontrol equipment, or SCADA systems.
• Ability to execute projects from conception to start-up within budget and project schedule.
• Develop programming and configuration code for process control systems, make changes to existingprograms, review work performed by outside contractors, participate in factory acceptance testing, andcoordinate control system issues between project engineering, the instrumentation contractor, andoperations.
• Review control logic strategies and implement programming changes to optimize control strategies fortreatment and pumping processes and automate where appropriate.
• Perform or coordinate maintenance activities on process control equipment or SCADA system.
• Perform upgrades, add new facilities, and provide replacement of hardware and software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues.
• Investigate new technological developments and processes.
• Research, recommend, and implement systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability.
• Advise, instruct, and/or assist operating company personnel on proper operation and maintenance of ProcessControl equipment or Systems. Provide Technical instruction as required.
• Ensure compliance to policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results.
• Develop and maintain relationship with system integrators and other partners/vendors
• Review vendor specifications, report findings and make recommendations.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, control elementary drawings, ISA instrument specifications, and loop diagrams.
• Working knowledge of industrial control system platforms including PLC / DCS / HMI programming / design /configuration.
• Knowledge of industrial computers and data collection methods. Understanding of PC Networkingtechnology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases and historians.
• Knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MSProject, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application; water/wastewater equipment andsystems operations preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation process control equipment and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to configure programmable process controllers PLCs / RTUs, to include Allen-Bradley/Rockwell (preferred), Bristol Babcock, Modicon, Siemens, Emerson.
• Demonstrated ability to configure HMI systems, to include Ignition (preferred), Iconics, GE/Intellution,Wonderware.
• Ability to develop Process Control Functional descriptions.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex process control problems related to water / wastewater systems.
• Proficient with identifying, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating detailed phases of CapitalProjects.
• Proficient with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and cellularand radio telemetry.
• Excellent interpersonal and team contributor skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changes in priority efficiently.
• Excellent client relations skills and customer service orientation.
• Excellent planning, time management and organization skills with attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communications skills, including presentation expertise and the ability tocommunicate complex issues clearly.

Experience/Education

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation ofProcess Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs / RTU preferred.
• Experience with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and cellularand radio telemetry.
• Experience with OPC and/or programming languages
• Four-year (4) degree or equivalent experience and/or certifications or other education and training may besubstituted.

Travel Requirements

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

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented

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