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Control Systems Engineer

Chelan County Public Utility District
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Control Systems Engineer I

Join our team at Chelan County Public Utility District. As one of the largest hydroelectric generating utilities in the Northwest, our mission at Chelan PUD is to improve the quality of life for the thousands of people who call our pristine desert and mountain community home.

Overview
This is the entry level position in the Control Systems Engineering Group responsible for developing and implementing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), energy management (EMS), or other systems typically used by system operators to monitor and control integrated utility systems. Designs networked system interfaces and applications used to supervise and operate remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or similar intelligent electronic devices (IED) in real-time. Implements cyber security controls that conform with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. Documents system processes and controls. A fully skilled employee in this role is able to perform all of the essential functions listed below, and will work primarily on low risk and low complexity work assignments.

Responsibilities

  • SCADA (EMS/GMS): Learn about and perform work at low level of risk to operational compliance, revenue stream, equipment and human safety. Implement, document and maintain Distribution, Generation, Hatcheries, Water/Wastewater and Compliance systems and related human machine interfaces, communication topology, and work practices. Provide Control Room Operators, Energy Planning & Trading, Outage Coordinators, Engineers and Project teams with processes and procedures, engineering analysis and technical support. Integrates and provides interoperability for small-scale systems. Maintains servers and workstations. Configure operating systems. Research new display and tool technologies and contributes to the development strategy. Prepares training documentation. Maintains critical asset information. Attend industry meetings, discussions and forums.
  • Reliability Compliance: Learn about and perform work at a low level of risk to regulatory compliance. Maintain program documentation and perform applicable processes to meet NERC CIP requirements. Provide support for internal and external audits, including annual self-certifications, and peer review. Act as a contributor to NERC CIP Standards. Research regulations by reviewing regulatory bulletins and other sources of information. Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information. Document and maintain technical tools and security controls required to meet compliance objectives identified in the program documentation. Attend compliance working groups, forums and related industry events.
  • Cyber Security: Learn about and perform work at a low level of risk to operations, regulatory compliance and company reputation. Provide support to internal project teams to define and develop secure architecture and solutions. Prepare and maintain technical user guides, System Operating Procedures, security architecture documentation and diagrams. Participate in project meetings. Monitor alerts and logs. Maintain security tools and technologies such as logging, anti-virus/malware detection, and configuration management. Support security-focused tools and services. Participate in cyber security incident response plan tests.
  • Project Management: Learn about and perform work at a low level of risk to operations and revenue stream. Provide tasks and time estimates for projects requiring CSE time. Provide technical support for project teams assigned to implementing or modifying District control systems. Participate in technical meetings associated with project work that impacts SCADA design
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
  • As an essential function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Reports To
Manager - Control Systems Engineering

Overtime exemption
Exempt

Qualifications

Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

  • Bachelor's Degree (B. S., B. A.) in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science or closely related field is required.

Experience

  • Entry Level. No experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire

Skills and Abilities
A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities:

  • Engineering and Industrial Control Systems security principles and practices
  • Control systems theory
  • Computer programming in one (1) or more object-oriented or script language
  • Data communications protocols and computer operating systems
  • Strong reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills
  • Data analysis and research
  • Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing
  • Communicate technical information effectively to non-department and non-technical staff
  • Technical writing
  • Work with a field support team to diagnose issues.
  • Learn new computer systems from documentation and training
  • Diagnose problems to isolate cause
  • Maintain, troubleshoot and modify program HMI components
  • Analyze programming, observe monitoring signals, and troubleshoot systems
  • Think beyond past approaches and propose practical approaches to control design
  • Follow test plans for Security Controls and Automation
  • Apply the principles of software management to organize and maintain software integrity
  • Act as a contributor for assigned SCADA and associated supporting systems
  • Identify, research and gather relevant information from a variety of sources
  • Meet deadlines on multiple simultaneous priorities for multiple stakeholders
  • Respond to after-hours call-outs
  • Contribute training material to other engineers and dedicated District training professional staff
  • Clearly communicate technical information to end users and stakeholders
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Maximo Asset Management; PC Hardware; Servers; General Office Equipment; Monarch; Intellection; PI Historian software; Compliance tools; Microsoft Windows server and workstation operating systems; Visual Studio; PLC, RTU, Meter, and IED hardware; and C-family and scripting (PowerShell and Unix Shell) programming languages.
  • Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

     

Control Systems Engineer II

Overview
This is the second level position in the Control Systems Engineering Group responsible for developing and implementing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), energy management (EMS), or other systems typically used by system operators to monitor and control integrated utility systems. Designs networked system interfaces and applications used to supervise and operate remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or similar intelligent electronic devices (IED) in real-time. Implements cyber security controls that conform with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. Documents system processes and controls. A fully skilled employee in this role is able to perform all of the essential functions listed below, and will work primarily on low-moderate risk and low-moderately complex work assignments.

Responsibilities

  • SCADA (EMS/GMS): Perform work at low-moderate level of risk to operational compliance, revenue stream, equipment and human safety. Design, develop, implement, document and maintain Transmission, Distribution, Generation, Hatcheries, Water/Wastewater, Security and Compliance systems and related human machine interfaces, communication topology, code, data storage, tools and procedures. Follows change management procedures. Designs work practices. Provide control room Operators, Energy Planning & Trading, Outage Coordinators, Engineers and Project teams with SCADA system tools, prototypes, processes and procedures; data analysis, visualization, and analytical tools; system documentation; and engineering analysis and technical support. Maintain servers and workstations. Configure and manage multiple operating systems. Act as a subject matter expert for one or more system performance standards, and contributes to the development strategy for tools and applications. Mentor and train less experienced engineers. Maintain critical asset information. Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices. Represent the District in industry meetings, discussions and forums.
  • Reliability Compliance: Perform work under general supervision on systems with a low-moderate level of risk to regulatory compliance. Create and maintain program documentation and perform applicable processes to meet NERC CIP requirements. Provide support for internal and external audits, including annual self-certifications, and peer review, audit worksheet maintenance. Contribute to the evaluation of NERC CIP Standards. Contribute to the evaluation of NERC Alerts. Implement mitigation actions to resolve potential compliance concerns. Create work orders for other work groups to address NERC CIP-related requirements. Act as a Standard Owner, Subject Matter Expert or Contributor to NERC CIP Standards. Research regulations by reviewing regulatory bulletins and other sources of information. Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information. Implement, document and maintain technical tools and security controls required to meet compliance objectives identified in the program documentation. Attend compliance working groups, forums and related industry events.
  • Cyber Security: Perform work on networked systems with low-moderate level of risk to operations, regulatory compliance and company reputation. Provide support to internal project teams to conduct discovery sessions and define and develop secure architecture and solutions. Assist with the assessment and documentation of the design of secure solutions. Assist with the implementation of technical security solution policies in alignment with business risk. Prepare and maintain technical user guides, System Operating Procedures, security architecture documentation and diagrams. Provide recommendations and strategies for ensuring remediation of gaps and deficiencies as projects develop. Monitor alerts and logs. Implement, maintain and support security tools and technologies such as logging and monitoring, data restoration, anti-virus/malware detection, software and security updates, configuration management, asset management and baseline monitoring. Implement in depth defensive controls to mitigate risk. Provide technical review of standardized District security framework. Conduct and participate in cyber security incident response plan tests. Assist with third-party penetration tests. Evaluate and recommend security products and technologies.
  • Project Management: Perform work at a low-moderate level of risk to operations and revenue stream. Provide tasks and time estimates for projects requiring CSE time. Provide technical support for project teams assigned to implementing or modifying District control systems. Organize technical meetings associated with project work that impacts SCADA design.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
  • As an essential function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Reports To
Manager - Control Systems Engineering

Overtime exemption
Exempt

Qualifications

Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

  • Bachelor's Degree (B. S., B. A.) in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science or closely related field is required.

Experience

  • 2+ years of experience performing as a Level I or closely related experience is required.
  • Candidates with a Master’s degree who also have at least 6 months experience in the Utility industry working with SCADA systems may be hired as a Level II.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire

Skills and Abilities
A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities:

  • Industrial control systems design, selection and specification of equipment and design of industrial communication and control networks.
  • Engineering and Industrial Control Systems security principles and practices
  • Distributed control (DCS), host centric (SCADA) and Embedded System environments utilizing one (1) or more computing platforms, PLCs and RTUs
  • Control systems theory and its practical application to process control and field instrumentation
  • Computer programming in two (2) or more languages, preferably one object-oriented and one script language
  • Control protocols including DNP and Allen-Bradley
  • Data communications protocols, networking equipment and computer operating systems
  • Operating system hardening, configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance techniques
  • Automation, system and communications integration methodologies
  • Power generation for hydro unit operation
  • Regulatory laws, standards and requirements including NERC CIP Reliability Standards
  • Complex spreadsheets and database applications
  • Basic knowledge of project management concepts, principles and practices
  • Collect, process, preserve, analyze, and present computer-related evidence in support of network vulnerability mitigation, counterintelligence or law enforcement investigations.
  • Work with a field support team to diagnose issues and propose resolution
  • Respond to crisis or urgent situations within the pertinent domain to mitigate immediate and potential threats.
  • Use mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery approaches, as needed to maximize survival of life, preservation of property, and information security. Investigates and analyzes all relevant response activities.
  • Technical review skills
  • Strong reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills
  • Data analysis, research and report development
  • Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing
  • Interpret engineering problems and solutions, and communicate technical information effectively to non-department and non-technical staff
  • Technical writing
  • Estimates project cost and schedule
  • Actively look ahead to plan for and respond to project challenges
  • Contribute to the development of department policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Learn new computer systems from documentation and training
  • Act as a Subject Matter Expert for 2 or more SCADA, Compliance and associated supporting systems
  • Diagnose problems to isolate cause
  • Maintain, troubleshoot and modify program HMI components
  • Analyze programming, observe monitoring signals, and troubleshoot systems
  • Think beyond past approaches and propose practical approaches to control design
  • Identify solutions of low complexity by analyzing data, evaluating alternatives and recommending an appropriate course of action
  • Write clear system requirements and test plans for Security Controls and Automation
  • Apply the principles of software management to organize and maintain software integrity
  • Apply mathematical concepts such as scaling, conversions, raising to a power and logic ops (AND/OR/XOR)
  • Apply open-loop and closed-loop control theory algorithms for linear systems
  • Identify, research and gather relevant information from a variety of sources
  • Meet deadlines on multiple simultaneous priorities for multiple stakeholders
  • Respond to after-hours call-outs
  • Train other engineers and dedicated District training professional staff
  • Clearly communicate technical information to end users and stakeholders
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Maximo Asset Management; PC Hardware; Servers; General Office Equipment; Microsoft Windows server and workstation operating systems; C-family and scripting (PowerShell and Unix Shell) programming languages; basic knowledge of Microsoft Outlook; Primavera; Monarch; Intellution; PI Historian software; Compliance tools; Network equipment operating systems; Microsoft Active Directory; SQL Server; Visual Studio; Visio; Enterprise security management software; Telecommunication software; PLC, RTU, Meter, and IED hardware.
  • Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

     

Control Systems Engineer III

Overview
This is the third level position in the Control Systems Engineering Group responsible for developing and implementing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), energy management (EMS), or other systems typically used by system operators to monitor and control integrated utility systems. Designs networked system interfaces and applications used to supervise and operate remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or similar intelligent electronic devices (IED) in real-time. Implements cyber security controls that conform to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. Documents system processes and controls. A fully skilled employee in this role is able to perform all of the essential functions listed below, and will work primarily on moderate-high risk and moderately-highly complex work assignments. Leads moderately complex projects.

Responsibilities

  • SCADA (EMS/GMS): Perform work on advanced networked systems with a moderate-high risk level to operational compliance, revenue stream, equipment and human safety. Design, develop, implement, document and maintain Transmission, Distribution, Generation, Hydro Optimization, Hatcheries, Water/Wastewater, Mid-Columbia Hourly Coordination, Security and Compliance systems and related human machine interfaces, database structures, control models, multi-system architecture, communication topology, code, data storage, tools and procedures. Follow change management procedures. Design work practices. Provide control room Operators, Energy Planning & Trading, Outage Coordinators, Engineers and Project teams with SCADA system tools, prototypes, processes and procedures; data analysis, visualization, and analytical tools; system documentation; and engineering analysis and technical support. Develop integrations and interoperability for multiple systems. Identify system issues and develop solutions. Purchase, implement, document and maintain servers, workstations, and network equipment. Configure and manage multiple operating systems. Develop new or existing vendor applications. Develop test scripts and conduct testing. Investigate, evaluate and benchmark new display and tool technologies. Act as a subject matter expert for multiple system performance standards, and contributes to the development strategy for tools and applications. Mentor and train less experienced engineers. Maintain critical asset information. Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices. Represent the District in industry meetings, discussions and forums.
  • Reliability Compliance: Perform work on advanced networked systems with a moderate-high level of risk to regulatory compliance and company reputation. Create and maintain program documentation and perform applicable processes to meet NERC CIP requirements. Provide support for internal and external audits, including annual self-certifications, and peer review, audit worksheet maintenance, and audit interviews. Evaluate NERC alerts. Develop and implement mitigation actions to resolve potential compliance concerns. Create work orders for other work groups to address NERC CIP-related requirements. Act as a Standard Owner, Subject Matter Expert or Contributor to NERC CIP Standards. Research regulations by reviewing regulatory bulletins and other sources of information. Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information. Develop, implement, document and maintain technical tools and security controls required to meet compliance objectives identified in the program documentation. Attend compliance working groups, forums and related industry events.
  • Cyber Security: Perform work on advanced networked systems with moderate-high level of risk to operations, regulatory compliance and company reputation. Define, develop, and document secure architecture and solutions. Implement technical security solution policies in alignment with business risk. Prepare and maintain technical user guides, System Operating Procedures, security architecture documentation and diagrams. Provide recommendations and strategies for ensuring remediation of gaps and deficiencies as projects develop. Monitor alerts and logs. Audit security controls. Perform security risk assessments and develop mitigation plans. Develop and maintain security tools and technologies such as event management; multi-factor authentication; intrusion detection; logging, alerting and monitoring; data retention and restoration; anti-virus/malware detection; software and security updates; configuration management; asset management and baseline monitoring; system hardening; network access control; least access privilege implementation; vulnerability assessments. Conduct technical reviews. Conduct cyber security incident response plan tests. Coordinate third-party penetration tests. Evaluate and recommend new and emerging security products and technologies.
  • Project Management: Perform work on advanced projects with moderate-high risk to operations and revenue stream. Lead multi-disciplinary project teams that may include consultants, contractors, legal, procurement, and other District departments. Work with District Project Managers to provide tasks and time estimates for projects requiring CSE time. Provide technical support to project teams assigned to designing, implementing or modifying District control systems. Perform project intake processes to add project work to DWP. Organize technical meetings associated with project work that impacts SCADA/EMS design.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
  • As an essential function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Reports To
Manager - Control Systems Engineering

Overtime exemption
Exempt

Qualifications

Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

  • Bachelor's Degree (B. S., B. A.) in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science or closely related field is required.

Experience

  • 3+ years of experience performing as a Level II or a total of five (5) years progressively responsible experience with Control System Engineering is required.
  • Candidates with a Master’s Degree may reduce total experience by 2 years.