Position Title: Lead SCADA Engineer - Critical Infrastructure
Position Location: Remote - United States; limited project-based travel required
(On-site presence primarily for design reviews, FAT, IST, commissioning strategy, or critical technical escalations)
JOB SUMMARYThe Lead SCADA Engineer - Level IV is a senior technical authority responsible for SCADA system architecture, development, and technical quality across multiple mission-critical infrastructure projects.
This role is intentionally broad and platform-agnostic. It is designed to attract senior engineers with deep experience in SCADA systems, supervisory control, system integration, and control-system development, not narrow PLC specialists tied to a single platform or methodology.
The Lead SCADA Engineer sets technical direction, establishes development standards, and ensures scalable, secure, and reliable SCADA solutions that support complex, high-availability environments (data centers, utilities, industrial infrastructure, mission-critical facilities).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSSCADA Architecture, Standards, & Development (40%)- Define and maintain SCADA system architecture, development standards, and best practices.
- Establish design intent for supervisory control systems, including data modeling, alarm strategy, graphics philosophy, and system performance expectations.
- Lead development of SCADA code, scripts, templates, and reusable components where appropriate.
- Ensure SCADA systems are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with long-term operational needs.
- Provide technical governance across multiple projects and platforms.
Project-Level Technical Leadership (25%)- Serve as senior technical lead for SCADA systems across multiple concurrent projects.
- Partner with Project Managers, Engineers, and Field Leadership during planning, sequencing, and commissioning strategy development.
- Translate operational requirements into high-level SCADA system solutions.
- Identify technical risks early and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Act as escalation point for complex integration, development, or commissioning challenges.
Quality, Risk, & Commissioning Support (20%)- Review and approve SCADA system designs, configurations, and development approaches.
- Perform peer reviews of SCADA configurations, scripts, and logic developed by others.
- Validate alignment with standards, cybersecurity considerations, and design intent.
- Support FAT, IST, commissioning, and live system cutovers as a senior technical authority.
- Assist in diagnosing and resolving critical system issues during high-risk events.
Mentorship & Technical Development (15%)- Mentor mid- and senior-level engineers through technical review, guidance, and coaching.
- Support development of internal documentation, standards, and training materials.
- Promote continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and engineering excellence.
Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on BudgetPerforms Other Related Duties as Assigned
POSITION REQUIREMENTS- 6-8+ years of experience engineering SCADA control systems in mission-critical, industrial, or infrastructure environments
- Demonstrated experience designing and developing SCADA systems, not just configuring them
- Strong understanding of:
- SCADA architecture and data modeling
- Alarm management and HMI/graphics philosophy
- System integration and communications
- Commissioning workflows, IST, and live cutovers
- Proven ability to review, critique, and improve complex control system implementations
- Ability to operate as a technical authority without direct people management
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical stakeholders
- Comfortable supporting multiple projects concurrently in a fast paced environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working on a computer
- Ability to move through offices, job sites, control rooms, and equipment spaces as needed
- Ability to occasionally lift or move tools or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS- Must have a valid driver's license and ability to rent vehicles
- Limited (up to 30%), targeted travel for FAT, IST, commissioning strategy, or critical issue resolution
- Willingness to support extended hours during major commissioning or cutover events as needed
- Domestic travel required as project needs dictate; valid REAL ID or passport required
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Computer, Mechanical) or a related technical discipline preferred
- Equivalent combination of education and demonstrated, hands-on engineering experience will be considered
- Relevant industry certifications or advanced technical training are a plus but not required
Preferred (Not Required):
- SCADA platform certifications (e.g., Ignition Gold, AVEVA/Wonderware, Siemens, Rockwell, or equivalent)
- Ongoing professional development in control systems, automation, or mission-critical infrastructure
Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include
- Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
- Dental and vision plans
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
- 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
- PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
- Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
- Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
- Paid parental leave after one year of employment
CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.
The pay range for this role is:
99,750 - 120,225 USD per year (Remote (United States))
