The SCADA Project Technical Lead is responsible for the technical leadership, design oversight, implementation, testing, integration, and commissioning of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for complex industrial, utility, energy, and infrastructure projects. This role serves as the primary technical authority throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring SCADA solutions are designed, configured, integrated, tested, and deployed in accordance with customer requirements, industry standards, project schedules, and quality expectations.
The SCADA Project Technical Lead collaborates closely with project managers, controls engineers, software developers, electrical engineers, cybersecurity specialists, field service personnel, contractors, and customers to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable automation solutions. The role also serves as a field technical specialist supporting startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational readiness activities.
Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership- Provide technical leadership for SCADA projects from concept through commissioning and project closeout.
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers, stakeholders, and internal project teams.
- Support project planning, scope development, resource allocation, scheduling, and risk management activities.
- Lead technical design reviews and ensure alignment with project objectives and customer requirements.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout project execution.
- Mentor engineers and technical staff while promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
SCADA System Design & Architecture- Lead the design and architecture of SCADA systems, including servers, operator workstations, historian platforms, communications infrastructure, and system interfaces.
- Develop and review functional design specifications, control narratives, architecture diagrams, and network layouts.
- Define system requirements for redundancy, availability, cybersecurity, scalability, and performance.
- Ensure compliance with customer standards, industry regulations, and corporate engineering practices.
- Support development of software standards and SCADA design templates.
System Integration- Lead integration efforts between SCADA systems and related technologies, including:
- PLC and DCS platforms
- HMI applications
- Historian databases
- Power management systems
- Microgrid controllers
- MES and ERP systems
- Third-party equipment and vendor systems
- Validate communication protocols including OPC UA, Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850, MQTT, and other industrial network standards.
- Coordinate interface testing and troubleshooting activities across integrated systems.
- Ensure accurate data exchange, reporting, alarm management, and control functionality.
Software Development & Configuration- Oversee SCADA application development, configuration, and deployment.
- Review graphics, operator interfaces, alarm strategies, trends, reports, and historian configurations.
- Ensure software solutions are maintainable, secure, and compliant with project standards.
- Support software testing, validation, and version control processes.
- Approve technical changes and manage system configuration throughout the project lifecycle.
FAT, SAT & Testing- Develop and review Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) procedures.
- Lead FAT execution with customers, vendors, and project stakeholders.
- Verify SCADA functionality against project specifications and operational requirements.
- Manage issue tracking, corrective actions, and test documentation.
- Ensure successful customer acceptance prior to project turnover.
Commissioning & Startup- Lead SCADA commissioning and startup activities at customer sites.
- Serve as a field specialist providing technical expertise during system implementation and operational startup.
- Support network verification, communications testing, point-to-point validation, alarm testing, and integrated system verification.
- Troubleshoot software, hardware, communications, and control system issues during startup.
- Support operational readiness reviews and customer training activities.
- Assist with performance tuning and system optimization following startup.
Cybersecurity & Compliance- Ensure SCADA systems adhere to applicable cybersecurity requirements and industry standards.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement secure architectures, network segmentation, access controls, and patch management strategies.
- Support cybersecurity assessments, audits, and remediation efforts.
- Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory and customer security requirements.
Documentation & Quality- Prepare and review:
- Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
- Software Design Specifications (SDS)
- Network Architecture Drawings
- FAT/SAT Protocols
- Test Reports
- Commissioning Documentation
- Operations and Maintenance Manuals
- Ensure proper document control and configuration management practices.
- Support quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
Customer Engagement- Build strong working relationships with customers and stakeholders.
- Present technical solutions, project updates, and testing results.
- Provide technical guidance and recommendations throughout project execution.
- Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and acceptance activities.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 7-10 years of experience in SCADA, industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration.
- Minimum 3-5 years of technical leadership experience on large automation or SCADA projects.
- Strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation architectures, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Experience with SCADA platforms such as Ignition, Wonderware/AVEVA, VTScada, GE iFIX, WinCC, FactoryTalk View SE, EcoStruxure, or similar systems.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols and networking.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
- Ability to travel up to 50% based on project requirements.
Preferred Qualifications- Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or related certification.
- Experience in utility, power generation, renewable energy, water/wastewater, oil and gas, manufacturing, or infrastructure industries.
- Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as IEC 62443 or NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
- Experience with virtualization technologies and cloud-connected industrial systems.
- Experience integrating SCADA systems with microgrids, distributed energy resources, power management systems, or energy storage systems.
- Familiarity with database management, SQL, historian platforms, and reporting tools.
Key Competencies- SCADA System Architecture
- Technical Leadership
- Industrial Automation & Controls
- Systems Integration
- Operational Technology (OT) Networks
- Industrial Cybersecurity
- FAT/SAT Leadership
- Commissioning & Startup Expertise
- Project Execution & Coordination
- Customer Relationship Management
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Technical Documentation
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
Success Measures- Successful delivery of SCADA projects on schedule and within budget.
- Achievement of customer acceptance milestones and project objectives.
- High system reliability, availability, and performance following deployment.
- Successful integration with automation, power, and business systems.
- Compliance with quality, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
- Timely resolution of technical issues and project risks.
- High customer satisfaction and operational readiness outcomes
Salary Range$125,000 - $175,000 (base salary)
Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This role is also eligible for bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits:- 401(k) and Roth 401(k)
- Dental Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Paid time off
- Performance Bonus
- Career Growth Opportunities and Training
