Lead Field SCADA Engineer

About the role:

The Lead Field SCADA Engineer is responsible for leading a team of field SCADA engineers supporting the deployment, commissioning, and validation of Ignition SCADA systems for large-scale data center environments. This role combines advanced technical expertise with team leadership, serving as both the primary technical resource for complex SCADA issues and the direct supervisor for field SCADA engineers. The Lead Field SCADA Engineer ensures quality execution across multiple projects, mentors junior engineers, and maintains hands-on technical involvement while coordinating team activities. This position requires 40-50% travel to support critical deployments, provide expert technical guidance onsite, and ensure successful system turnover to customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Technical Mentorship

• Lead and mentor a team of field SCADA engineers, providing technical guidance and professional development
• Assign resources and coordinate field activities across multiple concurrent projects
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to team members
• Develop technical capabilities within the team through hands-on training and knowledge sharing
• Establish technical standards, best practices, and quality expectations for SCADA field work
• Serve as primary escalation point for complex technical issues requiring expert intervention

Advanced Technical Execution

• Lead deployment and commissioning of complex Ignition SCADA systems for mission-critical data center BMS and EPMS applications
• Execute advanced point-to-point verification of SCADA graphics, data integration, alarms, and visualization systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve the most challenging issues including data connectivity problems, display errors, database integration failures, and performance issues
• Conduct comprehensive user acceptance testing and interface validation for complex deployments
• Validate proper functionality of advanced features including 3D floorplans, custom components, role-based access, and mobile responsiveness
• Debug complex integration issues between Perspective interfaces, PLCs, historians, and back-end systems

Project Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Coordinate field SCADA team activities with project schedules and client requirements
• Review and approve commissioning plans, test procedures, and point verification documentation
• Ensure all field work meets quality standards, documentation requirements, and client specifications
• Conduct technical reviews of team members'' work and provide corrective guidance as needed
• Identify and mitigate technical risks during deployment and commissioning phases
• Track project progress and report status to Field Engineering Manager

Client & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as primary technical point of contact for clients during SCADA commissioning and turnover activities
• Lead technical discussions with clients regarding system functionality, user experience, and operational requirements
• Provide expert-level training and support to client operations teams during system handoff
• Participate in design reviews and technical planning meetings to represent field deployment considerations
• Build strong client relationships through technical expertise and responsive support
• Represent field SCADA capabilities in client meetings and project planning sessions

Knowledge Management & Continuous Improvement

• Document technical solutions, lessons learned, and best practices for team reference
• Develop and maintain technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training materials
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on field experience and emerging SCADA technologies
• Stay current with Ignition platform updates, best practices, and industry standards for data center automation
• Contribute to internal knowledge base and technical documentation systems

Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience with Ignition SCADA systems with extensive field deployment and commissioning experience
• 2+ years of technical leadership or team lead experience, preferably in field operations
• Expert-level proficiency with Ignition Perspective, including advanced graphics, templates, and custom components
• Deep hands-on experience with point-to-point verification, commissioning, and validation of complex SCADA/BMS systems
• Advanced expertise in data integration, communication protocols (OPC UA, MQTT), historians, and database connectivity
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex interface, visualization, and system integration issues
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with ability to develop technical talent
• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to manage multiple field projects and coordinate distributed team resources
• Willingness and ability to travel 40-50%, including extended site assignments during critical phases
• Valid driver''s license and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Preferred

• Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience leading field engineering teams in data center or mission-critical environments
• Ignition Gold Certification or equivalent advanced training
• Experience with SQL databases, Python scripting, and advanced Ignition development
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and secure SCADA deployment practices
• Experience with construction management and project coordination
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and project management tools
• Background in both SCADA development and field deployment roles

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel frequently to job sites by car or plane, up to 50%
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout job sites for extended periods
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and lifts as required
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and work in tight or confined spaces
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and materials up to 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity to handle tools, wiring, and small components
• Ability to work at heights and in varying indoor and outdoor conditions
• Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment when required (hard hate, vest, safety glasses, gloves, and safety-toed boots)
• Visual keenness to read schematics, labels, and digital displays
• Ability to visually identify and differentiate wires by assigned color
• Ability to hear and respond to alarms, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions
• Capability to safely operate hand and power tools