Job Details :-
Title: SCADA Engineer
Location: Hybrid – South Plainfield, NJ
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced SCADA Engineer to support the development and enhancement of an OT Systems Test Lab focused on real-time simulation, SCADA integration, protection and automation testing, and validation of advanced grid technologies. This role will be responsible for building, integrating, testing, and validating workflows involving SCADA systems, protection relays, IEDs, real-time simulation platforms, and utility operational technology systems. The engineer will work hands-on within a laboratory environment to develop and execute test scenarios across SCADA, DERMS, ADMS, VVO, DER, inverter-based resources, and related grid technologies. The role will also support system integration, HIL testing, automation, troubleshooting, cybersecurity validation, and technology modernization initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical/power-system foundation, hands-on experience with SCADA communications, protection and automation, and practical experience working with real-time simulation or HIL environments. Experience with RTDS/RSCAD, SEL equipment, DER/inverters, ADMS/DERMS, and Python automation is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities:
• Design, build, integrate, and maintain OT/SCADA test-lab environments for real-time grid simulation and validation.
• Integrate SCADA systems with RTDS/RSCAD, protection relays, IEDs, and other power-system automation equipment.
• Develop and execute test cases and scenarios for SCADA, protection, automation, distribution systems, and grid-control applications.
• Support Real-Time Simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing of utility systems and grid technologies.
• Support integration and validation of SCADA, ADMS, DERMS, VVO, DER, inverter, and related OT platforms.
• Configure, test, troubleshoot, and validate SCADA communications and interfaces between operational technology systems and field devices.
• Support testing of protection schemes, automation workflows, relays, IEDs, and associated communications.
• Develop and execute test scenarios involving distributed energy resources, inverter-based resources, and advanced grid technologies.
• Support system upgrades, migrations, integrations, and OT platform modernization initiatives.
• Develop automated testing and engineering utilities using Python where applicable.
• Troubleshoot system integration, communications, simulation, configuration, and control issues within the laboratory environment.
• Perform log analysis, configuration validation, communications troubleshooting, and system diagnostics to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Support development and maintenance of test procedures, test cases, technical documentation, test results, and operational runbooks.
• Collaborate with System Operators, Electrical Engineers, SCADA/OT teams, Infrastructure Teams, Cybersecurity Teams, vendors, and other technical stakeholders.
• Support OT cybersecurity testing and validation of systems, devices, communications, and configurations.
• Participate in technical reviews of system architectures, test plans, integration designs, configurations, and deployment approaches.
• Support testing and validation activities associated with emerging grid technologies and regulatory requirements, including FERC Order 2222.
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong practical understanding of electrical engineering and electric power-system fundamentals.
• 5+ years of relevant experience supporting SCADA, power systems, protection, automation, utility OT, or related engineering environments.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA communications, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with real-time simulation, HIL, or comparable power-system simulation environments.
• Experience with protection systems, relays, IEDs, automation equipment, or related power-system technologies.
• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory, integration, testing, commissioning, or engineering environment.
• Understanding of OT and IT systems and the integration between operational and enterprise environments.
• Experience supporting system upgrades, migrations, integrations, or platform modernization.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze system configurations, logs, communications, test results, and technical documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse technical and operational stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work hands-on in a laboratory environment and independently troubleshoot technical issues.
• Must be Tri-State local and available to work onsite Tuesday through Thursday, with a minimum of 3 days per week in Central New Jersey.
• Experience in electric utility, smart grid, energy, critical infrastructure, or grid operations environments is highly preferred.
Strongly Preferred:
• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD.
• Experience with the SEL / Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories ecosystem, including protection relays and IEDs.
• Experience with distribution systems and distribution automation.
• Experience with DER, distributed generation, inverter-based resources, or advanced inverters.
• Experience with DERMS, ADMS, VVO, or related grid-management platforms.
• Experience developing Python automation for testing, simulation, or engineering workflows.
• Experience with IEC 61850 and digital substations.
• Experience with PHIL (Power Hardware-in-the-Loop).
• Experience with Virtual Power Plants (VPP).
• Experience with advanced inverter controls.
• Experience with OT/SCADA cybersecurity testing.
• Knowledge of FERC Order 2222 and DER integration.
