Engineer I-III (SCADA Engineer)

TXNM Energy, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PNM Distribution Operation Center (DOC) Engineering is hiring engineers to support the phased deployment of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and ongoing operational system support. The role emphasizes SCADA, real‑time operations, testing, and troubleshooting with teams across operations, field personnel, and vendors.

Entry to senior levels will reflect qualifications and experience. Responsibilities include configuring SCADA, validating data quality, and coordinating testing

Qualifications

• Relevant SCADA experience is preferred.
• Experience with electric-utility distribution systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Configure and maintain SCADA devices, points, alarms, and operator displays.
• Validate data quality between field equipment and operational systems.
• Develop and execute test procedures, document results, and support commissioning and cutover activities.
• Coordinate control testing with operations and field personnel.
• Troubleshoot telemetry, control, alarm, and communication issues with technical teams.
• Support software updates, recovery testing, and technical documentation.

Job description

PNM¿s Distribution Operation Center (DOC) Engineering team supports the operational systems used to monitor and control the electric distribution system, manage outages, and improve operational reliability. DOC Engineers work closely with Distribution Operations, field personnel, technology teams, and system vendors to configure, test, troubleshoot, maintain, and improve these systems.

This position will support the phased deployment of PNM¿s new Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), along with ongoing operational system support. Responsibilities will evolve throughout the deployment, from configuration, data validation, and testing to commissioning, production support, and implementation of additional capabilities. Later releases will introduce advanced applications such as integrated volt/VAR management (IVVM), fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), and wildfire-related operational functions. DOC Engineering will have a continuing role in validating system performance, supporting operators, and expanding the use of these capabilities.

The position will be filled at the Engineer I, II, or III level based on the selected candidate¿s qualifications and experience. Assignments, independence, and technical responsibility will be appropriate to the engineering level. The initial assignment will emphasize the functional area described below, with cross‑training and opportunities to support other SCADA, OMS, and ADMS functions as team needs evolve. Training, mentoring, and hands‑on participation in deployment will develop familiarity with PNM¿s systems, configurations, and operational practices. In addition to day‑to‑day system support, these positions will emphasize proactive engineering, using operational data and system analysis to identify improvement opportunities, recommend changes, and evaluate results.

Position focus

This position focuses on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and real‑time operational functions supporting PNM¿s electric distribution system. The engineer will work with other DOC Engineers, Distribution Operations, Schneider Electric, and other technical teams to support reliable telemetry, equipment status, alarms, operator displays, and remote‑control capabilities.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Configure and maintain SCADA devices, points, alarms, and operator displays.
• Validate point mapping, communications, and data quality between field equipment and operational systems.
• Develop and execute test procedures, document results, investigate defects, and support point‑to‑point testing, failover verification, commissioning, and cutover activities.
• Coordinate control testing with authorized operations and field personnel using approved procedures.
• Troubleshoot telemetry, control, alarm, communications, and application issues in collaboration with the responsible technical teams.
• Support controlled configuration changes, software updates, recovery testing, and technical documentation.

This role will involve deploying, evaluating, and optimizing advanced ADMS applications, including IVVM, FLISR, and DERMS, in coordination with other DOC Engineers and the responsible technical teams. Work will include assessing telemetry, controls, communications, and network‑model readiness; validating application behavior; and supporting expansion to additional feeders and distributed energy resources. The engineer will analyze operational data and application results to identify recurring issues, help prioritize feeders or devices needing investigation or improvement, and recommend corrective actions. Responsibilities will also include supporting operators as applications progress from initial deployment or advisory use to approved automatic operation, while continuing to support reliable production systems.

Relevant SCADA experience is required, and specific Electric‑Utility Distribution SCADA experience is preferred. This should include hands‑on experience with SCADA configuration, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, or application support.

Experience with Schneider Electric¿s EcoStruxure ADMS, particularly its SCADA functionality, is preferred but not required. Experience with other electric‑utility SCADA platforms is also relevant. Additional desirable experience includes utility communications protocols such as DNP3, RTUs and intelligent electronic devices, networking fundamentals, and scripting or data analysis tools.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Personnel in this job title may be covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

Given the financial nature of this position, this position may be required to obtain a credit check depending on location. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a credit background check.

SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, performs assignments designed to develop engineering work knowledge and abilities through the application of standard techniques, practices and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides entry‑level engineering support for projects that are small and somewhat repetitive in nature

Conducts small or repetitive studies or participates in larger studies where project performance, cost, and scheduling are the key factors of evaluation

Provides basic engineering support to operational areas

Communicates engineering ideas, recommendations and evaluations

Represents the Company in technical matters that are fundamental in nature

Provides entry‑level technical support to and interacts with other associates

Uses the Company and industry standards to ensure safety and consistency of engineering results

Provides occasional technical direction and/or activity supervision to contractors and lower‑level Company personnel

COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge and ability to apply the appropriate basic and well‑established principles, practices and regulations in the incumbents respective discipline

Ability to read, interpret and apply national, state and local codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC, ACI, AISC, etc.)

Demonstrated good leadership skills, self‑motivation, and good interpersonal skills

Ability to translate electrical theory and physics to utility application for improving system reliability

Demonstrated confidence working in and around high voltage (up to 345kV) electrical facilities and equipment

JOB DESCRIPTION

Personnel in this job title may be covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

Given the financial nature of this position, this position may be required to obtain a credit check depending on location. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a credit background check.

SUMMARY:

Manages moderately scoped engineering projects and detailed phases of larger initiatives to support the delivery of safe, reliable electric power. Applies broad engineering expertise to resolve complex problems, oversee technical studies, and support operational areas through improved standards and processes. Influences engineering practices and provides guidance to contractors and colleagues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Handles all engineering aspects of projects with moderate scope or detailed components of major projects, ensuring timely and cost‑effective delivery

Leads and conducts performance, cost, and scheduling studies using conventional and innovative engineering techniques

Supports operational teams by applying standard and non‑standard engineering practices to improve system reliability and efficiency

Communicates engineering ideas, recommendations, and evaluations effectively to diverse internal audiences in meetings and presentations

Represents the company's interests in complex engineering matters, providing technical direction and oversight to contractors and company personnel

Applies knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and standards (such as IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC) to ensure compliance and safety

Translates electrical theory and physics into practical utility applications to enhance system performance and reliability

Forecasts project budgets and contributes to resource planning and allocation

Coaches and mentors junior engineers, fostering their professional development and ensuring quality standards are met

Maintains a safe work environment by adhering to company protocols when working around high voltage electrical facilities

COMPETENCIES:

Broad knowledge and proven ability to apply engineering principles, practices and regulations to, and perform economic and decision analysis studies of issues in areas including, but not limited to, generation, transmission, distribution, system planning, financial and regulatory issues, asset utilization, and environmental controls and regulations

Ability to read, interpret and apply national, state and local codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC, ACI, AISC, ASME, NACE, etc.)

Ability to translate electrical theory and physics to utility application for improving system reliability

Ability to make informed repair decisions following company protocols

Comfortable working in and around high voltage (up to 345kV) electrical facilities and equipment

Ability to forecast budgets

Demonstrated leadership skills, self‑motivation, and interpersonal skills

JOB DESCRIPTION

Personnel in this job title may be covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

Given the financial nature of this position, this position may be required to obtain a credit check depending on location. If the position is covered, prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a credit background check.

SUMMARY:

Applies engineering expertise to support projects of intermediate size and complexity. Under general supervision, evaluates engineering options, applies standard techniques, and contributes to improving transmission and distribution system reliability. Supports the development of technical skills through responsibility for routine and moderately challenging problems, effective communication across teams, and participation in the development of company and industry standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Independently applies standard engineering techniques and procedures to intermediate projects related to transmission and distribution systems

Conducts studies evaluating performance, cost, and scheduling of engineering alternatives to support decision‑making

Interprets and applies national, state, and local electrical codes and standards such as IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC, ACI, and AISC

Prepares clear and concise engineering reports, presentations, and technical documentation for both engineering and non‑engineering audiences

Provides technical support and guidance to other associates, contractors, and company personnel as required

Represents the company in intermediate engineering matters and contributes to the formulation of company and industry standards

Participates in activities that improve system reliability and operational efficiency, including working safely in and around high voltage electrical facilities

Assists in coordinating with construction, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure engineering solutions meet practical requirements and safety standards

Maintains compliance with NERC CIP cyber security standards where applicable, including passing required risk assessments and training

COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge of and ability to apply standard engineering principles, practices and regulations, and economic and decision analysis principles to area problems including, but not limited to, generation, transmission, distribution, fuels, system planning, financial and regulatory issues, asset utilization, and environmental controls and regulations.

Ability to read, interpret and apply national, state and local codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC, ACI, AISC, etc.).

Demonstrated good leadership skills, self‑motivation, and good interpersonal skills.

Ability to translate electrical theory and physics to utility application for improving system reliability.

Comfortable working in and around high voltage (up to 345kV) electrical facilities and equipment.

SAFETY AND ADA STATEMENT

Safety Statement: Safety is a core value at (TXNM Energy/PNM/TNMP) and our vision, \"everyone goes home safe\", reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.