OT Emerging Technologies & SCADA Digital Innovation-Discipline Leader

CDM Smith; Southaven (MS); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

A national engineering firm is seeking an experienced Discipline Leader in Emerging Technologies & SCADA Digital Innovation. This role involves leading the integration of AI and advanced technologies in water infrastructure systems. Ideal candidates will have 10+ years of experience in OT systems design and SCADA integration, as well as strong leadership skills. Hybrid work options are available.

Benefits

Hybrid work options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Professional engineering (PE) license required.
• Travel may be required based on duties.

Responsibilities

• Deliver modern HMI and SCADA systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for digital solutions.
• Provide technical leadership in project execution.

Skills

OT systems design

SCADA integration

AI/ML platforms

strategic thinking

mentoring skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

Azure

AWS

GE iFIX

OSIsoft PI

Job description

Job Title

OT Emerging Technologies & SCADA Digital Innovation-Discipline Leader

Group

ISO

Employment Type

Regular

Job Site Location

United States - Nationwide

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking an innovative, highly collaborative, and forward‑looking Discipline Leader focusing on emerging water technologies and innovation within the SCADA/OT environment. This national technical engineering leadership role blends a deep understanding of operational technology (OT) with analytics knowledge to enhance the performance, reliability, and sustainability of water infrastructure system design.

With a focus on future‑ready systems, this leader will partner with CDM Smith’s digital subsidiary, Trinnex, in developing smart water solutions that incorporate AI, machine learning, digital twins, advanced sensing, edge computing, and autonomous control into OT/SCADA environments—positioning utilities to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Responsibilities

• Deliver modern HMI and SCADA systems using platforms such as GE iFIX, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, and OSIsoft PI—enhanced with digital overlays and contextual data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within the company—including automation engineering, IT, and data science—to deliver holistic, high‑value digital solutions to clients.
• Provide integration of industrial control systems to client enterprise environments, preparing utilities for smart grid, net‑zero, and One Water future goals.
• Leverage historian and real‑time SCADA data to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on advanced analytics, decision support, and operational insights.
• Advance cyber‑secure OT network designs in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, integrating modern ICs standards and real‑time risk mitigation techniques.
• Maintain direct involvement in project execution to reinforce hands‑on innovation and technical excellence.
• Provide technical leadership for TSU staff, partnering with Trinnex to design OT deployments of AI/ML models for process optimization, energy management, predictive maintenance, and operational forecasting in water and wastewater systems.
• Lead an integrated approach to implement AI/ML models within the OT network, enabling predictive operations, anomaly detection, dynamic optimization, and autonomous system control across treatment and distribution systems.
• Drive implementation of digital twins, IoT sensor frameworks, and decision intelligence platforms to improve situational awareness and operational forecasting.
• Provide technical engineering leadership in OT system design, partnering with Trinnex to design industrial network architecture, system integration, and ICs cybersecurity best practices.
• Collaborate with Trinnex and CDM Smith’s other digital teams to advance and adopt AI, ML, and digital technologies across OT and automation modernization initiatives.
• Shape and execute business strategies to achieve 3–5% annual sales growth in digital and SCADA/OT services.
• Support strategic pursuits by positioning CDM Smith as a leader in digital innovation, contributing to win rates above 50%.
• Mentor and grow a high‑performing team of automation engineers, recruiting talent with knowledge of SCADA/OT, application software, and data science (target: 1–2 hires/year).
• Represent CDM Smith at industry events and technical forums; publish and present thought leadership to elevate our technical brand.
• Collaborate with CDM Smith’s digital teams to develop reusable platforms, tools, and frameworks that scale innovation and promote delivery consistency across the practice.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering, engineering technology, or a related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license.
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in OT systems design, SCADA integration, and application software for automation platforms.
• Experience with AI/ML platforms (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, Azure, AWS) and automation tools (e.g., GE iFIX, Ignition, OSIsoft PI).
• Knowledge of industrial control system (ICS) network architectures, cybersecurity practices, and system interoperability.
• Strong strategic thinking, technical engineering leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

EEO Statement

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Range Minimum

$104,229

Pay Range Maximum

$182,374

Work Location Options

Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Driver's License Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.