SCADA Control Systems Plant Specialist - Rufus, Oregon

Portland General Electric; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland General Electric in Rufus, Oregon, seeks a Control Systems Specialist to provide expert SCADA and OT network support across design, operations and maintenance. The role emphasizes robust problem solving, independent work with SME collaboration, and system optimization.

Two levels exist: Associate (P1) and Specialist (P2). Duties include configuring devices, troubleshooting, and enhancing DCS/HMI/SCADA environments, with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Education: Requires a degree in engineering, project management, or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Experience P1: Typically two or fewer years of technical experience in control systems.
• Experience P2: Typically 2 or more years of technical experience in control systems.
• Certifications, Licenses and Training: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+ Cisco CCNA preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize SCADA software applications.
• Manage user access and permissions.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex communication issues.
• Support critical infrastructure including computer hardware, control systems, networking equipment, and fiber optic connections.
• Leads site commissioning, activities and trains site personnel on control system applications.
• Responsible for the modification of programs for various software applications for PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Develops performance tests of controls equipment and systems and integrates the information for equipment trending and decision-making purposes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Technical expertise

Education

Engineering degree or related field

Tools

SCADA

DCS

HMIs

PLC

Job description

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

This job will be located in Rufus, Oregon.

Opening Statement

This position is open to two P-levels: Associate Control Systems Specialist (Grade 5 / P1 – Entry) and Control Systems Specialist (Grade 6 / P2 – Intermediate). The level at which an offer is made will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.

Job Overview

As a Control Systems Specialist, you will deliver expert technical support for SCADA systems and Operational Technology computer networks across design, operations, and maintenance functions. This position requires strong analytical skills to interpret business processes and implement effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize SCADA software applications
• Manage user access and permissions
• Diagnosing and resolving complex communication issues
• Support critical infrastructure including computer hardware, control systems, networking equipment, and fiber optic connections

What Sets You Apart

• Ability to work independently while collaborating with Subject Matter Experts and Project Engineers
• Strong problem-solving skills with a talent for developing innovative solutions
• Technical expertise across multiple platforms and systems
• Forward-thinking approach to system optimization

Responsibilities – Associate Control Systems Specialist (Grade 5 / P1 – Entry)

• Production Control Systems
• Assists in the configuration of devices used in the control systems and helps technicians in troubleshooting problems.
• Assists engineering and project teams with programming, and commissioning of control systems.
• Supports the modification of programs for various software applications for PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Assists in maintaining existing DCS and HMI platform(s), Auxiliary control systems to minimize downtime and performance losses.
• Maintains user access to control systems.
• With guidance, provide first-level support for troubleshooting system failures (controls/graphics, field devices, electrical).
• With guidance, support the troubleshooting of failures on IT platforms: Software Applications, Operating Systems and Computer Networks.
• Follows procedure complete performance tests of control equipment and systems.
• Documents testing results.
• Maintains testing procedures.
• Performs system performance audits and document results.
• Participates in project design reviews to ensure P&IDs, instrumentation specs, and other engineering documents meet standards.
• Communicates with site management regarding product design and schedule.
• Provides information to other team members.
• Ensures all processes align to appropriate standards, regulations, and laws.
• Maintains compliance-related documentation.
• Runs reports and analyzes data as needed.
• Ensures safe work practices.
• Follows quality documentation forms and executes them prior, during and post to every testing process.
• Supports site operational maintenance or testing elements in support of engineering and construction needs.

Responsibilities – Control Systems Specialist (Grade 6 / P2 – Intermediate)

• Production Control Systems
• Leads site commissioning, activities and trains site personnel on control system applications.
• Responsible for the modification of programs for various software applications for PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Responsible for maintaining/Enhancing existing DCS and HMI platform(s), Auxiliary systems minimize downtime and performance losses.
• Provides advanced configuration and troubleshooting.
• Performs and documents tasks in accordance to regulatory or compliance standards.
• Manages user access to control systems.
• Responsible for troubleshooting and resolution of control system failures (graphics, field devices, electrical).
• Lead in the troubleshooting of failures on IT platforms: Software Applications, Operating Systems, and Computer Networks.
• Develops performance tests of controls equipment and systems and integrates the information for equipment trending and decision-making purposes.
• Develops and maintains testing procedures and documentation.
• Leads in system performance audits to identify and develop functional improvements and enhance controls.
• Provides input in project design reviews to ensure P&IDs, instrumentation specs, and other engineering documents meet standards.
• Assists project teams with the creation of design and construction documents as they relate to control systems.
• Communicates with the site management regarding project design and schedule.
• Provides coaching, guidance, and feedback to other team members.
• Ensures all processes align to appropriate standards, regulations, and laws.
• Maintains compliance-related documentation.
• Runs reports and analyzes data as needed.
• Ensures safe work practices.
• Develops and follows quality documentation forms and executes them prior, during and post to every testing process.
• Proactively identify new projects for the company and support design, construction, operation, maintenance, and testing elements in support of engineering and construction needs.

Education / Experience / Certifications

• Education: Requires a degree in engineering, project management, or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Experience P1: Typically two or fewer years of technical experience in control systems.
• Experience P2: Typically 2 or more years of technical experience in control systems.
• Certifications, Licenses and Training: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+ Cisco CCNA preferred but not required.

Minimum Competencies

• Functional Competencies Proficiency by level: P1: Basic proficiency P2: Intermediate proficiency.
• Knowledge of PGE and industry requirements relating to the operation and maintenance of a power generation facility.
• Knowledge of plant systems, operations, and maintenance concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, rules, regulations, and codes in the utility engineering field.
• Knowledge of contract administration.
• Skills in systems used in the department, including budgeting system, outage management system, and general office-based systems and programs.
• Ability to review, evaluate and analyze technical information, policies, and reports.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents.
• Ability to manage stakeholders.
• Analytical thinking skills.
• Business acumen.
• Negotiation skills.
• Organization/prioritization skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Team-building skills.
• Written/oral communication skills.

General Competencies

• Proficiency by level: P1: Basic proficiency P2: Intermediate proficiency.
• Business process interrelationships skills.
• Analytical thinking skills.
• Business acumen.
• Negotiation skills.
• Organization/prioritization skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Team-building skills.
• Written/oral communication skills.

Physical, Schedule/Attendance, and Cognitive Demands

The following requirements apply to both P-levels of this position. Cognitive Level Intermediate: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Cognitive ☒ Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks ☒ Ability to follow accuracy standards ☒ Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks ☒ Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment ☒ Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress ☒ Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change ☒ Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback ☒ Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement ☒ Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks ☒ Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers, and others within the organization ☒ Demonstrates sound memory ☒ Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks.

Schedule/Attendance ☐ Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule ☒ Ability to work long hours ☒ Ability to work a variable schedule ☒ Ability to report to work during severe inclement weather ☒ Ability to consistently meet attendance standards ☒ Ability to work shift schedule (occasionally) ☒ Ability to work on-call schedule (occasionally).

Physical Capabilities ☒ Valid driver’s license required ☒ Driving/travel – frequently ☒ Computer use ☒ Lifting/carrying up to 50 lb ☒ Elevated areas, confined spaces, uneven surfaces, stairs, ladders.

Environment ☒ Office environment ☒ Plant environment ☒ Field environment.

Actual Total Compensation

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance.

Benefits & Rewards Package

We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future.

Emergency Duties

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

EEO Statement

PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes.

About PGE

At Portland General Electric, we’re innovators, builders, and achievers. We’re committed to powering our customers’ potential and making a difference for our community and the planet. Today, that commitment includes developing an intelligent and resilient electric grid, electrifying transportation and de-carbonizing the energy sector. We’re proud to deliver an exceptional experience to help our customers thrive. Our mission is to make clean, reliable and affordable energy services available to all. We obsess over serving customers and are committed to growing employee career paths with purpose. Equity and inclusion are core business values; we celebrate our differences and are committed to developing teams that reflect the communities we serve.