SCADA & Controls Engineer (II / III / Senior) - Renewable Generation

Arizona Public Service - APS; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Public Service - APS is looking for a Controls Engineer II / III / Senior to support utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize control systems to ensure safe and reliable operations. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, experience with utility-scale solar, and understanding SCADA and control architectures. Candidates must reside in Arizona and be willing to work hybrid with up to 40% in-person interaction.

Qualifications

• Experience with utility-scale solar and/or BESS control systems.
• Knowledge of inverter controls, EMS systems, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Understanding of NERC/CIP considerations for control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, integrate, and optimize control systems.
• Diagnose issues quickly to maintain operational integrity.
• Develop and maintain plant control logic and SCADA systems.

Skills

Utility-scale solar and/or BESS control systems

Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs

Inverter controls knowledge

SCADA systems and monitoring/control architectures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related applied science

Tools

Inductive Automation Ignition platform

Job description

Summary

APS is seeking a Controls Engineer II / III / Senior to support our growing portfolio of utility‑scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and microgrid assets. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, integration, and optimization of control systems across renewable and conventional generation assets, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant plant operation. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of power plant operations across generation types, combined with hands‑on experience in industrial control systems, real‑time automation, and plant‑level control strategies. This position plays a critical role in supporting plant performance, grid compliance, and system reliability through development and maintenance of plant control logic, SCADA systems, and site‑level automation.

Why APS Renewable Generation

This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse and rapidly growing fleet of solar, BESS, and microgrid assets, directly impacting grid reliability. The Controls Engineer will be a key contributor in advancing automation, performance, and innovation across APS generation assets.

What Success Looks Like

• Control systems operate reliably and meet all grid compliance requirements
• Plant performance is optimized through effective control strategies
• Issues are diagnosed quickly with minimal operational impact
• Strong collaboration with operations, engineering, and project teams
• Continuous improvement mindset applied to fleet‑wide controls standardization

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with utility‑scale solar and/or BESS control systems
• Hands‑on experience with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) RTACs
• Experience developing or supporting Power Plant Controllers (PPCs)
• Familiarity with the Inductive Automation Ignition platform (design, scripting, or deployment)
• Knowledge of inverter controls, EMS systems, and grid interconnection requirements
• Experience supporting commissioning and field troubleshooting at generation sites
• Understanding of NERC/CIP considerations for control systems
• Familiarity with communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, etc.)
• Understanding of SCADA systems and plant‑level monitoring/control architectures

Minimum Requirements

A four‑year bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution, or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). Degree approval criteria are listed below.

Engineer II

• + two (2) years working experience in engineering‑related positions.

Engineer III

• + five (5) years working experience in engineering‑related positions.

Engineer Senior

• + eight (8) years working experience in engineering‑related positions.

Approved degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Structural. (A four‑year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering. A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.)

Major Accountabilities – Engineer II

• Analyze and prepare a variety of data, technical reviews and evaluations, trend analyses, short to long‑range technology assessments, product and services, investigations, product/specification verifications to aid decision making. May present findings to a diverse group of management, internal staff, customers, vendors, etc.
• Identify, communicate and advocate resolution of technical concerns while adhering to sound engineering principles during evaluation / resolution of conditions. Challenges conditions and decisions when needed to ensure plant systems, engineering designs, project controls and oversight of work has high technical quality, is cost effective, in compliance with established standards, codes and regulations, maintains future reliability, satisfies customer requirements, budget and schedules to meet or exceed all reasonable or agreed upon customer service levels.
• Interface with customers or cross‑organizational team members to assess their needs, determine the scope of the project, obtain necessary data to make key decisions which may require consultation with external or internal customers or employees.
• May provide oversight of engineering technical programs by managing the program requirements, working with cross‑organizational partners, reviewing and internalizing operating experience and coordinating corrective actions to ensure engineering program elements continue to remain healthy.
• Provides support for projects and modifications that will increase operating efficiency. May review design and documentation of projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements.
• May assume responsibility for small‑to‑medium‑scale projects which include planning, designing, scheduling and coordinating all facets of the project.
• Checks and reviews standard analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• May provide technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers.
• Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments. Maintains high individual level of engineering technical capabilities and expertise by formal education, self‑study, and awareness of technology advances.

Major Accountabilities – Engineer III

• Prepare engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments, or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• Interface with customers and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule. Contact customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Present the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.
• Enhance department performance and productivity and/or unit performance by formulating, coordinating, performing analysis and making recommendations for improvements. Provide technical assistance and guidance to department personnel to enhance department performance and productivity.
• May provide oversight of engineering technical programs by managing the program requirements, working with cross‑organizational partners, reviewing and internalizing operating experience and coordinating corrective actions to ensure engineering program elements continue to remain healthy.
• May assume responsibility for small‑to‑medium‑scale projects which include planning, designing, scheduling and coordinating all facets of the project. Identify potential schedule or quality problems and initiate corrective action. Take initiative to eliminate barriers and use resources to ensure desired results. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers.
• May participate in developing long‑range strategies for significant site problems.
• Provide input to projects and recommend modifications to increase operating efficiency and/or review design and documentation of projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements.
• Remain cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments.

Major Accountabilities – Engineer Senior

• Develops and applies unique solutions and applications to a broad range of technical issues and problems (solutions that typically require original and creative approaches). Makes decisions and recommendations that have a moderate to significant effect on the overall organization performance.
• Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• Integrates the many interrelated elements of complex projects that are broad in scope, require considerations not previously encountered and require interpretation and/or modification to guidelines. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Identify potential schedule or quality problems and initiate corrective action.
• Interface with customers and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule. Contact customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Present the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.
• Provide technical guidance, leadership and support to less experienced engineers.
• Assist the organization in problem solving, as needed, by critically challenging assumptions and decisions to ensure the most optimal solutions and strategies are implemented. Assist in developing long‑range strategies for significant site problems.
• Leverage industry and organization resources to resolve key technical issues. Develop a path forward to address these issues including bridging strategies. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.
• May plan and coordinate programs and large‑scale engineering projects or multiple medium‑scale projects while acting as a technical specialist for a specific engineering field. May be responsible for: all aspects of work scope; directing consultants; conducting feasibility studies; determining staff, cost estimates and resource requirements; and recommending engineering criteria.
• Monitor projects and recommend modifications to increase operating efficiency and /or review design and documentation of complex projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements. May develop, negotiate and manage contracts and contract revisions.
• May research new developments and technology and make recommendations to management on their feasibility for company operations.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy’s Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, ‘U.S. Export Control Laws’). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non‑U.S. person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates (‘Pinnacle West’) maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E‑Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over‑the‑counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job‑related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

CIP Requirement

This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre‑employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

Hybrid

Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in‑person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in‑person at an APS or other (non‑home office) location.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners‑based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.