SCADA Engineer

Socket.dev; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a SCADA Engineer to support development and testing of OT solutions for electric utility systems in South Plainfield, NJ. The role focuses on SCADA integration, real-time simulation, protection and automation, and grid modernization initiatives.

You will work hands-on with SCADA, ADMS, DERMS, relays, and HIL platforms, collaborating across engineering, IT/OT, and cybersecurity teams to deliver reliable, secure solutions on-site three days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience with 4+ years of experience.
• Strong electrical engineering and power systems foundation.
• Background supporting or implementing SCADA, ADMS, OMS, DMS, or related utility operational technologies.
• Knowledge of SCADA communications, system integrations, and interfaces.
• Familiarity with protection and automation systems.
• Exposure to real-time simulation and/or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL).
• Hands-on laboratory, systems integration, or testing background.
• Knowledge of utility operations, grid management systems, and real-time operational environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot software, hardware, network, and system integration issues.
• Understanding of networking concepts including IP/LAN configurations, firewalls, and network topology diagrams.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices and enterprise security standards.
• Background supporting system deployments, upgrades, migrations, or platform modernization efforts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work across technical and operational teams.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced operational or utility environments.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve SCADA and OT system issues.
• Support SCADA integration, system testing, upgrades, migrations, and platform modernization efforts.
• Integrate SCADA systems, relays, protection devices, and real-time simulation tools within a laboratory environment.
• Support real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
• Build and test workflows across SCADA, DERMS, ADMS, and related platforms.
• Support testing and validation of DERs, inverters, and emerging grid technologies.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT/OT, cybersecurity, and utility stakeholders.
• Support system monitoring, log analysis, root cause analysis, and cybersecurity testing.

Skills

SCADA

Power systems

Real-time simulation

HIL testing

Cybersecurity

Network fundamentals

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/related field or 4+ years

Tools

RTDS/RSCAD

SEL ecosystem

PHIL

Job description

The SCADA Engineer will support the development and testing of advanced operational technology solutions for electric utility systems. This role will be part of a hands-on engineering environment focused on SCADA integration, real-time simulation, protection and automation, and the validation of emerging grid technologies. You will help ensure projects remain organized, on track, and aligned with established governance and delivery standards while adhering to Leidos' Mission, Vision, and Values.

The engineer will work with SCADA, ADMS, DERMS, relays, protection devices, and real-time simulation platforms to develop and test system integrations and workflows. This position will also support DER modeling, grid modernization initiatives, and OT cybersecurity testing while helping advance the reliability and readiness of utility technology solutions.

Location: This position is based in South Plainfield, New Jersey, and requires onsite work three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday. Qualified candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance and be able to work onsite on these days.

Salary: This position pays a salary in the range of $130,000 to $143,000 annually.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve SCADA and OT system issues.
• Support SCADA integration, system testing, upgrades, migrations, and platform modernization efforts.
• Integrate SCADA systems, relays, protection devices, and real-time simulation tools within a laboratory environment.
• Support real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
• Build and test workflows across SCADA, DERMS, ADMS, and related platforms.
• Support testing and validation of DERs, inverters, and emerging grid technologies.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT/OT, cybersecurity, and utility stakeholders.
• Support system monitoring, log analysis, root cause analysis, and cybersecurity testing.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience with 4+ years of experience.
• Strong electrical engineering and power systems foundation.
• Background supporting or implementing SCADA, ADMS, OMS, DMS, or related utility operational technologies.
• Knowledge of SCADA communications, system integrations, and interfaces.
• Familiarity with protection and automation systems.
• Exposure to real-time simulation and/or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL).
• Hands-on laboratory, systems integration, or testing background.
• Knowledge of utility operations, grid management systems, and real-time operational environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot software, hardware, network, and system integration issues.
• Understanding of networking concepts including IP/LAN configurations, firewalls, and network topology diagrams.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices and enterprise security standards.
• Background supporting system deployments, upgrades, migrations, or platform modernization efforts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work across technical and operational teams.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced operational or utility environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• RTDS/RSCAD.
• SEL ecosystem.
• Distribution systems, DERs, or inverters.
• DERMS, ADMS, or VVO.
• Python automation.
• IEC 61850/digital substations, PHIL, VPP, or advanced inverter controls.
• OT cybersecurity testing.
• Knowledge of FERC Order 2222 or related grid modernization initiatives.

This position requires access to information subject to U.S. Department of Energy 10 CFR Part 810 export control requirements. To be eligible for the required access, candidates must meet client’s Part 810 requirements, which may include being a U.S. citizen or national, a non-conditional U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), a qualifying Protected Individual, or an eligible citizen/national/permanent resident of a Generally Authorized destination. Eligibility and required documentation will be confirmed as part of the onboarding process.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.