Senior Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA)

American Water; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company seeks a Sr Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA) in Davenport, Iowa. This role involves implementing, maintaining, and supporting automation and process control infrastructure. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant experience, strong knowledge in control systems, and the ability to manage complex projects. The position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for on-call support during various hours.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in maintenance and troubleshooting of Process Control Systems.
• Experience with data communication systems and telemetry.
• Proficient in project planning and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Implement and support automation and process control infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain programming for control systems.
• Manage system integration partners and relationships.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on control systems.

Skills

P&IDs knowledge

PLC/DCS/HMI programming

Project management methodologies

Microsoft Office proficiency

Process control troubleshooting

Excellent interpersonal skills

Data communications systems knowledge

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PLC / RTU systems

SCADA systems

HMI systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Sr Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA)

Posting Start Date: 3/30/26

Primary Role

Responsible for implementing, maintaining and supporting the automation & process control infrastructure (SCADA). Provide expert assistance and collaboration in creating engineering plans, designs, monitoring, building and commissioning of automation & process control systems. Understand and apply new technological systems and multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative system solutions that match operational and business requirements. Assist in the development of standards, practices and policies related to the installation, maintenance and operations of automation & process control systems. Develop, deploy and maintain standard and custom programming and configuration code for the automation & process control systems. Provide second level support for maintaining the automation & process control infrastructure, which may include off-hours and/or on-site support when required. Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Perform quality assurance checks of automation & process control systems as required. Manage system integration partners and relationships.

Key Accountabilities

• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operations personnel, and other internal staff on the design, review, information gathering, inspection, and commissioning / start-up of projects that include process control equipment, or SCADA systems.


• Ability to execute projects from conception to start-up within budget and project schedule.


• Develop programming and configuration code for process control systems, make changes to existing programs, review work performed by outside contractors, participate in factory acceptance testing, and coordinate control system issues between project engineering, the instrumentation contractor, and operations.


• Review control logic strategies and implement programming changes to optimize control strategies for treatment and pumping processes and automate where appropriate.


• Perform or coordinate maintenance activities on process control equipment or SCADA system.


• Perform upgrades, add new facilities, and provide replacement of hardware and software.


• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues.


• Investigate new technological developments and processes.


• Research, recommend, and implement systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability.


• Advise, instruct, and/or assist operating company personnel on proper operation and maintenance of Process Control equipment or Systems. Provide Technical instruction as required.


• Ensure compliance to policies and procedures.


• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results.


• Develop and maintain relationship with system integrators and other partners/vendors.


• Review vendor specifications, report findings and make recommendations.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, control elementary drawings, ISA instrument specifications, and loop diagrams.


• Working knowledge of industrial control system platforms including PLC / DCS / HMI programming / design / configuration.


• Knowledge of industrial computers and data collection methods. Understanding of PC Networking technology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases and historians.


• Knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools.


• Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint).


• Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application; water/wastewater equipment and systems operations preferred.


• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation process control equipment and systems.


• Demonstrated ability to configure programmable process controllers PLCs / RTUs, to include Allen-Bradley/Rockwell (preferred), Bristol Babcock, Modicon, Siemens, Emerson.


• Demonstrated ability to configure HMI systems, to include Ignition (preferred), Iconics, GE/Intellution, Wonderware.


• Ability to develop Process Control Functional descriptions.


• Demonstrated ability to solve complex process control problems related to water / wastewater systems.


• Proficient with identifying, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating detailed phases of Capital Projects.


• Proficient with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and cellular and radio telemetry.


• Excellent interpersonal and team contributor skills.


• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changes in priority efficiently.


• Excellent client relations skills and customer service orientation.


• Excellent planning, time management and organization skills with attention to detail.


• Good verbal and written communications skills, including presentation expertise and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

Experience / Education

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs / RTU preferred.


• Experience with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and cellular and radio telemetry.


• Experience with OPC and/or programming languages.


• Four-year (4) degree or equivalent experience and/or certifications or other education and training may be substituted.

Travel Requirements

• Operating Facilities – Multi District/State Coverage Area.


• Requires “on-call” out of hours support during evenings, nights, holidays and weekends.