Systems Analyst - SCADA/PLC

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

PERS retirement

Paid time off

Life insurance

Wellness reimbursements

Job summary

The City of Hillsboro is seeking a Systems Analyst with hands-on experience in industrial control systems, SCADA, PLC programming, and strong project management to support Water Operations and Distribution. You will work within the Information Services team to maintain and enhance the Joint Water Commission's data and control systems.

You will participate in onsite system configuration, programming, troubleshooting at water sites, and liaison with operators, engineers, and management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years IT experience with 3 years in the area of assignment.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA and DCS systems.
• Strong documentation and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration and repair of Process Control Systems (SCADA/DCS) and PLCs.
• Installs DCS/SCADA, PLCs and related instrumentation and networks.
• Configures PLCs and SCADA software for reliable operations and data collection.
• Maintains SCADA data/tags for industrial reporting and regulatory needs.
• Supports external contractors and regulatory agencies in verification and certification.

Skills

SCADA & DCS

PLC programming

Project management

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/Engineering)

CIJIS certification

Tools

Rockwell Automation PLC

AVEVA Wonderware SCADA

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

About this Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro is looking for a Systems Analyst with hands‑on experience in industrial control systems, SCADA and PLC programming, and strong technical project management skills. The Systems Analyst in this position will be part of the City's Information Services team, an internal support department that partners with City departments to successfully achieve their operational and service mandates. This position will be part of a two-person team that supports and manages the communications and information technologies that support and operate the Joint Water Commission's (JWC) Water Treatment Plant and the City of Hillsboro’s Water Department's data and process control system for Water Operations and Distribution. This position will also include the opportunity to train with and work alongside the current SCADA/PLC Systems Analyst position prior to their retirement. Relevant experience from other industries that use industrial automation and process controls is welcome.

What You Will Be Doing

This position is responsible for the maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), field instrumentation, variable frequency drives, connections to communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, and hazardous chemical distribution systems. The City of Hillsboro’s Water Department provides water to over 92,000 customers and is the managing agency for the Joint Water Commission, which serves over 400,000 customers in Washington County, Oregon. The work includes onsite system configuration and programming as well as regular field visits to troubleshoot equipment at water treatment sites, reservoirs, and distribution sites.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and replacement of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), control and instrument loops, field instrumentation, chemical analysis systems, variable frequency drives, connections to communication network systems, hazardous chemical distribution and detection systems, and HMI computer workstations in accordance with industry standards.
• Installs DCS and SCADA systems, process instrumentation, PLCs, PLC based control and instrument loops, communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, hazardous chemical distribution/detection systems, and chemical analyzer equipment.
• Programs, configures, and troubleshoots PLCs and SCADA/DCS software to support reliable system operations, monitoring, and data collection.
• Establishes, configures, and maintains SCADA data and tags for industrial reporting systems to meet operational and strategic reporting needs.
• Updates databases with information regarding assigned work orders, equipment calibration, repair and parts inventory and orders parts.
• Reviews technical documentation and schematics for conformity to accepted industry standards in instrumentation principles, practices, procedures, and terminology. Evaluates and specifies instrumentation.
• Supports outside contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies in the verification and third-party certification of instrument data.
• Participates in long range planning to determine future SCADA improvements and expansion.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Qualified candidates will possess high-level of competence in Control Systems applications, real-time programming, and Control System Engineering practices and standards.
• Project design and planning experience, including experience gathering business requirements, project management, and cross-functional stakeholder management.
• Technical experience in the maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), field instrumentation, variable frequency drives, communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, and hazardous chemical distribution systems.
• Experience configuring and programming PLCs and developing, maintaining, or troubleshooting SCADA systems. Experience with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and AVEVA Wonderware) SCADA software is preferred.
• Experience installing, debugging, administering, and maintaining PLC Control Systems
• Designing and maintaining water distribution control hardware and systems as well as high level SCADA monitoring systems.
• Possesses strong technical and project management skills as well as subject matter expertise in process control systems.
• Possesses an excellent work ethic and ability to work alone.
• Ability to communicate with fellow employees and teams who have widely diverse roles and communication styles including treatment plant operators, field crews, engineers, computer support personnel, network engineers, Water department management, and Information Services management.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Services, Engineering related degree, or a closely related field; and five years of information technology experience with three years related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSE(S) / CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid, current Driver’s License and safe driving record
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation
• CIJIS certification or the ability to pass CIJIS certification

Experience to Highlight in Your Application

Please describe your hands‑on experience with both PLC programming and SCADA systems. Include the platforms you have used and examples of programming, configuration, integration, troubleshooting, or system upgrades. Experience in industries outside water treatment is welcome.

When providing examples, explain your specific role, the actions you took, and the outcome. This will help reviewers understand your qualifications and determine which applicants advance.

Why Join Us?

• Citywide impact –Support the technology that helps deliver reliable drinking water to customers throughout the region.
• Meaningful modernization work –Help modernize SCADA architecture, PLC communications, and water treatment and distribution controls.
• Collaborative team –Work alongside technical professionals who value shared knowledge, thoughtful problem-solving, and reliable public service.
• Benefits and professional growth –Expand your industrial controls expertise while taking advantage of the City’s employee benefits and retirement programs.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.

Work Schedule & Location

This is an onsite position in Hillsboro, Oregon. The anticipated regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional work outside regular business hours to support system needs. The work also involves regular travel to City and Joint Water Commission facilities, including remote field locations.

Commitment of Equity

Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.