Utilities Electrical Engineer

American Water Works Association; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Water Works Association is seeking an experienced engineer to design, implement, and support SCADA-based ICS for water treatment and wastewater systems. The role emphasizes integration, security, and data integrity across plant automation, with strong collaboration with operations and IT teams.

The position offers the chance to develop HMI/SCADA graphics, configure server and network infrastructure, and mentor staff while ensuring safe, compliant utility operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum of five years of related work experience, preferably with position-related software.

Responsibilities

• Designs, programs, and commissions SCADA-based automated control systems.
• Provides technical support during design, construction, and startup of capital projects.
• Coordinates internal and contractor electrical and instrumentation staff as needed.
• Troubleshoots plant control systems, instrumentation, VFDs, and SCADA.
• Maintains electrical and control system standards and prepares CAD drawings.

Skills

Modicon PLCs

AutomationDirect PLCs

Ignition software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CAD

SCADA software

Job description

SALARY

The salary for this position is $105,783.30-$117,536.99, Commensurate with Experience.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing the design, installation, integration, configuration, diagnosis, security, and commissioning of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) related to water treatment and distribution and wastewater treatment and collection; provides electrical, instrumentation, and control system expertise; assists in protection of IC S environment and ensures data security and integrity by establishing operational guidelines and controls including security, editing, validating and restart/recovery controls; collaborates with other departments in the design of database schemas to integrate IC S with other system's database structures; develops and modifies Human Machine Interface (HMI)/ Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems, including graphics creation, Tag Database generation, report development, computer setup and configuration, startup services including field setup and checkout, troubleshoot and operator training; create and/or maintain servers, data storage equipment, network equipment, firewalls, operating systems, and various utility programs; plans, organizes, administers, and maintains the software and associated hardware that operate with the SCADA systems; generates reports; assists operations staff in resolving software and hardware issues; reviews, modifies and write code for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), SCADA and HMI applications for water and wastewater utility systems; performs other work and special projects as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Designs, programs, and commissions SCADA-based automated control systems.
• Supports process control improvements by working with stakeholders to identify, test and implement improvements.
• Provides technical support during the design, construction, and startup for assigned capital infrastructure projects; participates in capital improvement project meetings; and reviews project design documentation.
• Coordinates internal and/or contract electrical and instrumentation staff as needed.
• Provides technical/engineering services to troubleshoot and support plant control systems, instrumentation, motor control equipment, power distribution equipment, UV systems, and SCADA.
• Commissions new equipment and assists in training plant operations and maintenance staff.
• Participates in capital improvement project meetings; reviews project design documentation.
• Develops electrical and control system standards.
• Participates in the procurement of goods and services.
• Prepares Computer-Aided Design (CAD) electrical drawings and technical documentation according to standards.
• Performs administrative duties related to purchasing equipment.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited school; master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5) years of related work experience, preferably with experience in position-related software.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Must obtain and maintain a City Driver’s Permit.
• Professional Engineer in NC.
• Master’s degree with three (3) years of related work experience, preferably with experience in position-related software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of experience as a SCADA/ICS Engineer, Process Control Engineer, Automation Engineer, Controls Systems Technician, or similarly related duties. Must have extensive PC hardware knowledge, with general computer maintenance capabilities.
• Systems Integration experience a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Modicon PLCs, AutomationDirect PLCs, and Ignition software.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work around chemicals, solvents, and dust in an industrial environment.
• Ability to obtain a City driving permit.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work and requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity in data/color/observations/equipment/inspections, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed part of the time working in an environment where errors on this job can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for self or others. Requires working around chemicals, solvents, and dust in an industrial environment and responding to emergencies after hours.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties at any time. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.