Utility Controls Engineer

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans with employer contrib

Healthcare plans

Employee wellbeing program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

University of Minnesota Energy Management oversees safe, reliable operation of utility systems for ~250 buildings on the Twin Cities campus. The role focuses on SCADA operations, security standards, and data visualization, supporting capital planning and facilities management.

You will develop HMIs, maintain metering maps, and build data transparency tools using APIs, while collaborating across teams and coordinating multi-task priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/IT and 2+ years in utility control systems or IT.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain campus SCADA system and network.
• Develop and implement security for network and applications.
• Create and maintain HMIs and data/website interfaces for SCADA.
• Assist with field device commissioning and troubleshooting.

Skills

SCADA

C++

C#/.net

MS SQL Server

Networking

Microsoft OS

Relational databases

Electrical power terminology

One line diagrams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Information Technology

Tools

DNP3

MODBUS

Job description

About the Job

Energy Management oversees the reliable, safe and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and civil utilities systems in approximately 250 complex buildings on the Twin Cities campus. Home to the University's technical and professional engineering staff, as well as a select group of skilled tradespeople, the group maintains the campus utility infrastructure and provides technical and engineering expertise to the U's Capital Planning, Facilities Management building operations, and other facilities-related units across the U of M system. The Twin Cities campus has a total electric utility budget of approximately $51M per year. The infrastructure required to safely and reliably distribute this energy includes more than twelve miles of underground steam tunnels and five medium voltage (13,800 Volt) switch stations. The Energy Management group manages and maintains this complex infrastructure, as well as overseeing storm water management, sanitary sewer systems, municipal water distribution, chilled water distribution, steam and condensate, and compressed air systems.

Position Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance (75%)

• Implementing and guiding the proper operations and maintenance of a campus SCADA system. Maintain the SCADA network and field devices through trouble‑shooting, configuration programming, and backup. Develop and perform scheduled hardware/software maintenance and upgrades through vendor long term service agreements.
• Develop operation and maintenance standards for the SCADA system, including instruction on how to use the system.
• Proactively investigate field problems and independently develop engineering solutions.
• Support the commissioning effort for new field devices.
• Engaging and coordinating with electrical operations.

Security & Standards (15%)

• Develop and implement network and application security protocols. Maintain and update standards for system security. Create documentation on security standards that is readily available for audits.
• Add/delete/modify/organize database points for consistent conformance to industry and university standards.

Design, Data & Documentation (10%)

• Develop and revise HMI graphics.
• Support the maintenance of electric metering network maps and documentation.
• Build and maintain websites and applications for data transparency and situational awareness using custom applications through 3rd party API(s) to interact with the SCADA system.
• Identifying and planning for future capital expenditures on hardware and software replacements.

Physical and environmental requirements

Work is performed in an office setting as well as out in the field. This position will be exposed to hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Must be able to walk and climb to physically access and view various sites, including mechanical/electrical equipment rooms, electric vaults and switch stations.

Qualifications

Required (minimum) qualifications Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Information Technology and at least two (2) years of progressively more responsible experience in implementation, development, technical evaluation, and maintenance activities in the areas of utility control systems (preferably SCADA systems) or information technology is required.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of DNP3 and MODBUS protocols.
• Experience working in an I.T. environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot, upgrade, backup and manage Microsoft OS.
• C++ and C#/.net programming experience.
• Networking and server management/maintenance skills, including MS SQL Server programming and maintenance experience.
• Understanding and maintenance of relational databases.
• Understanding of network serial and Ethernet communications.
• Basic understanding of electrical power system terminology and one line diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability to gain support and commitment from others.
• Self-motivated, proactive professional with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Coordinates and prioritizes multiple tasks, resolves problems, negotiates solutions, and identifies and analyzes unit and departmental priorities.
• Strong written (including technical writing), verbal, interpersonal skills.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $70,000 - 82,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.