Renewable Network Specialist

Renewable Network Specialist - Hybrid

Job Summary

We are currently recruiting for a Renewable Network Specialist. This position is responsible for supporting the SCADA systems at Renewable Generation facilities throughout Wisconsin. Support includes the design, implementation, and commissioning of systems at new facilities, ongoing operational support, and replacements/retrofits of existing facilities. The Renewable Network Specialist on SCADA Engineer/Specialist would focus primarily on Solar, Wind, and Battery facilities, but may also provide support at times in Hydro Generation and other types of Generation facilities.

This Hybrid role offers a blend of working from home, working at our Madison, WI office (or one of our Wisconsin operations centers) and traveling throughout the Wisconsin territory to Generation sites.

Travel is estimated to be 25-50% and will depend on the candidate's location and the projects assigned. For candidates living in the Madison area, travel will consist of primarily day trips, with some overnight travel expected. Minimal travel to Iowa is also required. The successful candidate must reside in Wisconsin.

What you will do

• Monitors assigned system(s) or process(es) to assure sustained, efficient operation within prescribed quality and regulatory boundaries.
• Works with generating plant personnel to support the establishment and acceptance of plant system processes and process controls. Supports process performance implementation and continuous improvement to ensure positive change.Assists with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of plant processes and systems. Assists with gathering accurate, reliable data by determining proper measurement methods, tools and calibration procedures. Provides input to assigned system control settings (parameters, targets, curves). Uses control plans and audits to ensure the methodology is standardized and being followed.
• Promotes the optimization of plant processes and equipment to maximize efficiency while meeting operational and regulatory requirements. Supports linkage between plant processes and plant/unit financial and operating goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Contributes to the implementation of process improvement programs and initiatives.
• Provides technical assistance as needed (design of experiments, statistical analysis, etc.). Interfaces with engineers and plant operations staff to transfer technical knowledge as needed. Facilitates process improvement teams as needed. Actively facilitates the transfer of knowledge within and across the Generation Business Unit.
• Assists in the development of justification for capital or maintenance projects to restore or improve performance of assigned systems. Frequently uses critical thinking skills necessary to develop recommendations which provide technically sound and the most cost-effective solutions applied to a specific problem.
• Assists plant operation and engineering staff during plant evaluation and testing of new products to determine the effect of changes on plant equipment and system performance. Identifies test methods and establishes standards for reporting.
• Assist plant operation and engineering staff in troubleshooting process or system issues.
• Performs as a key team member who makes positive, supportive contributions on teams that deal with technical or operational problems.
• Depending on applicant qualifications, proactively provides guidance to less experienced staff members. Has established effective working relationships with employees, contractors, customers, functional groups, and internal and external peers. Explains technical problems to internal stakeholders and accurately prepares detailed documents such as technical studies, project documentation for future reference, etc.
• Leverage contractors, service providers and other internal resources to create sustainable and reliable solutions for Generation operations needs.
• Cross functional team building to lead requirements gathering for new systems and existing system improvements for an international organization that finds the best solution given business constraints.
• Review and ability to create technical requirements regarding SCADA system and communication network with OEMs.
• Assist in the commissioning of SCADA systems for new Power Plants.
• Work with Engineering and Construction to enhance SCADA standards and improve commissioning activities.
• Ability to work well in and/or lead cross functional teams with little supervision or oversight

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related area is preferred.

Required Experience

• 5 years of experience in a relevant field such as network engineering, IT/OT, power plant engineering or operations; industrial processes; or quality control/quality assurance

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical knowledge of engineering concepts and disciplines
• Excellent interpersonal skills including team facilitation and negotiation
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and principles of databases and historians.
• Ability to read and understand plans, specifications, drawings, and documents relating to computers, data systems,
• SCADA, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to quickly assess technical outages and requirements with the ability to develop and implement appropriate action plans.
• Ability or willingness to work around energized equipment under proper lock-out, tag-out, and other safety procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant processes, products and equipment
• Knowledge of, or experience with change management in a transformational environment
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills
• Ability to work in a diverse environment

Preferred candidates will have:

• Working knowledge of traditional power systems and equipment such as generators, exciters, transformers, relays, switchgear, cable, low voltage circuit breakers, motor control centers, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Working knowledge of renewable power systems (wind, solar, battery storage).
• Network security design, testing, and evaluation including network zoning and segmentation and Router, firewall, and switch configuration.
• Cybersecurity best practices and NERC CIP regulatory compliance.
• Extensive experience and skill in designing, programming, testing, and servicing complete automation solutions including plant wide systems.
• Skilled in any types of SCADA software, for example, Industrial Automation Ignition, Emerson Ovation, GE SCADA, Siemens SCADA, Vestas Online Business, Novatech Orion
• Skilled in Information Technology including site management, Server administration, and network configuration, Active Directory, virtualization, and all network hardware including Cisco.
• Have worked extensively and troubleshot issues with IT Technologies such as LAN/WAN. TCP/IP, VPN, DNS, DHCP, VLAN's, VPN, Email Systems, VOIP, or wireshark.
• Designed and implemented database servers using Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or Canary.