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Form of workJob Description
Blue Ridge Power is a full-service EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) company for solar projects across the United States, offering integrated engineering, a qualified professional labor force and an expansive fleet of equipment to serve the needs of our clients. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Blue Ridge Power has installed 7 GW of solar infrastructure throughout the country and employs about 900 team members. Learn more at blueridgepower.com.
The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for managing and supporting the design and implementation of SCADA systems and networks for renewable energy power generation plants. The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for SCADA engineering designs, SCADA engineering estimates, communication network architecture, and relevant drawings development. This includes designing and implementing SCADA and telemetry networks, support with implementation and testing relating to Substation energization, back feed, and performance testing (including NERC compliance), and overall support of the SCADA system commissioning for the facility as a complete and operational renewable power plant, either via internal or external resources.
What You'll Do
- Manage reviewing and overseeing the SCADA network architecture design and procurement as required by the interconnection, off taker, and regulatory (e.g., NERC) obligations. This includes early-stage development, RFPs for construction contracts, engineering, procurement, and construction support, and occasional operational/warranty support.
- Provide technical input and specifications for renewable power plant SCADA system design and procurement processes, at subject matter expertise (SME) level.
- Provide and manage technical evaluation, analyses, and due diligence of renewable power plant substation control and protection systems communications coordination and disturbance monitoring support.
- Provide and manage SME level coordination and execution of project commissioning during construction of projects through commercial operation in compliance with interconnection, off taker, and regulatory counterparties.
- Coordinate, in conjunction with an Engineering Project Manager's effort, all suppliers and contractors involved in the design and commissioning of a renewable energy power plant from RFP and as built packages to a fully operational and functional power plant as required by relevant contracts and regulatory bodies.
- Lead the efforts to develop and implement standards for equipment, material, design, and construction requirements for automation architecture.
- Develop budget related to automation design and material procurement for BRP estimators. Aid in cost variance analysis post project completion to improve estimates.
- Work closely with other engineering groups within BRP to coordinate all aspects of SCADA Automation Engineering.
- Act as a technical representative of BRP during customer-facing discussions, in industry forums, conferences, and other company initiatives to support BRP in its mission.
Must-Haves
- Minimum of 5-10 years of directly related SCADA/Controls experience in the renewable energy industry.
- Technical competency in automation logic and control platforms: SEL RTAC (required), GE RX3i, PLCs, IEC 61131, and Python.
- Good knowledge of electric power systems, protection, controls design, automation, and communications protocols (DNP, Modbus, SEL protocols, Goose messaging and IEC 61850). Field or project commissioning experience is a strong plus.
- Technical competence in software such as Ignition, Copa Data Zenon, OSIPI, Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Proficy Machine Ed., Python Scripting, etc.
- Good understanding of Ethernet, TCP/IP communications, managed Ethernet switches and firewall functionality.
- Presentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical issues to non-technical persons in lay-person language and concepts.
- Ability to work in fast paced environment and manage multiple contractors/consultants as needed to support the SCADA workload.
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written skills.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills.
Nice-To-Haves
- PE is preferred.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and/or Computer Science from an ABET accredited institution.
Work Environment and Physical Demand
- Must be willing to travel and work non-standard hours when required.
- Travel up to 10% to our office locations or project sites.
- Position has opportunity to be remote.
- Preferably a candidate near our office locations in Asheville or Fayetteville, NC.
- Position works in an "office-type" environment.
- Must be able to sit/stand at a desk and utilize a computer, for extended periods of time.
- May require lifting/carrying items up to 30 pounds.
Blue Ridge Power believes in taking care of our employees by offering benefits that support their physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401k, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, training, and development, giving back to the community, remote work options, dog-friendly offices, and much more. Blue Ridge Power is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Blue Ridge Power does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies.
