SCADA Engineer

Position: SCADA Engineer

Department: Operations Technology (OT)/Controls Engineering

Reports to: Director of IT

Location: Bakersfield, California

Classification: Exempt

Annual Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000

Annual Bonus Potential: 10%

Benefits: Standard CalBio benefits package is available: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match.

Company Description

CalBio projects benefit the environment both globally and locally. Working with the dairies we capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, that currently is released into the atmosphere and use it beneficially. Our projects reduce CO2e emissions by over one million metric tons per year, and we are on track to double these CO2e reductions over the next three years.

One of the major uses of CalBio biomethane will be as vehicle fuel. When truck fleets convert from diesel to natural gas, pollution emissions are reduced by approximately 90%, a great and immediate advancement for air quality in California’s San Joaquin Valley and L.A. basin.

Position Summary

The SCADA Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of SCADA systems, with a focus on the Ignition SCADA platform. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills in PLC programming, database integration, and wireless telemetry systems. This role will collaborate closely with Operations, Greenhouse Gas, and Engineering teams to ensure reliable data collection, efficient system performance, and continuous improvement of site automation systems.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy Ignition SCADA systems, including Ignition Perspective projects for web and mobile applications.
• Commission new SCADA sites and ensure proper integration with field instrumentation, PLCs, and telemetry systems.
• Troubleshoot existing SCADA systems and resolve communication, data integrity, and configuration issues.
• Install, configure, and service wireless telemetry systems for data acquisition and control.
• Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI screens, and alarm configurations to support plant operations.
• Integrate SCADA systems with SQL databases, manage historical data storage, and ensure accuracy and availability.
• Investigate and resolve data quality issues across SCADA and historian systems.
• Support end users by providing system documentation, training, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Greenhouse Gas, and Engineering teams to ensure data-driven operational efficiency and compliance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to standardize and optimize control and data systems.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Controls, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience with SCADA systems, including design, programming, and commissioning.
• Strong working knowledge of the Ignition SCADA platform (Inductive Automation), including:
• Ignition Designer, Gateway configuration, and Tag management
• Ignition Perspective for web/mobile visualization (preferred)
• Ignition scripting using Python (Jython)
• Database connectivity using SQL.
• Experience with PLC programming, including:
• Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers (RSLogix/Studio 5000 v24 or higher)
• Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text
• Proficient understanding of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, MQTT, etc.).
• Experience with wireless telemetry systems, including installation and troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for diagnosing field and data issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ignition SCADA Gold Certification (preferred or in progress).
• Experience integrating SCADA systems with historians or business intelligence tools.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data storage or IIoT platforms.
• Experience with scripting or automation using Python, JavaScript, or SQL queries.
• Knowledge of industrial networking (firewalls, VPNs, subnets, VLANs).
• Understanding greenhouse gas monitoring, reporting, and control systems.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods while working on a computer or engineering tasks.
• Capability to perform fieldwork, including setup, wiring, and equipment installation at remote sites.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• Work is performed in both office and field environments.
• Occasional travel is required to local dairy sites and remote facilities for commissioning, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.
• Field conditions may involve exposure to outdoor environments, uneven terrain, and typical agricultural or industrial site conditions.