What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scada Commissioning Engineer position at Progressive?
Responsibilities
- Lead field and remote commissioning of SCADA, control, and industrial networking systems for data centers, utility-scale PV plants, substations, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Perform system integration between SCADA, PPC/plant controller, BMS, PCS/inverters, protection relays, meters, EPMS, via industrial protocols.
- Execute point-to-point checkout, I/O validation, network verification, and end-to-end control verification from field device to SCADA/EMS/ISO.
- Commission and validate control functions including but not limited to:
- AVR / Volt-VAR control
- Frequency response (PFR, droop)
- Active power control / curtailment
- Ramp rate control
- AGC / dispatch control
- Plant and inverter operating modes
- BESS charge/discharge and EMS dispatch logic
- Support and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and integrated system testing (IST).
- Troubleshoot control system, network, and communications issues between devices, including switches, firewalls, RTACs, PLCs, meters, and relay communications.
- Configure and validate SCADA and control system communications, including IP addressing, routing, VLANs, VPNs, managed switches, firewalls, and serial-to-Ethernet devices.
- Work with protection, electrical, and mechanical teams to ensure proper system operation during energization and commissioning.
- Support NERC, ISO, and utility commissioning and telemetry requirements, including point mapping, telemetry validation, and witness testing.
- Develop and execute commissioning procedures, test plans, and turnover documentation.
- Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and early operations, both remotely and on-site.
- Interface directly with clients, utilities, ISOs, and equipment vendors to resolve technical and integration issues.
- Record, document, and track commissioning issues through resolution and project turnover.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on commissioning experience with SCADA, PLCs, or industrial control systems in utilities, renewable energy, substations, BESS, or data centers.
- Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols: DNP3, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, IEC 61850.
- Experience commissioning and troubleshooting:
- SCADA systems (Ignition, Wonderware, VTScada, etc.)
- RTACs and PLCs (SEL RTAC, GE RX3i, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric)
- Protection relays and revenue meters (SEL, Schweitzer, GE)
- Power conversion systems (inverters, PCS) and plant controllers
- Battery Energy Storage Systems and BMS communications
- EPMS and BMS systems in data centers
- Working knowledge of industrial networking:
- Managed switches, routing, VLANs, NAT, VPNs
- Fiber networks, serial communications, media converters
- Basic cybersecurity practices for OT networks
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Electrical one-lines
- Three-lines
- Network architecture diagrams
- P&IDs
- Control logic diagrams and sequences of operation
- Experience performing point-to-point checkout, loop checks, and functional testing.
- Familiarity with utility and ISO requirements (CAISO, ERCOT, etc.) is a plus.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently in field environments.
- Strong documentation and communication skills for reporting test results and technical issues.
- Willingness to travel up to 25-40% domestically.