SCADA & Controls Engineering Manager
Denver, CO - USA
Job Summary
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: SCADA & Controls Engineering Manager
Reports To: SVP Chief Information Officer
Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: M&A BD
FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time
Office Location: Denver
THE COMPANY
Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North Americas premier independent power generator we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers opportunities to our employees sustainable returns to the families who invest in us and a better world to the next generation. With corporate Offices in Denver New York and Charlotte we are where renewable meets reliable. See for more information.
THE CHALLENGE
Fueled by the continued growth of the company the Manager SCADA & Controls Engineering is responsible for leading the strategy design standardization and performance of Operational Technology (OT) systems across Onward Energys fleet of gas solar wind and storage assets.
This role owns the reliability scalability and cybersecurity posture of SCADA and controls systems ensuring secure and seamless data flow between field equipment plant control systems and enterprise platforms. The Manager partners cross-functionally with Operations Engineering IT Cybersecurity and external OEMs to deliver best-in-class controls architecture that supports safe reliable and efficient plant operations.
This leader will build mentor and scale a high-performing SCADA engineering team while driving continuous improvement capital project execution and innovation across the platform.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead develop and manage a team of SCADA and Controls Engineers; set priorities provide mentorship and drive performance
- Define and execute enterprise-wide SCADA/OT strategy including platform standardization (e.g. Ignition) architecture and long-term roadmap
- Establish engineering standards best practices and governance for SCADA and control systems across all assets
- Partner with executive leadership to align SCADA capabilities with business growth acquisitions and operational objectives
- OT Systems & Reliability
- Oversee design implementation and lifecycle management of SCADA systems RTUs data historians and communications infrastructure
- Ensure high system availability reliability and performance across the fleet
- Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex system issues impacting plant operations
- Standardize data acquisition control logic alarming and visualization across technologies and OEMs
- Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Act as the primary liaison with IT Cybersecurity for OT environments to ensure secure architecture and compliance with NERC CIP requirements
- Establish and enforce security standards access controls and network segmentation for OT systems
- Lead audits assessments and ongoing compliance initiatives related to SCADA and controls
- Capital Projects & Innovation
- Lead SCADA and controls scope for new builds repowers and acquisitions including design review commissioning and integration
- Manage vendor relationships contracts and performance for OEMs integrators and technology providers
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies including advanced analytics AI initiatives and cloud integration of operational data
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary point of escalation for SCADA-related issues impacting operations
- Partner with plant operations teams to ensure systems meet field needs and improve asset performance
- Work closely with IT and data teams to enable enterprise data strategy and analytics platforms
THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED
- Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Engineering Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 812 years of experience in SCADA controls engineering or OT systems within power generation or related industries
- 3 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical programs
- Deep expertise with SCADA systems RTUs data historians (e.g. PI) and protocols such as DNP3 OPC Modbus
- Experience supporting renewable (wind/solar/BESS) and/or thermal generation assets
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Ignition Wonderware or similar SCADA platforms
- Familiarity with SEL-RTAC communications networks and industrial control systems architecture
- Knowledge of NERC CIP standards and OT cybersecurity best practices
- Experience with scripting or automation tools (Python preferred)
- Experience leading capital projects integrations or large-scale system deployments
- Core Competencies
- Strong leadership coaching and team-building capability
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into technical execution
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capability
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced multi-site growth-oriented environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to travel (2540%) to operating sites as needed
WORK AUTHORIZATION
To be considered for this position applicants must have full-time authorization to work in the United States. Onward Energy does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
THE TEAM
Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace collaboration dedication and hard work while also being down to earth. At Onward Energy we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.
THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
OFFICE - The position functions in a smoke and vape free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer phone and scanner/photocopier.
THE TOTAL REWARDS
If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to .
EEO STATEMENT:
Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Experience:
Manager