Operations Technology Systems Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

Northeastern REMC is seeking an Operations Technology Systems Administrator. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving the cooperative’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems. You will support real-time monitoring and control of substations, distribution automation devices, communications equipment, and related operational technology systems. This role works closely with Engineering, Operations, Dispatch, IT, Metering, and field personnel to ensure reliable, secure, and accurate system visibility and control.

At Northeastern REMC, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. In all we do, we remain focused on adding value for our members and supporting the communities we serve in Northeast Indiana.  If you enjoy a fast-paced environment with opportunities to learn and grow, review the qualifications for this role and consider joining our team! 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Information / Operations Technology, or related field required, or equivalent experience in SCADA, utility operations, automation, controls, communications, or power systems may be considered.
• Professional Engineer license, EIT certification, or related technical certifications are a plus, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of electric distribution systems, substations, feeders, switching devices, and utility operations required.
• Experience with electric utility SCADA systems, RTUs, protective relays, distribution automation devices, or substation equipment strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with SCADA protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, SEL, IEC 61850, or similar communication protocols.
• Knowledge of SEL relays, recloser controls, capacitor controls, regulator controls, RTUs, and communication processors.
• Experience with fiber networks, radios, cellular routers, Ethernet switches, firewalls, and IP networking.
• Familiarity with SQL, Power BI, historian systems, scripting, or data analytics.
• Understanding of cybersecurity practices for operational technology systems.
• Experience with SCADA commissioning, point-to-point testing, and field troubleshooting; ability to troubleshoot both electrical and communication issues and prioritize issues affecting system visibility, control, reliability, and safety.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with ability to clearly explain technical issues to varied audiences (engineers, dispatchers, linemen, IT staff, and management).
• Ability to read electrical one-lines, wiring diagrams, schematics, control drawings, and communication diagrams.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and problem-solving skills; ability to drive change management toward issue resolution and continuous improvement.
• Valid driver’s license required.

  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and support the SCADA master system, historian, alarms, displays, databases, and communication interfaces.
• Build, test, and update SCADA screens, points, tags, alarms, control logic, and one-line diagrams.
• Monitor system performance and resolve SCADA communication, data quality, and control issues; support SCADA communications over fiber, radio, cellular, Ethernet, serial, and IP-based networks.
• Maintain accurate SCADA documentation, point lists, device records, communication diagrams, and change logs.
• Configure and integrate substations, reclosers, regulators, capacitor controls, motor-operated switches, meters, RTUs, relays, and other field devices into SCADA.
• Support testing and commissioning new or modified SCADA-controlled equipment.
• Assist with point-to-point checkout, control testing, alarm verification, and operational readiness reviews.
• Troubleshoot RTUs, relays, modems, radios, fiber equipment, cellular routers, and other communications devices.
• Work with IT and communications staff to maintain secure and reliable OT network connectivity. Identify and resolve latency, dropped communication, failed polls, and intermittent connectivity issues.
• Assist with network addressing, device configuration, firewall coordination, VPN access, and communication path documentation.
• Follow cybersecurity best practices for operational technology systems, support incident response, vulnerability management, and audit documentation related to SCADA and OT systems.
• Assist with user access reviews, password management, patching, backups, disaster recovery, and system hardening.
• Coordinate with IT to ensure proper separation and protection of business and operational networks.
• Provide technical support to Dispatch, Operations, Engineering, and field crews.
• Assist with outage response, switching support, device status verification, and operational troubleshooting.
• Support distribution automation, FLISR, volt-var optimization, generator monitoring, load monitoring, and other advanced grid applications.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and data extracts from SCADA and historian systems to support planning and operations. Recommend improvements to SCADA standards, device settings, alarm philosophy, and communication architecture.
• Participate in substation, distribution automation, fiber, communications, and system improvement projects.
• Review SCADA-related designs, drawings, specifications, and vendor submittals and coordinate with contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal departments during design, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

  WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to work in varied environmental conditions, including extreme weather, confined spaces, and heights. Ability to lift and carry 75 pounds. Must be able to stand, kneel, crouch, and work in awkward positions for extended periods and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Must be able to distinguish between colors. Will be required to visit substations, communication sites, and distribution field locations. May be required to be available during evenings, weekends, and holidays to support outages, planned switching, system upgrades, or emergency response as needed.

  This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned to fulfill the cooperative’s objectives.