Senior Systems Engineer

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT
Aurora Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems, treatment of drinking water and non-potable reclaimed wastewater for irrigation, billing and collection, public outreach and water conservation, acquisition and development of future water rights, major capital projects programs, and quality control for regulatory compliance and public health.


The SCADA OT Systems Network Engineer Senior for Aurora's water and wastewater operations division manages the daily operations of the organization's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The engineer leads, develops, and implements Operational Technology (OT) initiatives that enable the division to meet its short-term and long-term goals and objectives. The role ensures that the division's OT infrastructure is effectively engineered to maintain a stable environment by identifying needs and providing appropriate training and support for all users. Additionally, the engineer develops OT policies and procedures to ensure standardized consistency throughout its infrastructure and common systems. This position requires experience in managing change processes while maintaining a stable environment.



PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• dvanced administration and optimization of hosts and servers to maintain high availability and effective resource management for daily system administration within Windows Server environments
• Plans, designs, implements, and administers the SCADA network, including but not limited to, automation control, communication, servers, virtualization, domain controllers, active directory, and network support systems
• Researches and evaluates new and existing approved operational methods, software, techniques and equipment, and recommends their application in existing SCADA systems
• Obtains both software and hardware for control systems, and resolves issues related to hardware, application software, and SCADA systems
• Performs SCADA related work with consultants, integrators, and contractors
• Installs, configures, upgrades and manages systems, creates and adheres to policies and industry standards; Acquires computer hardware and software
• nalyzes performance of the environment and provide recommendations for improvement; Conduct high-level root-cause analysis of service interruptions and establish preventative measures
• Responsible for preventive maintenance programs, evaluation, troubleshooting, configuration, installation, development, programming, updates, and modifications to the OT infrastructure
• Responsible for guidance, reviews and approval of SCADA systems changes, design reviews and new SCADA project and reporting construction as part of collaborative Aurora Water Operational Maintenance and/or Planning & Engineering Capital Projects
• Evaluates need for new architecture, equipment, hardware, software, and vendors; Develops proper technical system specifications; Request vendor quotes, provide technical reviews and ensures SCADA purchases are completed within purchasing guidelines
• Creates and maintains proper backups and develops a maintenance program strategy for SCADA data files, user reports, delivery processes and security systems data
• ssist with preparing cost estimates, budgets, and contracts related to SCADA and instrumentation and controls
• ssists with the development and implementation of SCADA Master Plans, Risk and Resilience plans and other long-term strategies
• ssist with network improvements and protection for SCADA infrastructure and associated industrial control systems
• Consults and collaborates with City staff and departments, project teams, engineering staff, consultants, vendors, and Water Technical Operations supervisors on project design and implementation
• Stays current on technical issues and new technology relative to position.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) and lead authority for SCADA/OT network and systems infrastructure across Aurora Water operations, including cybersecurity controls, virtualization, and industrial communication protocols.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians, reviewing work for conformance to operational technology best practices, cybersecurity protocols, and regulatory expectations.
• Lead the development and enforcement of internal standards, procedures, and documentation related to SCADA/OT systems, including systems hardening, change control, and lifecycle asset management.
• Present technical findings, proposals, and justifications to department leadership, engineering project managers, and cybersecurity governance boards as needed.
• Champion a culture of proactive risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement across SCADA engineering operations.
• Performs additional duties and special projects assigned


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).



Experience:
• t least 8 years progressively responsible experience in voice and data networks including network design, security, implementation, and support.



Knowledge:
• Strong knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, networking, security / cyber risk and resilience, and disaster recovery
• Working knowledge of Industrial Control Systems and cyber risk and resilience
• Basic knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment and distribution processes and equipment; safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA principles and related systems, including but not limited to - networks, hardware/software, HMI, and Process Control industry communication standards and radio telemetry.
• Knowledge of water related safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with an understanding of Water industry business operations



Skills :
• Strong interpersonal, supervisory, network and computer skills.



Abilities:
• bility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, consultants, and citizens; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Read and understand documents such as safety guidelines, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, technical documents, plans, schematics, and specifications.
• Establish and fulfill goals and objectives; organize and prioritize work; meet deadlines; communicate complex or technical SCADA concepts and terms to non-SCADA oriented employees, managers, and residents.



Licenses Required:
• Colorado Driver's license and a safe driving history.



Certifications Preferred:
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Certifications
• Related Technology Industry Certifications



WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:
• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.



Physical Demands:
• Moderate physical work requiring ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Regular walking and standing for inspection and testing; some pushing, pulling, bending, stooping/crouching, and climbing to inspect work sites/control systems.
• Hand/eye coordination to operate equipment related to duties; hand/foot coordination for vehicle operation to travel to remote sites; normal color vision to evaluate HMI screen content, read manuals, test instruments, and other written materials.
• Speech communication to provide technical information and instructions; hearing and listening to troubleshoot system equipment and communicate on telephone and radio.



Work Environment:
• Works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to noise, dust, and fumes.



Equipment Used:
• Operates motor vehicle, mechanical and technological equipment, common to Water/Wastewater SCADA and security functions.
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.