SCADA/Automation Supervisor – Renewable Energy

SCADA / Automation Supervisor – Renewable Energy

1. Main Objective of the Position

Ensuring the daily monitoring, control, and coordination of execution, configuration, and commissioning works for automation systems, communication networks (fiber optic, switches), SCADA systems, Power Plant Controller (PPC), and BMS integration for battery storage (BESS). The position involves continuous on-site presence through relocation, a proactive attitude in resolving software/hardware interfaces, and firm management of automation subcontractors, ensuring secure integration compliant with the requirements of the central energy dispatcher and territorial dispatchers.

2. Main Responsibilities and TasksSite Execution Monitoring, Planning (MS Project), and Mobilization Monitoring:

·        Daily monitors hardware installation and software configuration works for SCADA systems, communication networks (FO), PPC plant, and string/inverter level monitoring systems, according to the project architecture.

·        Critically analyzes the implementation schedule (MS Project) versus the subcontractor's actual mobilization (system engineers, automation specialists, network technicians, FO fusion and testing equipment).

·        Demonstrates a proactive attitude: anticipates and resolves protocol incompatibilities (e.g., Modbus, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3) between equipment from different manufacturers in advance of official tests.

·        Proactively alerts the Project Manager about any logical or hardware discrepancies that may delay system integration or commissioning trials.

·        Ensures compliance with all H&S requirements, imposes disciplinary measures, and stops work if the situation demands it.

·        Is responsible for the quality of the executed works.

·        Ensures all quality documents and minutes of proceedings are submitted on time.

·        Participates in meetings during the design and/or bidding phase, as well as site visits, either with the team or individually, to identify and propose suitable technical solutions.

Site Reporting:

·        Prepares daily progress reports for the automation scope (e.g., status of fiber optic splices, tested communication loops, configured SCADA screens), reporting progress directly to the Site Manager/Project Manager.

·        Develops specific testing reports and documents the progress of signal list configuration.

·        Meticulously maintains and archives firmware versions and software configurations implemented in the on-site equipment.

·        Daily documents work progress photographically and maintains an organized site archive.

Non-conformity Management and Quality Control:

·        Identifies data transmission errors, lack of redundancy, or incorrect configurations and officially issues Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) to contractors.

·        Leads and validates Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for the SCADA and PPC systems.

·        Verifies the implementation of cybersecurity requirements for the park's networks and critical infrastructure.

·        Supervises point-to-point tests with the territorial energy dispatcher (DET/DEN) and promptly resolves any signal mapping errors.

·        Requests site notes/instructions from the designer and is involved in finding the optimal solution when situations require it.

Verification and Approval of Work Statements:

·        Verifies on-site and validates physical and logical deliverables submitted by contractors (installed FO metrage, equipped racks, reflectometry/OTDR reports, validated signal lists).

·        Resolves quantitative disputes through direct on-site measurements with contractor representatives.

·        Approves or rejects payment milestones related to software and hardware components with justification, only after validating complete functionality and closing NCRs.

·        Ensures there are records for all tests performed on-site and their results.

Relationship with Authorities and Legal Management:

·        Directly represents the company before control and regulatory authorities during the execution of works: State Inspectorate for Construction (ISC), City Halls, Environmental Protection Agency (APM), National Water Administration (ANAR), and utility holders.

·        Directly represents the company in relation to SCADA/Telemanagement engineers of the Grid Operator (Distributor/Transelectrica) and representatives of the National Energy Dispatch (DEN).

·        Coordinates site inspection visits, prepares documentation requested by inspectors, and ensures immediate implementation of any measures ordered by them.

·        Monitors strict adherence to the conditions set forth in the Construction Permit (AC), Environmental Approval, and all other technical permits obtained for the project.

·        Actively participates and signs minutes of proceedings during critical phases established by the quality control program, alongside the Site Supervisor, Designer, and ISC Inspector.

·        Ensures the Technical Book of the Construction is kept up-to-date for the SCADA works.

·        Ensures the compliance of automation systems with the applicable technical network codes for renewable production parks.

·        Completes the specific technical documentation for integration into the operator's Energy Management System (EMS-SCADA).

3. Job RequirementsEducation and Qualifications:

·        Higher education in Automation and Computers / Industrial Electronics / Telecommunications / Systems Engineering.

Professional Experience:

·        Minimum 3-5 years of experience in configuring, supervising, and commissioning SCADA systems and industrial communication networks on-site.

·        Direct experience in PPC and SCADA integration for photovoltaic/wind farms or electrical substations.

·        Proven experience in technical management of subcontractors and managing SAT tests.

Software and Technical Knowledge (Mandatory):

·        AutoCAD operation (reading and verifying communication architecture diagrams, network topologies, I/O module connection schematics).

·        MS Project operation (tracking software/hardware deliverables, correlating with the overall site schedule).

·        Advanced knowledge of industrial protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 60870-5-101/104, DNP3, IEC 61850) and network equipment configuration (Switches, Routers, Firewalls).

Personal Profile and Working Conditions:

·        Strong proactive attitude, oriented towards early identification of software/hardware conflicts.

·        Excellent logical analysis skills, rapid network problem diagnosis, and assertiveness in dealing with contractors.

·        Full availability for relocation during the project.

·        Category B driver's license.