Senior SCADA Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior SCADA Engineering leader with a deep understanding of electrical infrastructure, power automation, networks, and control systems to support the development of behind-the-meter (BTM) or off-grid microgrids, gas-fired power plants, and solar-plus-storage systems across hyperscale and colocation data centers. This role will be instrumental in shaping the automation and control architecture that underpins mission-critical data center operations.

You will apply your expertise in SCADA and networking system design and operation to ensure unparalleled uptime and visibility across complex power systems. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a forward-thinking technical team.

The role reports to our Chief Technology Officer and is a hybrid position based in our Ridgewood, NJ HQ, but could also be located at our NYC, LA, or Oakland, CA offices. We can also consider a fully remote role for the right person.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership Internally & With Customers: Serve as subject matter expert on SCADA systems within cross-functional engineering teams and in conversations with technical experts from Customer organizations.
• Supervise Expert Partner Organizations to Deliver Data Center Projects: Help establish and grow partnerships with, and supervise the work of, external firms that Scale hires to design, build, test, install, commission, and operate complex SCADA and Energy Management systems that incorporate redundant generation, energy storage, protection, and switching systems.
• Perform SCADA System Architecture and Design Work: Develop architectures for, create preliminary designs and outlines for, complex SCADA systems, including communications networking, Sequence of Operations, PLC and relay programming, and HMIs.
• Collaborate Across Engineering Teams and Partners on System Integration: Collaborate with power systems engineers and other technical experts to ensure SCADA architectures properly integrate specific generation and energy storage equipment, including renewable generation systems; ensure coordination between HV/MV/LV equipment; and ensure integration with remote monitoring platforms.
• Reliability and Automation: Engineer and implement automation strategies to improve system resilience, uptime, and energy efficiency. Leverage SCADA for predictive maintenance, fault detection, and alarming.
• Power System Analytics Enablement: Partner with analytics teams to collect and analyze high-resolution operational data from SCADA systems. Support initiatives around load forecasting, fault response, and microgrid optimization using tools such as ETAP, PSCAD, or equivalent.
• Commissioning and Testing: Support commissioning of SCADA systems across multiple sites, including factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and field-level troubleshooting and validation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with project managers, electrical engineers, controls vendors, and clients to ensure alignment on system functionality, integration timelines, and operational performance.
• Documentation and Compliance: Review and approve control diagrams, network topologies, point lists, and operational procedures. Ensure adherence to cybersecurity best practices and industry standards, such as NERC CIP, in all designs and deployments.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay informed on emerging SCADA technologies, industrial protocols (DNP3, CAN, IEC 61850, Modbus), and best practices in data center automation.

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent practical experience in SCADA and control systems.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and commissioning SCADA systems within data centers, microgrids, or other mission-critical infrastructure environments.
• 5+ years of experience working with industrial automation and control platforms (e.g., PLCs, RTUs, HMIs), SCADA configuration tools, and protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, SNMP, or IEC 61850.
• 2+ years of experience managing internal engineers and/or external suppliers to develop or deliver part or all of SCADA systems for projects, including through commissioning.
• 2+ years of experience presenting technical information to customers.
• Experience supporting or integrating renewable energy systems and energy storage within SCADA frameworks is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of power systems fundamentals, including load flow, fault detection, protection schemes, and equipment interlocks as applied through SCADA systems.
• In-depth knowledge of data center electrical architecture, including UPS systems, generator backup, power distribution units (PDUs), and approaches to redundancy (N, N+1, 2N).
• Experience designing or supporting data center SCADA systems, particularly with high-reliability and fault-tolerant design requirements.
• Familiarity with reliability assessments and system performance monitoring through SCADA data capture and analytics.
• Ability to both produce and review SCADA system diagrams, control logic schematics, I/O lists, and network topologies. Experience with AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards, including NEC 2020, IEEE, NFPA 70/70E, NERC CIP, and ISA/IEC standards for automation systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of cybersecurity practices in industrial control systems and SCADA network design.
• Experience with power system modeling or simulation tools (e.g., ETAP, PSCAD) to support integration with SCADA monitoring and alarms is preferred.
• Effective communicator with the ability to interface across engineering, IT/OT teams, commissioning agents, end users, vendors, and customers.
• Strong project management experience and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of high-quality control solutions in fast-paced and technically demanding environments.

This is a great opportunity to have a long-term impact on a fast-paced, private equity-backed growth business. Some of the core virtues embraced by Scales' employees include:

• Do the Right Thing
• Act Like an Owner
• Hustle
• Demand Results
• Go Together
• Evolve or Disappear

We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program including medical benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and 401K matching.