SCADA Engineer

Come join us at Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) and BEC Fiber, where we are lighting the grid to empower our members!

Help us Reimagine Rural America!

Bandera Electric Cooperative proudly distributes electricity to members across seven counties in Central Texas. The BEC Fiber division, began offering 100% fiber broadband in 2017 and currently provides fiber internet service to members and subscribers in eight counties in the Texas Hill Country.

We offer Highly Competitive Wages and a Generous Benefit Package! (no waiting period – benefits start on first day). Paid time off and ten paid holidays.

Our Engineering department is looking for a SCADA Engineer who collaborates with Engineering,

Technical Systems, and System Operations teams to manage a SCADA (Supervisory Control and

Data Acquisition) system that guides substation controls, distribution automation devices, and utility

system strategies. With strong technical knowledge and skills, the SCADA Engineer ensures that

the electrical system meets present and future requirements and provides safe, efficient, and

dependable services to its members and owners at the lowest possible cost. The individual in this

role also has the opportunity to apply and provide recommendations for current and future

technologies for the distribution, substation, and transmission system and smart grid systems. The

SCADA Engineer plans and directs the analysis of complex engineering and business problems to

be solved by the Cooperative while considering applicable regulations.

Essential Job Duties

SCADA

Monitor, program, review and troubleshoot the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition) system, and the related communications network, and suggest network and

infrastructure improvements

Provide guidance and/or assistance in the maintenance, upgrade and integration of the

Energy Management System and make recommendations to the Supervisor of

Engineering for future plans for the expansion and integration of these systems

Participate in the development of the Cooperative's technologies, its associated

equipment, and procedures as they relate to engineering, design, and safety and provide

recommendations on any needed modifications and additions to ensure that they are

current

Utilize a variety of engineering planning and design software, such as Survalent or Milsoft,

to increase the reliability of the power grid

Prepare, present and recommend changes to all plans and studies relating to system

protection, device coordination, and device placement

Collaborate with the optical fiber communications group for a smooth integration of nextgeneration

grid devices in the SCADA or related network

Determine and apply all current technologies for fault location, isolation and restoration

(FLISR), Volt VAR optimization (VVR), and conservation voltage reduction (CVR); and

make recommendations for future extensions

Proficient to operate BEC’s enterprise software, such as NiSC

Project Management

Manage projects and schedules for control operations, smart grid applications, behind-themeter

applications with the Apolloware DERMS, and communication upgrades including

fiber optic systems, and analyze how distributed generation systems affect the utility grid

Assist the Supervisor of Engineering in budgets and special projects for the department

Member Relations

Cordially and efficiently handle and assist others in dealing with Member/ Employee

questions and complaints

Represent the Cooperative at organizations, in meetings, and associated user groups at

the local, state, and national levels where the objectives of the Cooperative can be served

Training & Development

Document current procedures of device operations, control schemes, and construction

specifications. Develop and implement a training program with all line crew, system

operations personnel, and engineers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of SCADA systems and related technologies

Ability to utilize programming skills in languages such as C++, C#, or Java

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy

Advanced level of communication and interpersonal skills

Strong understanding of security protocols

Missing abilities need to be acquired within 1 year of the hiring date

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) or Electrical Engineering Technology (B.S.E.T) is

Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Texas is preferred but not required

Experience

5 years of engineering experience in an electrical utility system is required

Experience in electrical power systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) engineering

software and substation control system is required

Additional Requirements

Valid Texas Driver’s License and Related Insurance

Must pass background and drug screening

Working Conditions

This position requires working indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions (temperatures from 32

degrees or below to 100 degrees and above). While working outdoor this work includes the risk of fire or

explosion, risk of electrical shock, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of radiation

and/or prolonged exposure to vibration. Mental demands may include working on multiple and complex tasks

in a fast pace working environment with attention to detail, performing complex or varied tasks, performing

simple and repetitive tasks, ability to control one's own pace and plan of work, ability to work under close

supervision and follow instructions, influencing people, working in confrontational situations, irregular hours,

overtime, reading, working alone and in a group, and traveling. Tobacco free environment.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the following physical requirements on a frequent basis: walking, standing, sitting,

driving, bending forward, twisting, reaching above shoulder level, below chest level, chest-to-shoulder level

and/or reaching behind the body, elbow extension, wrist extension and rotation, the twisting and tilting of the 3

neck, and also occasionally crouching, squatting, kneeling, and climbing, and the ability to exert force up to

100 lbs. Sensory demands may include hearing, speech, color vision, near vision, spatial perception, tactile and smell.