SCADA & Controls Engineering Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. With corporate Offices in Denver, New York, and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

Fueled by the continued growth of the company, the Manager – SCADA & Controls Engineering is responsible for leading the strategy, design, standardization, and performance of Operational Technology (OT) systems across Onward Energy’s fleet of gas, solar, wind, and storage assets.

This role owns the reliability, scalability, and cybersecurity posture of SCADA and controls systems, ensuring secure and seamless data flow between field equipment, plant control systems, and enterprise platforms. The Manager partners cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, and external OEMs to deliver best-in-class controls architecture that supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

This leader will build, mentor, and scale a high-performing SCADA engineering team while driving continuous improvement, capital project execution, and innovation across the platform.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership & Strategy
• Lead, develop, and manage a team of SCADA and Controls Engineers; set priorities, provide mentorship, and drive performance
• Define and execute enterprise-wide SCADA/OT strategy, including platform standardization (e.g., Ignition), architecture, and long-term roadmap
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and governance for SCADA and control systems across all assets
• Partner with executive leadership to align SCADA capabilities with business growth, acquisitions, and operational objectives
• OT Systems & Reliability
• Oversee design, implementation, and lifecycle management of SCADA systems, RTUs, data historians, and communications infrastructure
• Ensure high system availability, reliability, and performance across the fleet
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex system issues impacting plant operations
• Standardize data acquisition, control logic, alarming, and visualization across technologies and OEMs
• Cybersecurity & Compliance
• Act as the primary liaison with IT Cybersecurity for OT environments to ensure secure architecture and compliance with NERC CIP requirements
• Establish and enforce security standards, access controls, and network segmentation for OT systems
• Lead audits, assessments, and ongoing compliance initiatives related to SCADA and controls
• Capital Projects & Innovation
• Lead SCADA and controls scope for new builds, repowers, and acquisitions, including design review, commissioning, and integration
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and performance for OEMs, integrators, and technology providers
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including advanced analytics, AI initiatives, and cloud integration of operational data
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for SCADA-related issues impacting operations
• Partner with plant operations teams to ensure systems meet field needs and improve asset performance
• Work closely with IT and data teams to enable enterprise data strategy and analytics platforms

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8–12+ years of experience in SCADA, controls engineering, or OT systems within power generation or related industries
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical programs
• Deep expertise with SCADA systems, RTUs, data historians (e.g., PI), and protocols such as DNP3, OPC, Modbus
• Experience supporting renewable (wind/solar/BESS) and/or thermal generation assets
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Ignition, Wonderware, or similar SCADA platforms
• Familiarity with SEL-RTAC, communications networks, and industrial control systems architecture
• Knowledge of NERC CIP standards and OT cybersecurity best practices
• Experience with scripting or automation tools (Python preferred)
• Experience leading capital projects, integrations, or large-scale system deployments
• Core Competencies
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building capability
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into technical execution
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-site, growth-oriented environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel (~25–40%) to operating sites as needed

WORK AUTHORIZATION

To be considered for this position, applicants must have full-time authorization to work in the United States. Onward Energy does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

THE TEAM

Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace collaboration, dedication, and hard work while also being down to earth. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

OFFICE - The position functions in a smoke and vape free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to [email protected].

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.