Application Design Engineer Jobs in Temecula, CA

Salary : $132,163.20 - $165,068.80 Annually
Location : Main Office, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-04
Department: System Operations
Opening Date: 01/06/2026
APPOINTMENT TYPE
This is a full-time, benefited term appointment with Fallbrook Public Utility District for an initial period of five (5) years. The selected candidate will be an employee of the District, not a federal employee, and will receive full benefits, including participation in the District's retirement system.
Continuation beyond the initial term may be considered based on funding availability, operational needs, satisfactory performance, and approval by the partnering federal agency; however, extension is not guaranteed. The District intends to provide a minimum of six (6) months' notice prior to the end of the term regarding the status of the position.
During the term appointment, the employee may apply for and be considered for other District positions in accordance with applicable District policies and procedures.
DUTY LOCATION:
Wastewater Treatment Plant, Camp Pendleton and Fallbrook, California.
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Operations Manager, performs a variety of complex technical and professional duties in administration and maintenance of the District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, communications and automated control systems; designs, specifies, programs, operates, modifies, installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains all District SCADA system assets, to insure reliability and functionality; and performs related duties as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This advanced journey level position is responsible for performing the full range of SCADA professional system support duties, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Establishes long-term/tactical needs for SCADA systems and strategically develops these systems. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Schedules, coordinates, supervises, and participates in the work of personnel performing a wide variety of skilled tasks in the operation, installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the District's SCADA systems, instrumentation and controls, electrical, and mechanical equipment;
• Maintains SCADA system software, hardware, instrumentation, alarm and notification systems to ensure continuous reliability, availability, security, and real-time operating environment;
• Performs database administration functions;
• Using multiple programming languages queries data, modifies, or updates data tables;
• Generates reports and data runs;
• Develops scripts to automate repetitive tasks, for data warehousing transaction processes, and backup strategies;
• Ensures database capacity;
• Performs database upgrades and software version management;
• Creates, implements, and maintains database directories;
• Creates and modifies file systems;
• Participates in the development and implementation of process control automation improvements, engineering and architecture designs, programming standards, and specifications for the SCADA System, servers, communication networks, instrumentation and backup systems;
• Designs and maintains electrical and instrumentation drawings utilizing AutoCAD software including PLC panels, motor elementary drawings, process and instrumentation drawings, and loop drawings;
• Liaisons between District staff and various consultants regarding components of the system;
• Maintains contracts for continuing support/maintenance for hardware and software;
• Recommends, designs, and deploys best practices for existing and new technologies as well as knowledge transfer and mentoring other staff;
• Participates in purchasing equipment and software and other contracts for support of control systems;
• Works with various system integrators on new and existing control systems design, programming, installation, upgrades and maintenance;
• Ensures process and instrumentation diagram loops and documentation including schematics, drawings, and program annotation used for troubleshooting are kept updated;
• Designs, programs, maintains, and upgrades process controls from PLC ladder logic to field equipment for water/wastewater treatment and critical power distribution systems;
• Installs, calibrates, and troubleshoots control system components and related instrumentation;
• Inspects, overseas, equipment installation work performed by contractors and District personnel;
• Designs, develops, and administers SCADA system database, network and communication programming standards;
• Provides formal and informal end-user training and support;
• Designs, programs, install and maintains application;
• Design networks to support SCADA applications;
• Schedules and coordinates activities with other departments;
• Observes and complies with all District mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Personal computers and network systems.
• Windows Operating Systems.
• Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and Machine Edition (ME) software.
• AutoCAD Electrical software.
• TCP/IP, LAN, WAN, Wireless, Fiber Optic, and Remote Access communications.
• Switches, Routers, Firewalls, Gateways, and Bridges
• Principles, methods, and techniques in the design and operation of SCADA system controllers and devices.
• Knowledge of electrical/electronic fundamentals.
• Theory, concepts, principles and practices of process control technology.
• Operational characteristics of water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.
• A diverse range of programming languages used in SCADA systems.
• Methods and techniques of troubleshooting systems and devices.
• Methods and techniques of installing, configuring, administering, and monitoring a diverse range of physical and virtual systems.
• Principles and practices of systems analysis and design for the development and management of SCADA systems.
• Principles, practices, and methods of network design, and administration, including connectivity, protocols, interfaces, and security measures.
• Methods and techniques of PLC ladder logic programming, designing interfaces, and SCADA system device configuration.
• Motor control schemes and VFD communications and general configuration.
• PID loop development and tuning.
• Critical power distribution and backup generation systems up to 12kV.
• Proper use of hand and portable power tools.
• English usage, oral and written.
• Word processing and spreadsheet software.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; safe work practices for industrial electrical environments, water/wastewater treatment facilities, and construction sites.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

Ability to:

• Learn and understand complex technologies.
• Become familiar with the processes and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution systems, and wastewater collection systems.
• Develop and modify complex process control PLC logic.
• Interpret existing electrical and controls drawings and schematics and create new drawings using AutoCAD Electrical software.
• Provide professional level of support to the District's SCADA systems and devices.
• Troubleshoot a diverse range of system hardware and software and make or recommend modifications.
• Plan and lay out assigned tasks according to priority.
• Analyze and define complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and provide solutions.
• Adapt and apply new technologies.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports and correspondence.
• Plan, organize, and schedule work to meet deadlines.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
• Review, check, and inspect the work of contractors and consultants.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver's license.
• Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator or Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator within one year of hire.
• SCADA Security Architect (CSSA) Certificate or ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification is highly desirable.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Four years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible experience in the development, maintenance and administration of Program Logic Controllers (PLC) and Control Systems.
• Previous SCADA Administrator or Senior Controls Systems Technician experience.
• Advanced level Rockwell Automation PLC programming experience for water/wastewater process control is highly desirable.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in automation and control technology, electrical controls engineering, information technology, or a closely related field. A combination of education and experience may be substituted for degree.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Walking: Moves about on foot often in confined spaces and over grating.
Carrying: Transports objects by holding them in hands or arms.
Hands/Arms: Operates electrical and computerized instrumentation; operates hand and power tools.
Handling: Seizes, hauls or works with handss.
Lifting: Raises and lowers pumps, motors, and related itemss.
Reaching: Extends hands and arms in any direction.
Stooping: Bends body downward and forward by bending at the knees or waist often while digging with ashovel.
Climbing: Up and down from roofs; ascends and descends ladders up to 50 feet in height; in and out of confined spaces.
Vision: Reads work tickets, ID tags on pumps and motors, instruments gauges, operates District equipment and vehicles.
Talking: Communicates by radio and in person in a noisy environment.
Hearing: Hears well enough for safety in and around plant equipment.
Sitting: Sits at workbench and in Districtvehicles.
Standing: Up to two hours per day while monitoring instrumentation.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH
Lifting: 25 pounds daily; frequent exertion.
SALARY RANGE
37
Health Insurance: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance: Currently, the Kaiser plus Chiropractic plan is paid at 100% by the District for employee, employee + one and employee + family. The District also currently offers Anthem HMO/PPO plans for which the District and employee each pay a portion of the monthly premium. Dental (Delta Dental PPO) and vision (VSP) coverage are paid 100% by the District for employee, employee + one and employee + family.
Retirement: All non-temporary employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CALPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following formulas based on date of hire.
Membership Category*: Classic
Hire Date: Hired on or before December 31, 2012
Retirement Formula: 2.5% @ 55
Employee Contribution: 8.0%
Final Compensation Period: 1 Year
Membership Category*: New Members
Hire Date: Hired on or after January 1, 2013
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62
Current Employee Contribution: 8.25%
Final Compensation Period: 3 Year
*Membership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual.
Classic: New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the District will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS.
New Members: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New members" are employees who have never been a member of any California public retirement system before January 1, 2013, or moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than 6 months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and currently contribute 8.25% of salary to CalPERS.
The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.
Social Security / Medicare: Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary.
Probationary Period: Employees serve an initial probationary period of 6 months, which can be extended, if necessary. Regular, non-probationary, employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one year anniversary date and annually thereafter.
Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Participation in the District's deferred compensation plan is voluntary. Effecti