Apprentice Power Plant Operator Jobs in Colorado

As Scout’s SCADA & Commissiong Engineer, you will lead the design, configuration, and onsite commissioning of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Operational Technology (OT) systems across our utility-scale solar, wind, and BESS projects. As part of the Construction Engineering team, you will ensure that all digital control layers—from individual inverters to the Power Plant Controllers—are engineered for reliability, security, and peak performance before handover to the Operations & Maintenance team.

Your Responsibilities Include:

SCADA & Commissioning Project Engineering

• Lead owner-side SCADA engineering from conceptual design through commissioning and Operations handoff 

• Lead technical reviews of vendor submittals and drawings. Approve SCADA design packages (30%, 60%, 90%, and IFC) , including communications architecture, point mapping, and commissioning procedures

• Specify and validate SCADA system components (RTUs, RTACs, PPCs, HMIs, communications infrastructure) 

• Define and document control and data interfaces between BESS subsystems and site SCADA, PPC, substation systems, revenue metering, remote operations connectivity, interconnecting utility and ISO/RTO

• Coordinate with EPCs, OEMs, plant controller vendors, utilities, and ISOs to ensure design and integration alignment

• Manage and support FAT, SAT, point-to-point testing, telemetry checkout, and control verification for SCADA Equipment

• Lead the configuration and troubleshooting of Power Plant Controllers (PPC), RTUs, HMIs, and protection relays using protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.

• Review and validate PPC control philosophies including active power, reactive power, Volt/VAr, Volt/Watt, frequency response, curtailment, Automatic Generation Control and BESS operating modes.

• Provide on-site and remote commissioning, testing, energization, and troubleshooting support, including pre-functional checks, functional testing, and final system validation to ensure assets operate according to design specifications

• Support utility witness testing and commercial operation testing activities

• Manage troubleshooting for complex integration issues involving protocols, network performance, data quality, and control interlocks during construction and commissioning

• Verify plant controls comply with applicable grid (e.g. NERC/CIP), utility, and regulatory SCADA requirements and coordinate required SCADA checkouts and point-to-point testing

• Lead development of specifications and scope of work for SCADA, power plant controller, RTU, and IT equipment networks and implementation

• Provide requirements needed to procure telecom services and field communications solutions

• Deliver complete as-built documentation and lessons learned to Operations 

• Provide post-handover SCADA support, including troubleshooting

• Scope, Manage, and Execute Operations-driven SCADA projects as required

OT Network Integration Management (New Sites)

• Define and coordinate OT network integration scope and execution plans 

• Review and validate OT network architectures and detailed designs, ensuring telemetry requirements of Interconnecting Utilities/RTO/ISO/TOP’s, PPA Offtakers, OEM service providers, Scheduling Coordinators, and other applicable requirements are implemented.

• Coordinate implementation of site switches, firewalls, ISPs, and VPNs per approved designs

• Validate network configurations (IP schemes, VLANs, interfaces, firewall rules) 

• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and Operations handoff of OT networks

• Coordinate with cross functional teams to ensure SCADA deliverables align with overall project requirements and critical path schedules.

Key Interfaces:

Interconnection

• Support the Resource Integration Manager during interconnection activities by reviewing telemetry, data, and control requirements in GIAs

• Ensure interconnection requirements are incorporated into EPC’s SCADA and PPC scope and designs

• Coordinate points list, telemetry checkout, and control integrations with utilities and grid operators

• Develop and execute SCADA and PPC commissioning test plans in coordination with Resource Integration Manager

IT & Cybersecurity

• Support the IT and Cybersecurity Manager to ensure IT and Cybersecurity network requirements are incorporated into EPC scope, specifications, and designs

• Coordinate formal handover of site networks from EPC to IT and Cybersecurity teams

Asset Management & Operations

• Interface with the Site Management Team and Remote Operations Team to ensure AMO requirements are incorporated into EPC scope, specifications, and design reviews

• Support AMO participation in SCADA and PPC FAT, SAT, commissioning, and system acceptance activities

• Support continuous improvement by incorporating AMO feedback into standards, designs, and future projects

• Provide troubleshooting, SCADA and OT Networking operational project scoping feedback, and technical expertise support to AMO on an ad-hoc basis.

Requirements

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, control systems engineering, or related field from an accredited technical university 

• 3-4 years commissioning experience on Utility Scale Wind, Solar PV or Battery Energy Storage projects. Experience with integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems into Wind or Solar PV plant is a must. 

• 5-7 years of applied knowledge in electrical utility SCADA systems, substation instrumentation and controls, industrial automation, embedded system development, or equivalent experience in a critical operations industry reliant on integrated operational technologies and equipment 

Desired Skills 

• In depth knowledge of control system requirements for Wind, Solar PV, and BESS electrical generation and working knowledge of the fundamentals of power systems, such as calculating or interpreting voltage drop profiles, power factor corrections, harmonic distortion, phase imbalance, and transient responses 

• Working knowledge and prior programming experience of SEL RTAC or comparable plant control devices 

• In depth knowledge of power plant control systems architecture and software, and a working knowledge of control theory and its application in power plant controllers 

• Working knowledge of IT/OT network design fundamentals and telecommunications tools, including fiber/ethernet, switch, and VLAN configuration. 

• Working knowledge of wireless communications technologies, such as microwave or satellite 

• Understanding of network security protocols and cyber security standards 

• Understanding of programming substation relays (GE, SEL, etc.) 

• Understanding of OPC, Modbus, SEL, EtherNet/IP and DNP3 protocols 

• Ability to interpret NERC, ERCOT, WECC, CAISO, SPP, PJM and MISO regulations 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Has proven experience developing technical documentation, including exhibits, scope of works, functional descriptions, and plant control narratives 

• Skilled in MS Excel, MS Word and Outlook 

• Clear passion and motivation to work in the renewables industry 

• Ability to effectively communicate with and build cross-functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders across a diverse range of experience and skillsets; such as development, construction and operations, to ensure that project delivery, schedule and quality are met 

• Coordinates with technical members of adjacent teams to align on work deliverables that impact one another; seeks to understand and resolve gaps and escalates issues through appropriate channels 

• Adept at collaboration in a team environment and using team collaboration tools and software, such as Procore and MS Teams applications 

• Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors delivering technical work 

• Ability to work autonomously without oversight. Takes ownership of work and is proactive in resolving issues; seeks guidance when direction is needed. Reports upwards on project status and progress 

• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness 

• Ability to provide timely assessments and act decisively with limited information and/or assumptions 

• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously 

• High attention to detail. Structured and thorough in analyzing and documenting requirements and creating technical documentation for different stakeholders 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time 
• Ability to climb

• Ability to lift 50 pounds on occasion 

• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical work day and week 

Timeline and Location 

We will review resumes for this role on an ongoing basis with a start date as soon as possible.    

Our ideal candidate will sit in our Boulder, CO office on a hybrid schedule. Candidates open to relocating to sit in our Boulder, CO office are encouraged to apply.    

This position requires up to 25% travel to project sites in the U.S.

Scout’s Values  

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.  

• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.  

• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.  

• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.  

• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.  

• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems. 

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups

We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Invitation to Veterans

Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Benefits

Target base salary: $150,000 - $170,000 (Negotiable for the right candidate.)

Attractive bonus potential.

Scout offers a full range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance with attractive premiums, 401(k) match, STD, LTD, an Employee Assistance Program, and a range of optional supplemental insurance coverage.