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Solar Scada Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Solar Scada Engineer information

What is the difference between Solar Scada Engineer vs Solar Power Plant Technician?

AspectSolar Scada EngineerSolar Power Plant Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or related field; certifications in SCADA systemsHigh school diploma or technical training; certifications in solar installation and maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, monitor, and optimize SCADA systems in control centers or officesOn-site installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting at solar power plants
Industry UsageUsed across solar projects for system automation and data analysisHands-on work in solar plant operations and maintenance

The Solar Scada Engineer focuses on designing and managing SCADA systems to monitor and control solar power plants, requiring technical and software skills. In contrast, the Solar Power Plant Technician handles on-site installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of solar equipment. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in their focus and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar SCADA Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar SCADA Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control engineering, experience with SCADA systems, and knowledge of renewable energy technologies, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with SCADA software (such as Wonderware, Siemens, or Schneider), PLC programming, and protocols like Modbus or DNP3 is crucial, and certifications in automation or SCADA systems are often advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you address system issues and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams. These competencies are essential to ensure reliable monitoring, control, and optimization of solar power plant operations.

How does a Solar SCADA Engineer typically collaborate with operations and maintenance teams on-site?

A Solar SCADA Engineer frequently works hand-in-hand with operations and maintenance (O&M) teams to ensure real-time monitoring and swift troubleshooting of solar plant equipment. They are responsible for configuring alarms, diagnosing data anomalies, and providing remote support to field technicians. Regular communication is essential, as SCADA engineers often interpret system data and advise O&M teams on necessary interventions or preventive maintenance. This collaborative dynamic helps maximize system uptime and energy production, making teamwork and clear technical communication key aspects of the role.

What does a Solar SCADA Engineer do?

A Solar SCADA Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for solar power plants. They ensure that the SCADA systems enable effective monitoring, control, and data analysis of the solar facility’s performance. Their work involves integrating hardware and software, troubleshooting system issues, and ensuring the plant operates reliably and efficiently. Solar SCADA Engineers also collaborate with other engineering teams to optimize energy production and maintain system security.
What job categories do people searching Solar Scada Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Scada Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Solar Scada Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Solar Scada Engineer job openings:
Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 hours ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 79 rated construction


Job description

Description The Power global practice at Burns & McDonnell provides a comprehensive approach to power generation solutions from project siting and permitting through turnkey construction and startup and commissioning. Our experience covers the full breadth of renewable power generation technologies, including: utility-scale solar, battery storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear plant services.
Burns & McDonnell's Power global practice is seeking to hire an experienced Solar Performance Engineer to support our collection of active utility-scale solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects through preconstruction, commissioning, testing, and project turnover. This role will focus on solar energy modeling, performance guarantee support, and performance testing for projects typically ranging from 65 MWdc to 400 MWdc.
The Solar Performance Engineer will serve as a technical resource across project phases, helping to establish expected plant performance during preconstruction and validating actual performance during commissioning and testing prior to substantial completion. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, project management, and clients to develop site-specific performance test procedures, analyze SCADA and meteorological data, evaluate equipment performance, detect and resolve performance deficiencies, and support successful demonstration of contractual performance guarantees.
This position is suited for an individual contributor or technical lead who is comfortable operating in both office and field environments. A successful individual is one who can translate plant design assumptions and contractual obligations into executable testing and analytical methods for EPC project delivery.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain project energy models for utility-scale solar projects using PVsyst to support preconstruction, proposal development, technical reviews, and performance guarantee assumptions.
  • Review design inputs and assumptions affecting modeled energy and performance, including meteorological data, equipment selection, loss assumptions, clipping, module soiling, and module degradation.
  • Support the technical review of performance guarantee exhibits, contracts, and test requirements. This includes identifying commercial and technical risks during both contract negotiations and project execution.
  • Develop capacity and availability test procedures in alignment with contract requirements, project design, and industry-accepted performance methodologies.
  • Perform capacity and availability test analyses to validate plant performance, determine pass/fail results, and write technical reports to support substantial completion.
  • Analyze SCADA, inverter, tracker, and MET station data to validate plant behavior, identify underperformance drivers, and support troubleshooting during commissioning and performance testing.
  • Validate equipment and plant-level performance by comparing measured field results to modeled expectations and design intent.
  • Coordinate with peers across the engineering, construction, startup and commissioning, and project management teams in order to prepare projects for successful performance testing and final turnover.
  • Support development of data collection requirements, instrumentation checks, and MET station validation needed for accurate performance testing.
  • Prepare technical memoranda, performance analyses, and test reports that clearly communicate assumptions, results, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
  • Perform on-site commissioning, test execution, punch list resolution, and substantial completion support.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of Burns & McDonnell's performance modeling, testing procedures, templates, and best practices across the solar EPC portfolio by staying up-to-date on industry trends, modeling methodology, and applicable codes or standards.
  • Comply with all company policies and standards, including by promoting a strong safety culture.
  • This role builds on the analytical and cross-functional foundation of Burns & McDonnell's solar engineering work while emphasizing performance validation and project closeout.
  • Support other duties as assigned to drive successful completion and closeout of EPC solar projects.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
  • 3 years of related professional electrical engineering experience, with solar EPC consulting experience preferred.
  • Experience with PVsyst for utility-scale solar energy modeling highly preferred.
  • Experience developing and/or executing capacity test and availability test procedures and analyses for solar projects is preferred.
  • Experience analyzing SCADA and MET data to evaluate plant and equipment performance, including inverters, trackers and met stations is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Strong computer skills include AutoCAD, MicroStation, 2D and 3D rendering programs and other analysis programs.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with battery energy storage systems or hybrid plant performance is a plus.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.

Compensation
$110,000.00-175,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-MO-Saint Louis, US-AZ-Phoenix, US-MI-Detroit, US-TX-Houston, US-NC-Raleigh, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 262168
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR

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About Burns & McDonnell

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Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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