SCADA Controls Automation Engineer

About the role

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet. In this SCADA Controls Automation Engineer role, you will own the end-to-end automation lifecycle for water and wastewater projects, translating client operational needs into robust control system designs. You will be the primary technical lead for SCADA development, programming, and validation activities, ensuring that automated solutions are reliable, efficient, and aligned with regulatory expectations. You will partner closely with project teams to integrate control strategies, troubleshoot field issues, and optimize system performance throughout the project duration. This position requires a proactive mindset, as you will identify opportunities to enhance system functionality and recommend improvements that increase operational resilience. You will serve as a bridge between engineering design, field implementation, and client operations, ensuring seamless coordination across all project phases. By owning your deliverables and collaborating with cross-functional experts, you will directly contribute to the successful deployment of innovative automation solutions that advance our clients' missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct detailed requirements gathering sessions with municipal and industrial clients to define SCADA and control system objectives.

Develop comprehensive control strategies and system architecture for water and wastewater applications using industry-standard platforms.

Program and configure PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems to ensure reliable data acquisition and efficient process control.

Perform rigorous testing and validation of control logic, alarm management, and interface functionality to verify system performance.

Lead SCADA system integrations with existing instrumentation, sensors, and third-party software to support seamless operations.

Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, wiring diagrams, and user operation manuals.

Provide on-call support for startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities during project implementation and beyond.

Collaborate with project engineers and technical managers to align control solutions with project schedules, budgets, and regulatory standards.

Support preconstruction and kick-off meetings, translating technical requirements into actionable control system plans for the team.

Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering guidance on system enhancements, upgrades, and long-term operational improvements.

Monitor field performance data to identify trends, drive optimization efforts, and inform future system configurations.

Represent Woodard & Curran at project sites, facilitating workshops and discussions to ensure stakeholder alignment and clarity.

Identify opportunities to incorporate emerging control technologies and best practices into project deliverables.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal specialists and external vendors to support project success.

Requirements

Demonstrate a solid understanding of SCADA systems, control logic, and automation principles relevant to water and wastewater applications.

Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Show the ability to manage multiple project responsibilities while adhering to strict scope, schedule, and budget constraints.

Exhibit strong problem-solving capabilities and a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving technical issues in the field.

Have experience interfacing with diverse stakeholders, including municipal operators, engineering teams, and vendor representatives.

Commit to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and safety in all project activities and client interactions.

Be comfortable with regional travel, including occasional overnight trips, to support project needs across New England.

Align with Woodard & Curran's employee-owned culture by actively contributing to team collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.

Nice to have

Experience with water, wastewater, or environmental applications is preferred.

Familiarity with common SCADA platforms and control system programming is advantageous.

Practical notes

This position involves regular travel to job sites (typically within driving distance) to support SCADA project startups, participate in preconstruction and kick-off meetings, and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Regional travel up to up to 80%. Occasional overnight travel.