Posted: 06-May-25
Location: Boerne, Texas
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Come join us at Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) and BEC Fiber, where we are lighting the grid to empower our members!
Help us Reimagine Rural America!
Bandera Electric Cooperative proudly distributes electricity to members across seven counties in Central Texas. The BEC Fiber division, began offering 100% fiber broadband in 2017 and currently provides fiber internet service to members and subscribers in eight counties in the Texas Hill Country.
We offer Highly Competitive Wages and a Generous Benefit Package!! (no waiting period – benefits start on first day). Paid time off and ten paid holidays.
Our Engineering department is looking for a SCADA Engineer who collaborates with Engineering,
Technical Systems, and System Operations teams to manage a SCADA (Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition) system that guides substation controls, distribution automation devices, and utility system strategies. With strong technical knowledge and skills, the SCADA Engineer ensures that the electrical system meets present and future requirements and provides safe, efficient, and
dependable services to its members and owners at the lowest possible cost. The individual in this
role also has the opportunity to apply and provide recommendations for current and future
technologies for the distribution, substation, and transmission system and smart grid systems. The SCADA Engineer plans and directs the analysis of complex engineering and business problems to be solved by the Cooperative while considering applicable regulations.
Essential Job Duties
SCADA
- Monitor, program, review and troubleshoot the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition) system, and the related communications network, and suggest network and
infrastructure improvements - Provide guidance and/or assistance in the maintenance, upgrade and integration of the
Energy Management System and make recommendations to the Supervisor of
Engineering for future plans for the expansion and integration of these systems - Participate in the development of the Cooperative's technologies, its associated
equipment, and procedures as they relate to engineering, design, and safety and provide
recommendations on any needed modifications and additions to ensure that they are
current - Utilize a variety of engineering planning and design software, such as Survalent or Milsoft,
to increase the reliability of the power grid - Prepare, present and recommend changes to all plans and studies relating to system
protection, device coordination, and device placement - Collaborate with the optical fiber communications group for a smooth integration of nextgeneration grid devices in the SCADA or related network
- Determine and apply all current technologies for fault location, isolation and restoration
(FLISR), Volt VAR optimization (VVR), and conservation voltage reduction (CVR); and
make recommendations for future extensions - Proficient to operate BEC’s enterprise software, such as NiSC
Project Management
- Manage projects and schedules for control operations, smart grid applications, behind-themeter applications with the Apolloware DERMS, and communication upgrades including
fiber optic systems, and analyze how distributed generation systems affect the utility grid - Assist the Supervisor of Engineering in budgets and special projects for the department
Member Relations
- Cordially and efficiently handle and assist others in dealing with Member/ Employee
questions and complaints - Represent the Cooperative at organizations, in meetings, and associated user groups at
the local, state, and national levels where the objectives of the Cooperative can be served
Training & Development
- Document current procedures of device operations, control schemes, and construction
specifications. Develop and implement a training program with all line crew, system
operations personnel, and engineers
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of SCADA systems and related technologies
- Ability to utilize programming skills in languages such as C++, C#, or Java
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy
- Advanced level of communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong understanding of security protocols
- Missing abilities need to be acquired within 1 year of the hiring date
Qualifications and Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) or Electrical Engineering Technology (B.S.E.T) is
required - Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Texas is preferred but not required
Experience
- 5 years of engineering experience in an electrical utility system is required
- Experience in electrical power systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) engineering
software and substation control system is required
Additional Requirements
- Valid Texas Driver’s License and Related Insurance
- Must pass background and drug screening
Working Conditions
This position requires working indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions (temperatures from 32 degrees or below to 100 degrees and above). While working outdoor this work includes the risk of fire or explosion, risk of electrical shock, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of radiation and/or prolonged exposure to vibration. Mental demands may include working on multiple and complex tasks
in a fast pace working environment with attention to detail, performing complex or varied tasks, performing simple and repetitive tasks, ability to control one's own pace and plan of work, ability to work under close supervision and follow instructions, influencing people, working in confrontational situations, irregular hours, overtime, reading, working alone and in a group, and traveling. Tobacco free environment.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the following physical requirements on a frequent basis: walking, standing, sitting, driving, bending forward, twisting, reaching above shoulder level, below chest level, chest-to-shoulder level and/or reaching behind the body, elbow extension, wrist extension and rotation, the twisting and tilting of the 3 neck, and also occasionally crouching, squatting, kneeling, and climbing, and the ability to exert force up to 100 lbs. Sensory demands may include hearing, speech, color vision, near vision, spatial perception, tactile and smell.