Publicly owned utilities run control systems that were specified decades ago and extended a project at a time. This role covers the electrical and controls engineering behind that work: reviewing vendor designs, specifying replacements, and making sure the network those systems sit on can be defended without stopping the plant.

What you will do

Review and produce control system designs for water, wastewater, and public works facilities, including panel layouts, loop drawings, and I/O schedules.
Specify programmable logic controllers, remote telemetry units, instrumentation, and the communications between them.
Write and review the technical sections of solicitations for control system replacements, so an agency can compare bids on the same basis.
Work with cybersecurity staff on segmentation between the control network and the business network, and on remote access that operations will actually use.
Witness factory and site acceptance testing, and hold vendors to the tested behaviour rather than the described behaviour.
Document as-built conditions so the next engineer does not have to re-survey the site.

What we are looking for

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four or more years on industrial control systems, preferably in water, wastewater, power, or another continuous-process environment.
Working knowledge of at least one major PLC and HMI platform, and of the protocols used to connect them.
Ability to read and mark up single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and P&IDs.
Comfort working in operating facilities alongside plant staff.
Valid driver licence and willingness to travel to sites in Southern California.

Helpful to have

Professional Engineer licence in California, or eligibility to obtain one.
Experience with the electronic reporting a utility owes its regulators.
Familiarity with IEC 62443 or the NIST guidance on operational technology security.
Prior work for a public agency or its engineering consultant.

Screening and eligibility

This position may require fingerprint-based background screening under the CJIS Security Policy before access to customer systems is granted. Some customer programs require United States citizenship. Eligibility is confirmed before assignment, not at application.

Compensation

HQT provides the pay scale for this position on request, and states it in any written offer.

How to apply

Send a resume to careers@hqt.org with the position title in the subject line.

HQT LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. HQT participates in E-Verify. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Electrical Engineer, Controls and SCADA