Automation Engineer I

Ozarks Electric, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas with offices in Springdale, Arkansas, Stilwell, and Westville Oklahoma incorporated in 1938, is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving more than 90,000 meters across nine counties in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

Ozarks provides its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, fully paid medical and dental coverage for both you and your dependents, a defined benefit pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions. Additionally, we provide paid time off, nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, from an accredited university is required, with a preference for Electrical Engineering. Must work towards obtaining an FE license within one year of hire with the goal of obtaining a PE Certification in the future.

EXPERIENCE: Experience or internship exposure to automation, SCADA, control systems, or transmission engineering is preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Proficiency with communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, TCP/IP, or IEC 61850 is desirable. Familiarity with AMI, SCADA, PLC programming, and network communication concepts is beneficial.

MAJOR JOB TASKS:

• Assists in the design, configuration, and maintenance of automation and control systems, including AMI, SCADA, and related communication infrastructure.
• Supports transmission system design, analysis, and reliability improvement projects.
• Develops and maintains data acquisition routines, automation scripts, and communication protocols.
• Provides engineering support for field devices, relays and RTUs.
• Assists in troubleshooting communication and control issues between field and enterprise systems.
• Collaborates with senior engineers to integrate automation into transmission and substation designs.
• Participates in system performance monitoring and prepares reports or visualizations for management review.
• Maintains accurate documentation, drawings, and technical records related to automation and transmission projects.
• Coordinates with vendors, consultants, and other departments on system installations, commissioning, and testing.
• Keeps current with emerging technologies, industry standards, and cooperative automation practices.
• Demonstrates awareness of cybersecurity best practices and supports efforts to maintain the integrity and security of Cooperative automation systems.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Automation Engineer I may be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Employees/Members: To exchange information, provide technical assistance, and coordinate on automation or transmission-related functions.
• Vendors/Suppliers: To support equipment selection, report technical issues, and remain informed on new technologies and system components.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment Operated: All specific equipment related to Information Technology, AMI, and SCADA systems, as well as routine office equipment. Must have a current driver's license.

Abilities and skills: Ability to apply basic engineering principles to solve technical problems and support system performance improvements. Knowledge of electrical schematics, control diagrams, and data communication systems. Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills

Working conditions: Work is performed in an office environment with higher and/or longer noise level than average. Weekends, evening hours, and/or overtime may be expected. Overnight travel may occasionally be necessary. Occasional work in the field or inside substations may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical activities and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Occasional lifting, up to 30 pounds, may be required. Normal vision and hearing required.

Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer