SCADA Network Technician

Position Summary

The SCADA Network Technician supports the reliability, security, and performance of field and control room communications that enable Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) operations across oil and gas assets. This role installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and documents communications and network infrastructure connecting RTUs, PLCs, meters, analyzers, radios, cellular devices, fiber systems, and other field equipment to SCADA hosts, historians, and operational applications. The technician works closely with Operations, Measurement, Automation, I&E, and IT/OT teams to minimize downtime, improve data quality, and maintain safe, compliant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, test, and maintain SCADA communication networks and field connectivity across production, gathering, compression, processing, terminal, and pipeline facilities.
• Support communications for RTUs, PLCs, flow computers, HMIs, data concentrators, and related control system equipment.
• Troubleshoot failures involving radios, cellular modems, serial links, Ethernet switches, fiber, microwave, and related network components.
• Configure and validate communications protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, OPC, and TCP/IP-based industrial communications as applicable to the environment.
• Perform field commissioning, cutovers, loop checks, point-to-point verification, and startup support for new installations and system upgrades.
• Monitor network and SCADA connectivity, investigate alarms and data loss, and restore reliable communications in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation including network diagrams, panel drawings, device inventories, IP addressing, point lists, and change records.
• Coordinate with Operations, Measurement, Automation, I&E, Engineering, and IT/OT cybersecurity personnel to support safe and reliable system performance.
• Assist with firmware updates, backups, patching coordination, and lifecycle replacement activities for supported communications equipment.
• Support remote sites by traveling to field locations for troubleshooting, maintenance, and emergency response as needed.
• Follow company safety procedures, management of change requirements, permit processes, and applicable regulatory or company standards.
• Contribute to network hardening, access control practices, and incident response support within the OT/SCADA environment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, instrumentation, industrial technology, networking, computer systems, or a related technical field; equivalent field experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of experience supporting SCADA, industrial communications, automation, or control systems in oil and gas, energy, pipeline, midstream, or similar industrial environments.
• Working knowledge of industrial networking fundamentals including switches, routers, serial communications, IP addressing, VPN concepts, and network troubleshooting.
• Experience with field communications technologies such as licensed and unlicensed radio, cellular, fiber-optic systems, and Starlink.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop drawings, one-lines, network diagrams, panel layouts, and technical manuals.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field locations, including occasional after-hours or callout support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with oil and gas SCADA platforms (Ignition), historians, or field automation systems.
• Familiarity with measurement and telemetry used in production, compression, tank battery, LACT, gas measurement, or pipeline operations.
• Experience supporting PLCs, RTUs, flow computers, and remote telemetry equipment.
• Knowledge of OT cybersecurity practices and standards such as ISA/IEC 62443, company cyber policies, or regulated control system environments.
• Relevant vendor or technical certifications in networking, industrial automation, fiber optics, radio systems, or cybersecurity.
• Understanding of change management, incident response, and documentation control within industrial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in SCADA, communications, and industrial network environments.
• Ability to prioritize work across planned maintenance, projects, and operational support requests.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with field and office teams.
• High attention to detail in system documentation, labeling, testing, and configuration control.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance in potentially hazardous operating environments.
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings and collaboratively across multiple disciplines.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office/control room and field environments.
• Role may require driving to remote sites, climbing ladders, working around industrial equipment, and exposure to changing weather conditions.
• Occasional overtime, on-call support, and emergency response may be required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety training, PPE requirements, and site access procedures.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs, operational priorities, and project requirements.