DCS Norway AS (Part of CTS Group)

Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

SCADA & Automation Engineer

Job ID JOB-005-0000250

Department: Operations (Pre-Construction Team) Reports To: Head of High Voltage Design & Budgeting

1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The SCADA & Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, configuration, and engineering of substation automation systems (SAS) and SCADA integration for medium-voltage and high-voltage substations serving data center and industrial clients in the Scandinavian market.

The role focuses on IEC 61850 communication architecture, GOOSE messaging, IED configuration, SCADA signal mapping, and the integration of protection and control devices within modern substation automation frameworks. The position also supports cybersecurity considerations for operational technology (OT) systems.

Working closely with Protection Engineers and Secondary Design Engineers, the SCADA/SAS Engineer ensures that automation systems are properly designed, configured, tested, and documented to meet project requirements and grid compliance standards.

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Substation Automation System (SAS) Design

• Develop substation automation system architectures for HV and MV substations.
• Design communication networks and system topology for substation automation.
• Ensure SAS designs meet data center reliability and redundancy requirements.
• Prepare SAS specifications and functional descriptions.
• Support integration of SAS with data center monitoring and management systems.

IEC 61850 Engineering

• Configure IEC 61850 communication systems, including SCL file development.
• Develop GOOSE messaging configurations and communication mapping.
• Support integration of protection relays and control devices within the IEC 61850 framework.
• Prepare engineering documentation related to communication systems.
• Support testing and validation of communication configurations.

SCADA Integration

• Support integration of substations with client and utility SCADA systems.
• Develop signal lists and communication mapping.
• Coordinate SCADA interfaces with control systems.
• Support commissioning of SCADA communication.
• Prepare documentation related to control and monitoring systems.

IED Configuration & Communication

• Configure intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for communication within SAS.
• Programme RTUs and gateways for SCADA and remote communication.
• Support IED integration with protection relay settings provided by Protection Engineers.
• Ensure communication protocols are correctly configured and tested.

Cybersecurity & OT Systems

• Support cybersecurity considerations for substation OT networks in accordance with IEC 62351 and client requirements.
• Contribute to network security architecture for substation automation systems.
• Ensure cybersecurity requirements are integrated into SAS design and documentation.

Testing, Commissioning & Documentation

• Support SAS testing and validation activities, including FAT and SAT.
• Prepare test plans and procedures for substation automation systems.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation for SAS and SCADA systems.
• Support preparation of as-built documentation.
• Participate in engineering design reviews.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in substation automation or SCADA engineering.
• Experience with IEC 61850 configuration and engineering.
• Experience working with SCADA and automation systems.
• Experience in HV or MV substation projects.
• Experience with data center or industrial automation projects is a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with IEC 61850 tools (IET600, SCD editors, SCL configuration).
• Experience with relay vendor communication tools: PCM600 (ABB), Digsi 5 (Siemens), MiCOM S1 (Schneider Electric).
• Knowledge of SCADA platforms and communication protocols.
• Understanding of substation automation system architecture and design.
• Familiarity with network security principles for OT environments (IEC 62351).
• Proficiency with EPLAN and AutoCAD for SAS documentation.
• Familiarity with Nordic TSO standards is considered an advantage.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus).
• EU citizenship preferred to facilitate site visits across Scandinavia.
• Based in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong organisational and multitasking capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within engineering teams.

4. STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE METRICS (KPIs)

• Quality and reliability of SAS and SCADA system designs.
• Successful IEC 61850 configuration and communication integration.
• Compliance with engineering standards and project specifications.
• Timely delivery of SAS engineering documentation.
• Effective coordination with protection and secondary design engineers.

5. HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT (HSE)

• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures.
• Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities, ensuring that designs and solutions prioritise the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
• Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures.
• Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects.
• Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards.

6. REPLACEMENT POLICY In case of absence of less than one month, the role will be supported by a Protection Engineer or Secondary Design Engineer within the team. For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management according to DCS Norway replacement policy guidelines. The replacement person will assume the responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity of SCADA and automation engineering activities.

Required Skills

Desired Skills