SCADA technician

Ever wondered how a city’s water supply is managed or how a factory’s machines work together? That’s where SCADA technicians come in!

As a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technician, you'll work behind the scenes making sure that large-scale systems run smoothly. You’ll set up, maintain and fix the computer systems that control these processes.  

You'll mix problem-solving with high-tech skills – perfect if you enjoy a challenge and want to make a real difference!  

You can work in some interesting places, for example: 

• wind farms: out in the open, with huge wind turbines, SCADA technicians keep the power flowing 

• power plants: like giant energy factories, where you’ll make sure everything runs safely and efficiently  

• transportation systems: traffic lights, railway systems and more rely on SCADAs to keep everyone moving 

• waste water plants: these collect, treat, and discharge wastewater, providing an essential public service 

Your tasks might include: 

• checking that all the computers and sensors are talking to each other 

• fixing problems, such as a sensor not working or a computer glitch 

• installing new equipment and updating software 

• documenting and recording findings 

• responding to alarms that indicate problems 

• collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, such as engineers, IT specialists and other technical teams 

Green job 

In this job, you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

• Find out about career opportunities in Scotland across offshore wind 

• Watch Sheffield Halam University’s video on what it’s like to work as a Automation Engineer 

• Find out more about working in energy, and the career you could have, at My Energy Future