SCADA technician
You’ll work with computer systems that help control and monitor power plants, water systems or factories and make sure they run smoothly.
Also known as: industrial control systems technician , automation technician, control systems technician
About the job
What it's like
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.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Skills Development Scotland – Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind
YouTube video – watch Sheffield Halam University’s video on what it’s like to work as a Automation Engineer
My Energy Future – find out more about working in energy, and the career you could have
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- building relationships
- time management
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- analysing
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Electronics
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Engineering Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Computing Science
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Graphic Communication
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
Most employers prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Electrical Engineering
Control Systems Engineering
Automation Engineering
Computer Science
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Automation Engineering
Control Systems Engineering
Computer Science
Explore courses on the My World of Work course search.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Be familiar with SCADA software platforms, such as Wonderware, Ignition and Siemens.
For some jobs, you may need to have a full driving licence.
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