Information Technology Architect (SCADA Systems) - DWU

Job DescriptionJob Description

Information Technology Architect (SCADA Systems) – DWU

Location: Dallas, TX
Department: Water Utilities – Information Technology

Job Summary

The Information Technology Architect leads the design, deployment, and governance of solution architectures that support SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems across Dallas Water Utilities. This role shapes architectural standards, evaluates and recommends alternative solutions, defines processes to ensure compliance, and promotes a unified and forward-thinking technology vision within the operational technology (OT) environment.

Overview

This position plays a vital role in architecting and managing systems used to monitor and control industrial water and wastewater operations. The SCADA Architect partners with engineering, IT, and external consultants to ensure systems are secure, scalable, interoperable, and aligned with industry standards. Responsibilities include developing architecture roadmaps, optimizing communication protocols, safeguarding cybersecurity, and guiding the successful integration of IT/OT systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate architectural scalability, availability, security, and design principles using documentation, models, and reference architectures.
• Lead the design and planning of SCADA system architecture for water and wastewater facilities, collaborating with engineering and external consultants.
• Develop detailed data-flow and communication plans across devices and platforms within the SCADA environment.
• Oversee and optimize communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC) to ensure efficient data exchange and system interoperability.
• Design and implement cybersecurity measures aligned with standards such as NERC CIP, ISA/IEC 62443, and NIST 800-82.
• Ensure compliance with SCADA-related standards such as ISA-95, ISA-99, and ISA/IEC 62443.
• Work closely with technical and business teams to gather requirements and translate them into comprehensive architectural designs.
• Support the development of long-term IT/OT strategies, technology roadmaps, and infrastructure investment plans.
• Partner with development teams to refine architecture as systems are built and resolve technical or functional issues.
• Remain current on emerging IT/OT technologies, SCADA tools, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in current and emerging IT/OT technologies, architecture trends, and SCADA solutions.
• Strong ability to document and communicate enterprise-level architectural designs.
• Proficiency in data center design, infrastructure management, and network architecture.
• Solid understanding of project management principles within IT/OT deployment environments.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and situational analysis skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams.
• Commitment to staying updated on SCADA security frameworks, threat trends, and industrial cybersecurity practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or a related field.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of experience planning technology architectures across environments such as LAN/WAN, virtualization, firewalls, DMZs, network monitoring, client-server, and thin-client systems.

Equivalency

• A master’s degree (or higher) in a related field plus five (5) years of required experience may substitute for the education/experience requirements.

Other Requirements

• No felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions.
• No Class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No family-violence convictions.
• Must not be on deferred adjudication for any felony or Class A/B misdemeanor charge.

Company DescriptionOne of the leading suppliers of workforce solutions, staffing, outsourcing, and consulting is BE Staffing Solutions. In the practice of employment law, our trained group of seasoned staffing specialists adheres to a rigorous code of conduct. We uphold a culture and organizational framework that promotes efficiency and consideration for both clients and coworkers.Company DescriptionOne of the leading suppliers of workforce solutions, staffing, outsourcing, and consulting is BE Staffing Solutions. In the practice of employment law, our trained group of seasoned staffing specialists adheres to a rigorous code of conduct. We uphold a culture and organizational framework that promotes efficiency and consideration for both clients and coworkers.