Senior Systems Engineer / Administrator (Pasadena)

Senior Systems Engineer / Administrator

The City of Pasadena Water and Power Department (PWP) is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer / Administrator to manage and support PWP's Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This role is responsible for the planning, engineering, and administration of enterprise servers, data storage, OT networks, and core software systems. The position serves as a technical expert and advisor on complex infrastructure, system software, security, and disaster recovery, and acts as project lead for large-scale implementations, upgrades, conversions, and infrastructure changes. Performs related duties as assigned.

Learn more about working for the Pasadena Water and Power Department.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with utility operational technology systems, including SCADA, PI System, unified security platforms, private networks, and server virtualization, and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. They will be responsible for implementing, configuring, upgrading, administering, and supporting these systems. The role also involves collaborating with other support team members to ensure efficient and reliable system communication.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Leads development of enterprise-level strategies for server, storage, network, software, and OT systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and future readiness.
• Designs, implements, and maintains Water Utility Ignition SCADA interfaces, modules, HMI applications, PLC programming, telemetry communications, alarm management, and real-time data acquisition for water distribution and treatment operations.
• Administers and optimizes PI System components (Data Archive, AF, PI Vision, OPC / Modbus interfaces), design tags, models, calculations, dashboards, and reports, and integrate with external systems (SQL, CMMS, GIS) to support operational visibility and decision-making.
• Administers Windows Server environments, virtualization platforms (Nutanix AHV, VMware, Hyper-V), and secure ICS / SCADA network architectures with VLANs, firewalls, and DMZ configurations; implements failover, disaster recovery, and high-availability solutions.
• Develop automation scripts (PowerShell, Python, VBScript), designs system integrations (OPC UA, MQTT, REST APIs, SQL), and implements automated alerts, validations, and reporting to enhance operational intelligence.
• Applies ICS / SCADA cybersecurity best practices (NIST 800-82, AWWA G430), maintain patching, logging, access control, and incident response protocols within OT environments.
• Leads SCADA, historian, and OT projects from planning through implementation, mentors junior engineers, fosters collaboration across operations, IT, and field teams, and communicates technical requirements clearly to stakeholders.
• Configures, maintains, and monitors Genetec Security System infrastructure, including servers, storage, cameras, and access controls, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Documents systems, changes, and procedures in line with best practices and change management protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned

Qualification Guidelines

Competencies

Adaptability - Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires

Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products

Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability

Business Process Analysis - Defining, assessing, and improving operational processes and workflow

Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue

Leveraging Technology - Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness

Analyzing & Interpreting Data - Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data

Critical Thinking - Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims

Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job

Using Technology - Working with electronic hardware and software application

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in management information systems, computer science or a closely related field, and six years of progressively responsible experience in administration of a complex multi-platform server operating systems environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and certification as a project manager are highly desirable.