SCADA Suprvisor Interview - Utility

Hey Guys, I landed an Interview with an electrical utility and I am wondering what questions I should ask the panel.

They are using Schneider Exostructure ADMS, along with the ArcFM GIS/OMS platform.

This is a big deal, I have done a lot of research on the utility, but unlike other interviews I've had, not sure what questions to ask outside of job related matters.

I studied Power Systems with an emphasis on Renewable Energy / Smart grids etc, and I am aware of PLC's, RTU's, IED's, and associated software.

Any ideas?

http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=48878

The above thread is along the same topic.
Remember that the interview is both ways. Understanding the KPI of the company may also provide some insight for the SCADA Supervisor position.

Regards,

Perfect, I'll give it a look.

Thanks again, all the best.

Ask about the working environment, about the people you will be working with, who you will be reporting to and which people will be stakeholders you will have to manage.

Don't open with questions about working hours, salary, perks and so on... but do not shy away from these either. Just be mindful and ask further down in the process when you've agreed that you're a good fit.

@ Cardosocea, thanks for the info. I have 5 questions prepared, 3 are general, and 2 are job specific just curious if that is too much or not enough. There will be a panel of 4 individuals i'll be meeting with from HR / Technical Directors and other SCADA team members.

I don't think there is a limit and certainly a few of those will have follow up questions that can give you the answer to other questions you may have. Also, some companies may have more than one interview... so you'll have to ask more questions.



It's also nice to ask questions on the second interview based on information given to you on the first one.

you might also need to know about how their communications networks over which the SCADA system sends and receives data work. Are they fibre, leased line, microwave, etc.


I presume many of the challenges you will face will be with communications problems to the RTUs and 'cyber' (can't stand that term) security could be a big issue for them as well.

Hey Guys, just an fyi.

I already had a phone interview, 1 with HR and another with the Technical Director which I have met a few months back and had a good conversation with. I'm optimistic, but think I have a good chance.

For the Telemetry, I know they use WiMax, Wireless Radio 900Mhz, and Fiber from the RTU / IED's. I have a fair bit of IT knowledge, and am confident in the cyber security realm using Secure VPN tunnels, Firewalls, Deep Packet Inspection, Mac Address Filtering, NERC CIP protocols, etc.