Lead Developer SCADA IMS (ITP A, Exempt)

Full Job Description

An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration. This position is open continuously until filled. To be considered for the first review of applications, you must submit a complete application by Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM PST.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a visionary Lead Developer to spearhead our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Information Management System (IMS) team. This critical leadership role will drive technical innovation while ensuring reliable operations for essential city infrastructure. As the technical backbone of our SCADA systems, you'll architect and maintain robust server environments, implement advanced security protocols, and develop powerful database solutions across SQL Server and Oracle platforms. You'll serve as the primary technical liaison between IT and operations, translating complex system capabilities into business value while mentoring team members and fostering a collaborative environment of continuous improvement. This position offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Seattle's vital water and wastewater systems through your technical expertise and leadership.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the technical vision and architecture for SCADA IMS systems
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for system reliability and performance
• Mentor team members and foster a collaborative environment

System Development & Management

• Design and implement robust server environments for mission-critical SCADA applications
• Develop and maintain comprehensive database solutions across SQL Server and Oracle platforms
• Create and deploy innovative solutions using .NET framework and modern APIs

• Implement and maintain automated testing frameworks to ensure system reliability
• Design and manage CI/CD pipelines for efficient deployment of SCADA applications

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Translate complex technical concepts into business value for diverse stakeholders
• Facilitate collaborative workshops to gather and refine user requirements
• Build strong partnerships across departments to ensure system alignment with operational needs

Security & Compliance

• Implement industry best practices for system security and access management
• Develop policies that ensure compliance with utility regulations and IT standards
• Lead security audits and implement continuous improvement recommendations

Innovation & Optimization

• Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to enhance system capabilities
• Develop custom reporting solutions that transform operational data into actionable insights
• Create automation strategies to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes

• Lead formal change management processes to ensure seamless implementation of system updates

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and abilities.
AND
Experience: 7 years writing complex Structured Query Language (SQL) in a Relational Database Management System (RDMS), developing applications and/or services and developing applications that connect cross-database platforms (Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle) or relevant experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with SCADA systems (particularly Aveva/Wonderware platforms) and comprehensive understanding of water/wastewater utility operations and industrial control systems, with ability to lead technical vision and architecture while driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Advanced proficiency in SQL Server and Oracle database administration, .NET application development, and cross-platform integration, with experience in system security, access management, and compliance with utility regulations
• Demonstrated expertise with modern data visualization tools (Microsoft PowerBI or similar) to transform operational data into actionable insights, and experience developing APIs and automation strategies to enhance system capabilities
• Proven leadership abilities in mentoring technical team members, managing complex projects from conception to implementation, and fostering collaborative environments while meeting schedule deadlines and budget constraints
• Exceptional communication skills with demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, facilitate collaborative workshops for requirement gathering, and build strong partnerships across departments to ensure system alignment with operational needs
• Strong documentation and organizational capabilities, with attention to detail and experience developing comprehensive policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, and training materials for mission-critical technical systems

• Experience with automated testing frameworks and practices for mission-critical systems
• Proficiency with CI/CD tools and methodologies for efficient software deployment
• Demonstrated experience with formal change management processes in industrial control environments

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment:

• Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.
• Collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Application Expectation: An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

The salary range for this position is $60.10 - $90.16 Hourly This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17.

Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/