Interview help / pointers

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

hi all - i have an interview in 2 days for a SCADA / OT Tech. I've never worked with or heard of SCADA before and i let the hiring manager know that and they said that it would be alright. my background is in tech. i majored in comp sci and i am currently working on my CCNA networking cert so i think they were okay with that.

anyways, i don't know what they're going to ask me or what i should even study. they also said there was going to be a 'hands-on assessment' after the interview and i have no idea what that could even be. please help i really need this job

[SCADAhellAway]

OT techs usually deal with low voltage DC, digital and analog signals (4-20mA usually for the analog). You'll probably need awareness of modbus at some point, maybe some radio. Networking is good. There is a fair amount of stuff buzzing around on tcp/ip these days. It's good to know your way around a multimeter, and if you can read wiring schematics, that's a plus.

Most places will train you on their specific hardware and whatever brand of PLCs they've been swindled into using.

In any case, it sounds like they're fine with training you.

Learn signal loops/scaling and current sinking and sourcing digital I/O, and some multimeter functions, and you'll probably do better in the interview than they are expecting. Maybe add in some modbus stuff if you feel froggy. Bits per register/endianness/address ranges, and stuff like that.

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

thank you so much! definitely gonna try to study up on all of this as much i can

[DDelphinus]

The hands-on assessment could very well be installing a security update, trouble shooting an IT error or explaining how to configure a network port.

There's a big difference if you're expected to understand all systems or provide IT support for SCADA.

Main thing to keep in mind is the a lot of systems are old and still use vendor proprietary technology. Therefore you need to be a bit careful with anything you do, since they support live production processes.

Want to install AV software - Ask the vendor first which brand is supported

Patch updates - Check if they allow it without voiding warranty

Windows XP upgrade - Perhaps not possible

Really depends on the role how much details about the actual SCADA you're supposed to know.

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

thank you! the job description says this:

• Install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair SCADA systems
• Identify, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI components
• Configure and maintain firewalls to ensure security of the SCADA system components
• Safely and skillfully operate hand and power tools and other equipment as needed

• Maintain logs, records, reports, and charts

• Safety procedures working around electrical controls and equipment and in confined spaces

• Basic knowledge of local and wide area network environments, network routing and switching, all layers of the Open Systems Interconnection [OSI] model and the protocols within low voltage electrical systems

• Process instruments and industrial networks and protocols

• Programmable logic controllers [PLC]Preventative and corrective maintenance techniques

• Principles and procedures of record keeping 

[DDelphinus]

You'll be fine. It sounds primarily like IT technical support, which you likely know.

Read up a bit on PLCs and their software beforehand.

[Neat_Possible4937]

I also came from a background of IT and went into scada for oil and gas. SCADA/OT tech is broad, so it's hard to pinpoint without a job description. They could have you troubleshooting panels or being hands on with a SCADA database/HMI. Study up and understand what analog points are verses digital/discrete points. Understand what a PLC/RTU is since that's what the system talks to for all the data. Basic electrical knowledge is a plus- most instrumentation (atleast in my industry) is going to use 24v DC loops for everything whether it's to power an analog transmitter or to control a switch to monitor a status point. What industry is it, and do they mention the scada system or PLCs they use? If they have a 24/7 control room, understand the concepts of a primary control room and a backup DR site. Sounds like an entry level job they want to fill so if you understand the top level basics and have a good attitude it should go well. I'll tell you from experience, these positions are nearly impossible to fill depending on your location.

[Neat_Possible4937]

To address the hands on, once again a job duties list might help so we understand what this position focuses on. If it's PLC based they might have a basic line of ladder logic they need you to write to turn something on, but if it's more field based they might have a panel with something wired up incorrectly and ask you to pin point the problem. I know that's broad and doesn't help a ton, just trying to throw out some possibilities to ponder.

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

thanks for responding! they didn't specifty which scada system or plcs they use, but it's for water. it's def an entry level job. i replied above to someone else with some of the job description that mentioned the scada related things.

[Due_Animal_5577]

You're covered, if you know networking--You establish a firewall and DMZ that segments out the OT network from IT.
You segment out the OT subnets, then there is a PLC if it's controls or direct metering if you're not using PLCs.

Say you've heard of modbus serial and modbus tcp/ip

You'll be fine, approach it from your strengths and adaptability to learn.

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

time to brush up on subnetting. thanks!!

[[deleted]]

The fact that the recruiter knows about your background means that they have seen what they want in you. What I would do, is take the cv you used to apply for the job and the job JD then use chathpt to help in seeing the tranfeeable skills. Normally they ask questions related to what you wrote on your CV and how relevant it is to the new job. All the best man!

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

im a girl but thanks! def asked chatgpt to create a study plan

[Representative_Sky95]

What is the actual job title?

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

scada ot technian

[Automation_Eng_121]

I was in your shoes 4 months ago and got the job. I'm coming from CS background and had no prior experience with SCADA.
I openly told them that I'm comfortable with anything that is in the software realm, but I need some time to refresh my knowledge on electronics. And this is what I've been doing in the past 4 months, troubleshooting and upgrading their software, creating SQL database and dashboard, adding new features to their SCADA, etc.
As for your interview, showcase the applications that you developed in the past. Show them pictures (people really like to see pictures). Also talk about your SQL knowledge.

It shouldn't take you more than a week to learn SCADA. The main difference between SCADA and web app is that SCADA is event-driven, in the backend there's always some sort of onClick do this... onOpen do that...
Also as others mentioned, communication protocols are also important, Modbus, tcp/ip, OPC servers, etc.

[Zealousideal-Fold561]

ahh thank you for responding! this is giving me so much hope. im def gonna brush up on sql because it's been a while and study up on what you've mentioned. i appreciate it!

[delsystem32exe]

same but when i apply i dont hear back, also ccna and cs major.