Job Description

Job Summary
The Hatfield Marine Science Center is seeking a Power & Data Systems Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. This position is located in Newport, Oregon.

PacWave is a globally recognized wave energy test facility developed and operated by OSU, which provides critical infrastructure to support the national and international marine energy industries. Over the last decade, PacWave’s flagship, open ocean site, PacWave South, has been developed with over $130M in funding, primarily from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). PacWave South will serve as the only pre-permitted, grid connected wave energy test site in the U.S. and is one of only a handful of similar sites in the world.

As PacWave transitions into its operational phase, OSU is seeking a Power & Data Systems Manager to assist the PacWave team in establishing the facility as a leading global test facility, which will provide the marine energy sector with the opportunity to test and conduct research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) activities for wave energy systems and other technologies.

The Power & Data Systems Manager will be responsible for:
Management and oversight of PacWave’s power and data systems and their operations, including low and medium voltage (up to 36kV), and SCADA systems
Management of PacWave’s power and data systems personnel
Management of power and data contractors supporting PacWave operations
Oversight of PacWave’s network infrastructure and operations
Oversight of National Lab. personnel who are supporting PacWave activities
Coordination and support for client power and data operations
Oversight of testing client power and data systems
Evaluation of wave energy converter designs proposed by third parties.
Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!


Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.


FACTS:


• Top 1.4% university in the world

• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

• 217k+ alumni worldwide

• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about


Locations:


Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.


Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.


Total Rewards Package:


Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

• Retirement savings paid by the university.

• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.


Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.


2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!


Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
Operations (35%)
Implement and maintain power control and distribution systems, including dynamic AC/DC power management, storage, transformation, conditioning, and monitoring.
Manage data networks onshore and offshore, including hardware, local networks with nested firewalls, data display, storage, and archiving systems.
Oversee SCADA system performance and supervise technical personnel, including future hires, contractors, and existing technical staff.
Develop and manage budgets for power and data operations, including equipment selection, procurement, and personnel costs.
Supervise power and data staff.
Coordinate with Central Lincoln People’s Utility District (CLPUD) and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
Coordinate client, contractor, and subcontractor operations and installations related to power and data, both onshore and offshore.
Provide clients with clear information on PacWave’s grid interconnection, data infrastructure, and related requirements, along with technical support for all power and data systems.

Inspection, Testing, and Preventive Maintenance (30%)
Manage testing, maintenance, and repairs of subsea power and data cables between the offshore test site and the shoreside Utility Connection & Monitoring Facility (UCMF).
Oversee inspection, testing, maintenance, and repairs of MV equipment, data networks, and SCADA systems.

Safety and Compliance (20%)
Review designs for new equipment to be installed at the PacWave by clients and others for compliance with appropriate standards, per PacWave SOPs.
Oversee inspection and testing of new equipment installed at PacWave.
Ensure compliance with OSHA 1910, OSHA 1926, and NFPA 70E electrical safety standards.
Ensure NEC and NESC compliance for MV systems.
Oversee lockout/tagout, voltage testing, and grounding for all MV operations.
Enforce PacWave’s permit-to-work and internal safety procedures.
Develop and maintain PacWave power and data safety procedures and protocols.

Emergency Response (5%)
Coordinate and manage emergency responses to diagnose failures and oversee prompt replacement of damaged components at the UCMF and along subsea and terrestrial cable systems.
Lead or support investigations of equipment failures, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.

Other Duties as Assigned(10%)
Support outreach and engagement of PacWave with the general public. This may involve representing PacWave at national and international conferences, workshops and meetings.
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Power & Data Systems Manager may be assigned other duties as needed by the PacWave Director to support program goals and operations.
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, or a closely related field
Three years of demonstrated experience in power and data management systems
Demonstrated experience in project management
Must be self-motivated, organized, and detail oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assigned initiatives.
Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.