A leading player in the energy and utilities sector is currently seeking an experienced Alarms Management Consultant for an initial 3-month contract based in Sydney or Melbourne. This role focuses on optimizing alarm systems within power generation facilities and electrical utilities, ensuring alarms are effective, actionable, and aligned with operational best practices.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
Alarm System Assessment & Optimization

• Assess current alarm systems across substations, control centres, and generation units.
• Identify and mitigate nuisance alarms, alarm floods, and prioritisation issues.
• Apply alarm rationalisation techniques to reduce operator fatigue and improve response.

Alarm Philosophy Development

• Develop and maintain a robust alarm philosophy in line with industry standards (ISA-18.2, IEC 62682).
• Define alarm priorities, operator response guidelines, and performance benchmarks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and IT teams to align alarm strategies with operational needs.
• Lead workshops and training sessions focused on alarm handling and system improvements.

System Integration & Configuration

• Configure SCADA, DCS, EMS (GE e-terra), and PI Historian systems for enhanced alarm performance.
• Integrate alarm data with maintenance and asset management systems where applicable.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Define and monitor KPIs such as alarm rates, standing alarms, and operator response times.
• Produce regular performance reports and dashboards to support continuous improvement.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure systems meet regulatory and safety standards.
• Support audits with relevant documentation and insights.

Incident Review & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse operational incidents and near misses to identify alarm-related root causes.
• Recommend system changes based on data insights and feedback from operational teams.

About You
 
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years' experience in alarm management within the electricity or utilities sector.
• Strong understanding of SCADA/DCS systems and industry alarm management standards.
• Hands-on experience with alarm rationalisation processes and methodologies.
• Proficiency in GE e-terra and PI Historian platforms.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project coordination skills.

Desirable:

• Certification in alarm management (e.g., ISA-18.2).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices in alarm system environments.
• Familiarity with predictive maintenance systems.