OPC UA
OPC UA (or OPC Unified Architecture) is a communication standard used in industrial settings to help machines and systems talk to each other. Think of it as a universal translator that allows different pieces of equipment, from different manufacturers, to share information securely. When someone mentions OPC UA in their resume, they're showing they understand how to connect and manage modern industrial equipment, sensors, and control systems. It's similar to how different people can communicate using a common language, except here it's industrial devices using a common way to exchange data.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented OPC UA communication between plant floor systems and enterprise databases
Configured OPC UA Server connections for real-time data collection from manufacturing equipment
Developed monitoring solutions using OPC UA and OPC UA Client applications
Typical job title: "OPC UA Developers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find OPC UA Developers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you ensure security in an OPC UA implementation?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain about different security layers in simple terms - like user authentication, encrypted communication, and making sure only authorized systems can connect. They should mention experience with security certificates and best practices for protecting industrial data.
Q: How would you architect a plant-wide OPC UA system?
Expected Answer: The answer should cover planning for reliable communication across an entire facility, considering backup systems, handling different types of equipment, and ensuring the system can grow with the company's needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with different types of OPC UA applications?
Expected Answer: They should be able to explain working with both clients (systems that read data) and servers (systems that provide data), and give examples of real projects where they've connected different industrial equipment.
Q: How do you troubleshoot OPC UA connection issues?
Expected Answer: Should describe a systematic approach to finding communication problems, like checking network connections, verifying security settings, and using diagnostic tools to identify where the communication is breaking down.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is OPC UA and why is it important in industrial automation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that OPC UA is a way for industrial equipment to communicate, and why this is important for modern factories and plants. Basic understanding of how it helps connect different types of equipment.
Q: What's the difference between OPC UA and traditional OPC?
Expected Answer: Should explain that OPC UA is newer, more secure, and works across different operating systems, while traditional OPC was limited to Windows and had security limitations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of industrial communication
- Setting up simple OPC UA connections
- Basic industrial equipment monitoring
- Understanding of data types and structures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Configuration of OPC UA servers and clients
- Integration with different industrial systems
- Troubleshooting communication issues
- Understanding security certificates
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex system architecture design
- Advanced security implementation
- Enterprise-level integration
- Project leadership and consulting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with industrial equipment
- Lack of understanding about industrial security concerns
- No knowledge of basic networking concepts
- Unable to explain real-world applications of OPC UA
Related Terms
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