Job Description

The client is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Solution Architect and Technical Lead to be responsible for designing and modifying technical architecture for metering and operations applications team (MAT) supported solutions, including metering, advanced meter infrastructure (AMI), and smart grid systems along with a range of smaller non-metering operational systems. This Role will also be responsible for providing technical direction and expertise to software/systems analysts working on metering application team systems and projects.

Responsibilities

The MAT Solutions Architect will support the selection, evaluation, design, deployment, and migration of MAT systems across various IT environments. This will encompass business planning support, implementation projects, process improvement efforts, and other non-project work. The ideal candidate will have relevant technology experience and be comfortable in customer facing roles to lead technical architecture discussions with both technical and business groups to drive systems design and implementation. This role will also help mentor and guide MAT system & software analysts for the metering systems and grid modernization technology implementations.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, modifying, and ongoing testing support for MAT specific technical architecture.
• Designing integration strategies between MAT solutions and other corporate applications.
• Provide technical supervision and guidance to MAT development projects.
• Providing 3rd tier support as required for resolving technical production system problems as they arise (no On-Call rotation)
• Continually research the current and emerging technologies and propose changes were needed.
• Assessing the systems architecture currently in place and working with technical staff to recommend solutions to improve it.
• Lead brainstorming sessions to develop potential solutions for business needs or problems.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Support MAT technical leads and QA team in the preparation of testing requirements.
• Work with MAT business units to develop IT strategies and to improve current MAT implementations.
• Work with MAT (Technical Product Owner) TPO and business product owners (BPOs) to select and implement scalable solutions and products.
• Directing third parties (vendors and consultants) assisting client in developing and implementing on-premises as well as cloud (SaaS) solutions.
• Coordinating with cross-functional teams to support development of plans and the implementation of end-to-end solutions.
• Supporting the development of third-party applications and custom integration solutions including major enhancements and interfaces. Responsible for writing specifications.
• Providing technical guidance and architecture support for technical leads on application development/implementation projects.
• May serve as a technical lead for large/critical projects managed by client's Project Management Office (PMO).
• Skillful at task-switching and supporting multiple applications/projects at a time.
• Providing day-to-day guidance and mentoring for MAT team members.
• Acting as an industry class expert in within the area of expertise.
• Providing testing support for in-house quality assurance teams for application projects, specific to technical expertise.
• Specifying and/or directing modifications to existing software applications and modules in accordance with high level specifications and industry standards using disciplined software development processes.
• Representing client and participating in industry forums and user groups.

Scope

Primary Focus is on daily deliverables, outputs and reporting. Accountable for managing one's own time and workflow and leads projects and/or large project steps. Work is complex in nature requiring the incumbent to draw on previous knowledge to perform role. Acts independently the majority of the time, requiring guidance in only complex situations. Has well established capabilities, acts as a resource to less experienced staff on moderately complex issues.

Decision Impact

Problems and issues faced are vague and require analysis of multiple sources of information for solution. Draws on significant past experience to perform role. Accountable for direct level of reasoning and decision making.

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted.

5+ years of relevant experience required for this position. Certifications in technical disciplines listed below are preferred.

Preferred

• Proven work experience as a Solution Architect, Consultant, or Technical Lead for utility metering, AMI, or smart grid solutions. May be direct or indirect utility experience.
• Electric utility metering or billing experience strongly preferred:
• Relevant meter metrology knowledge and experience helpful.
• Experience with billing and operations data constructs for electric metering.
• Experience with automated meter processes and meter data.
• Experience with Itron (or other electric metering vendor) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) software and/or hardware products.
• Experience with data networking (IP communications).
• Sound knowledge of various operating systems and databases.
• Bachelor’s degree in a computer science, data networking or related field. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. (Equivalent experience/certifications/degrees will be taken into consideration in lieu of specific requirements.).
• Experience with project management, SDLC, testing methodology for vendor sourced applications, and software coding (examples include SQL, Python, PERL, shell scripting, Oracle/SQL Server DBs).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, creativity, and leadership skills with the ability to exhibit sound judgment and express verbal and written information effectively.
• Able to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with aggressive project timeframes.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.