Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

Position Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Solution Architect to serve as technical lead, 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.

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 be comfortable in customer facing roles to lead technical architecture discussions with both technical and business groups, from the systems design phase through implementation. This role will also help mentor and guide MAT system and software analysts for the metering systems and grid modernization technology implementations, as well as other critical solutions supported by the team.

Job Responsibilities

• Designing and modifying MAT specific technical architecture and reviewing other analyst work 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)

• Research and present high-level briefings on current and emerging technologies related to MAT solutions

• Assessing the systems architecture currently in place and working with technical staff to brainstorm and recommend solutions to improve it.

• Support MAT technical leads and QA team in the preparation of testing requirements.

• 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 DLC in developing and implementing on-premises as well as cloud (SaaS or hosted) solutions.

• Supporting the development of third-party applications and custom integration solutions including major enhancements and interfaces. Capable of writing specifications when needed.

• Providing architecture support for technical leads on application development/implementation projects.

• May serve as a technical lead for large/critical projects managed by DLC Project Management Office (PMO).

• Providing day-to-day guidance and mentoring for MAT team members.

• Representing DLC by participating in industry forums, conferences, and utility user groups.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data networking, or related field.

• In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Seven (7+) or more years of relevant experience required.

• Relevant experience includes but is not limited to proven work experience as a solution architect, consultant, or technical lead for utility metering, AMI, or smart grid solutions.

• Direct or indirect utility experience required.

• Certifications in technical disciplines listed below preferred.

Preferred Technical Skills

• 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).

• Electric utility metering or billing experience strongly preferred, such as experience with the following:

• Meter metrology knowledge.

• Billing and operations data constructs for electric metering.

• Automated meter processes and meter data.

• Itron (or other electric metering vendor) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) software and/or hardware products.

• Data networking (IP communications).

• 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.

Skills and Abilities Utilized in this Role Include:

• Sound knowledge of various operating systems and databases.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• 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.

• Ability to support multiple applications/projects at a time.

Must possess a positive attitude and strong values that fit with DLC’s core values:

• Energized to shape the future;

• Bold in thinking and exploration of new possibilities;

• Collaborative in approaching all challenges;

• Responsible in commitment to safety, management of assets and finances and interaction with others;

• Selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism.

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.

Hybrid Work

Position follows our hybrid work model, with a minimum of two days working in the office and the remaining days working remotely. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All Non-Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset. Please be sure to discuss storm roles with the hiring manager for this position, as duties can vary across the Company. Examples of storm roles could include but aren't limited to duties such as: working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer service or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information, etc.

Data Stewardship

Maintain accountability and oversight of data for related business area, documenting related data management procedures, methods, and techniques.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at HR@duqlight.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.