AMI Systems Engineer - Oahu

Hawaiian Electric•Honolulu, HI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The AMI Systems Engineer provides specialized technical expertise and support for the operation, assessment, improvement, and expansion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) real-time systems. The role supports service reliability, system availability, customer service, and billing, and helps manage corporate computer needs and effective use of computer resources and the AMI network. The engineer supports the Lead AMI Systems Engineer with electric meter interval data and daily operation of the meter data management (MDM) and related systems, including maintenance and upgrades. The role also provides oversight and coordination of the AMI communications network and supports continual improvement of measurement-data processes and procedures. The position investigates, designs, implements, maintains, and documents computer systems, applications, databases, and procedures for utility billing, operations, engineering, and maintenance. It provides AMI technical support and training, coordinates data transfer from customer meters through the Regional Network Interface to the centralized Meter Data Management System, and contributes to system installations and integrations. The engineer responds to system failures during and outside normal working hours, including callouts, and may travel to field sites within the company’s service territory. The position provides backup to the AMI Lead Systems Engineer and participates in assigned company emergency-response activities. The role is with Hawaiian Electric Company’s Telecommunications – Operations Department in Honolulu, Oahu. There are two vacancies. The hiring range is $99,900 to $127,500, with placement based on skills and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent education and experience; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, or equivalent experience, including experience in electric utility business operations.
Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, including metering principles, and computer programming, or knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts.
Familiarity with operating systems; ability to evaluate and configure computer systems and networks; ability to develop and maintain software applications; familiarity with computer peripherals and interfaces; and experience with complex operational software and database environments.
Ability to function as an end-user help service and support problem identification and correction and new program implementation.
Proficiency in Unix, Linux, and Windows, scripting languages, databases, and operating systems used in current operational environments, with ability to learn future environments.
Working knowledge of data acquisition systems and computer and communication networks.
General knowledge of electric utility business systems and processes, including billing software.
Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications, such as spreadsheets, word processing, and databases.
Ability to evaluate and select equipment and integrate it into the AMI system.
Ability to quickly isolate, identify, and resolve operational-system issues; identify needs; and design and implement new programs or modifications that extend AMI system functions, modify and expand databases, and develop customer information portals.
Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Organizational and conceptual skills to manage projects and programs, assess job demands, and recommend appropriate actions.
Ability to provide timely, comprehensive responses and results to internal and external customers.
Strong analytical, organizational, conceptual, computational, and technical/statistical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a self-directed team.
Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.
Valid driver’s license issued by Hawaii or another U.S. state, and ability to meet the company’s standards for driving positions.
Four to eight years of experience in systems analysis and programming of critical production computer systems and engineering analysis, operation, or design of data acquisition systems; or in developing and/or supporting hardware, software, and database requirements for moderately complex to complex operational systems.
Strong fundamental understanding of operational issues involved in supporting critical computer systems and broad familiarity with hardware peripherals and interfaces.
At least three years of IT systems administrator experience in a high-reliability data-processing environment and/or an electric utility customer information systems department.
At least three years of experience in one or more of customer information systems (CIS), outage management systems (OMS), and energy management systems (EMS).

Responsibilities

Investigate, design, review, analyze, document, and implement new, upgraded, and existing computer systems, programs, and software applications for billing, operating, engineering, and maintenance requirements.
Research, evaluate, and document technology advances in computer and telecommunications architecture, hardware, software, and applications, and propose improvements to system availability, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
Develop flow charts and block diagrams; write, test, correct, and document computer programs and operation and maintenance procedures.
Maintain databases, programs, and system security for operational systems and AMI applications; enforce, document, and update policies, procedures, and standards.
Coordinate information transfer from customer meters through a Regional Network Interface to the centralized Meter Data Management System at HECO.
Provide AMI system technical expertise and support, and train users at multiple levels to maintain, operate, and use AMI software applications.
Assist with training new AMI team members.
Plan, support, document, and perform hardware, operating-system, and software installation, updates, maintenance, and integration into operational and electrical systems, including AMI and MDMS installations, replacements, and removals.
Provide after-hours service and callouts to help ensure AMI system availability.
Investigate and respond to AMI system failures involving application software, critical interfaces, network components, and endpoint devices, during and outside normal working hours.
Perform or recommend corrective measures, or identify and notify the appropriate party responsible for resolving problems.
Work independently and collaboratively with company process areas, personnel, and consultants to isolate, identify, and resolve AMI system problems; help develop specialized test software and procedures.
Prepare oral and written reports documenting problem analysis and proposed resolutions.
Facilitate acquisition, maintenance, and documentation of technical resources for the AMI system.
Work with contractors and finalize contracts and maintenance schedules; document work and history for all aspects of the AMI system, including specialized equipment.
Travel to field sites within the companies’ service territory as required.
Provide backup to the AMI Lead Systems Engineer.
Participate in assigned company emergency-response activities, including preparation activities.