AMI Technical Specialst Ops

PPL Corporation•Allentown, PA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the Advanced Metering System Operations group and provides technical expertise for the applications it uses. The role is responsible for business-related operations of metering support applications, monitoring meter-reading systems and data validation for internal and external customers, and investigating and resolving issues involving AMI assets that have failed or are not processing data as expected. The position also provides technical leadership and serves as a liaison to PPL’s ISD organization. It supports AMI system planning, design, implementation, maintenance, upgrades, data integrity, and performance monitoring, while coordinating with other PPL groups to identify best practices and document policies and procedures. Physical presence in the office or on-site is required for face-to-face coordination. The employee may be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role, which may require work after hours and outside the normal schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related professional field.
At least 7 years of relevant AMI experience.
Ability to analyze data and troubleshoot.
High customer sensitivity and ability to manage stress, ambiguity, and uncertainty.
Ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) communication technology.
Extensive knowledge of PPL information system administration policies and practices for operating the AMI system in line with department and company goals.
Skill with Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS), including exception management and the process from meter data collection to bill issuance.
Skill in application administration, metrology associated with communication, and telecommunications infrastructure supporting AMI operations.
Working knowledge of computer hardware, software, telecommunications, industry trends, and best practices for applying AMI technologies to other workgroup tasks and activities.
Ability to build relationships with major participants in the IT and utilities business arena.
Clear understanding of PPL utilities issues, operations, and priorities.
Ability to define business benefits, costs, resource requirements, risks, and success criteria for technology operations.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Experience in organizational and system change management.
Data analytics skills, including querying and analyzing information across a variety of data sources.

Responsibilities

Manage daily business operations for systems and applications associated with AMI, particularly Meter Reading systems, the Meter Data Management System (MDMS), and individual meter assets.
Evaluate and validate MDMS data, resolve data exceptions, and monitor system inputs and outputs to ensure the quality of billing and settlement data.
Assess AMI component performance by tracking meter-reading data and investigating alerts for customers with missing or out-of-parameter meter data.
Provide technical leadership on hardware, software, and communication paths, and serve as the business technology liaison to PPL’s ISD organization.
Manage Advanced Metering Operations Group performance metrics, including Head End Network availability, MV90 System availability, meter billing and interval read rates, and remote switch performance.
Troubleshoot meter assets through Meter Read systems, determine root causes, and refer issues to the appropriate group for resolution.
Maintain AMI data integrity, monitor data backups, and understand protocols for granting logical access to key AMI systems.
Support application release version maintenance, system patches, application upgrades, and implementation of new applications.
Identify and promote business opportunities for PPL groups to leverage the AMI investment.
Monitor RF network asset performance as necessary and resolve network-related issues.
Monitor technology changes and maintain awareness of industry trends and PPL’s long-term technology plans.
Participate in planning, design, and implementation of AMI systems, applications, communications infrastructure, and operations.
Work with PPL groups to identify best practices and develop and document policies and procedures related to applications and interfaces.
Maintain lists of enhancements, modifications, and IT-related operations support requirements.
Prepare and deliver proposals and informational presentations for management and business associates.
Understand PPL tariff and regulatory requirements as they apply to billing, settlement, and related matters.
Maintain physical presence in the office or on-site for face-to-face interaction and coordination with direct reports and coworkers.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.
May serve in an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role, potentially working after hours and outside the normal schedule.