Senior Data Specialist

Talen Energy•Allentown, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Talen Energy is seeking a Senior Data Specialist to design, implement, and manage modern data platforms and database environments. This role emphasizes support for relational database management systems, especially Oracle, but also includes other database platforms such as PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Amazon Redshift (Snowflake/DataBricks). The ideal candidate would bring experience with in-house managed installations as well as databases hosted in a managed service such as Amazon RDS. In addition, experience with modern Data Lake, Lakehouse, and Data Fabric architecture is desired. The solutions delivered are a foundation for strategic projects and key operational systems supporting a broad range of business areas. How You’ll Power the Future At Talen Energy, your work fuels progress. In this role, you’ll do more than contribute you’ll drive meaningful change by:

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field or experience.
7+ Years IT experience in a technical data role with strong emphasis.
Hands-on experience with Oracle databases (installation, configuration, backup/restore)
Familiarity with Linux and Windows Systems Administration
Experience managing cloud services preferably in multi-account AWS environments.
Proficient in SQL preferably across multiple platforms such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Athena
Able to obtain and maintain required security clearances (Nuclear access authorization program, NERC CIP)

Nice To Haves

Experience with Amazon Aurora, Redshift, Redshift Spectrum, SQL Server, PostgreSQL
Experience with Commvault or similar enterprise backup solutions
Experience with AWS Glue for ETL/ELT workflows
Experience with Data Fabric, Data Lake, Lakehouse architectures.
Experience with cloud data warehouses such as Snowflake.
Attributes Strong sense of ownership and accountability — drives initiatives from concept to closure.
Collaborative communicator who can align IT, OT, and business functions toward shared goals.
Applies common sense and sound judgment when navigating complex or ambiguous situations.
Comfortable operating in imperfect environments with legacy systems and resource constraints.
Balances security imperatives with operational continuity and practical execution.
Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills; able to translate technical information risks into business terms.

Responsibilities

Database Administration Install, configure, maintain, and tune self-hosted Oracle and SQL Server databases. Perform backup, restoration, disaster recovery, patching, and capacity planning activities. Support audit and compliance activities Support application development and business relations teams for project and operational needs. Manage routine patching and update processes.
Cloud & Data Platform Engineering Manage Amazon RDS instances (including PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, Aurora and integrate with applications and AWS services. Implement data pipelines with tools such as AWS Glue, AWS DMS Configure and support Amazon Athena for data stored in s3 and cross platform federated queries Drive modernization to leverage platforms such as Iceberg, Parquet, s3 Tables Operate within a multi-account AWS environment Architect and implement with proper governance and security Use Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, with preference for AWS CloudFormation, to automate and manage environments. Leverage source control (Git, Azure DevOps) for code collaboration and management Design cost-conscious cloud architectures, optimizing storage, compute, and data transfer costs. Build in a manner to maximize value for cloud spend and avoid waste.
System Administration Perform basic Linux and Windows system administration tasks in support of data platforms and as a backup to system administrators. User and permission management File system and storage configuration Monitoring and troubleshooting OS-level performance issues.
Backup And Recovery Utilize Commvault or similar enterprise backup solutions for database and data platform production. Ensure all data is backed up as scheduled and test for integrity of backups Monitor and correct backup failure issues Configure and manage cloud native backup solutions for Amazon RDS backups, EBS snapshots, and AWS Backup.
Security and Compliance Implement data platforms using security best practices, including encryption, network segmentation, logical access, and compliance controls. Assist in configuration of IAM roles and policies. Participate in audit and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory and internal standards and controls (Including Nuclear industry requirements, SOX, NERC-CIP).
Collaboration and Mentoring Partner with architects, data engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders. Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in data management.
Continuous Learning and Improvement Pursue professional development through training programs, certifications, and industry conferences. Seek opportunities for process improvement and optimization. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in cloud computing, infrastructure management, and data platforms. Innovate and experiment to find new and better ways to solve technical challenges.

Benefits

Talen Energy offers an exceptional benefits program to its employees. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, prescription plans, life insurance, and disability insurance.
In addition, employees are eligible to participate in Talen Energy’s 401(k) plan.
Talen Energy also provides competitive vacation and sick time to its employees.

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