Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist
American Electric Power
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate the configuration and support of data archives (PI, OSI Chronus).
- Assist with SCADA/EMS platform software upgrades.
- Perform operational technology platform analysis.
- Demonstrate a moderate understanding for maintaining the reliability of SCADA and DMS/EMS systems.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve application-related issues with minimal guidance.
- Coordinate vendor support for EMS and SCADA applications.
- Participate in the configuration of network monitoring tools.
- Develop repeatable scripts (PowerShell, Batch, Python) for deploying configuration changes and patches across servers.
- Analyze logs and application/system monitors to proactively identify potential issues.
- Develop strategic plans to mitigate identified issues.
- Monitor logs during performance events.
- Collaborate with architects to troubleshoot and create restoration plans.
- Conduct routine backups and periodic restoration tests.
- Ensure the reliable operation of OT applications, including communications, networking, databases, alarming, logging, and human interfaces.
- Work with team members and business process owners to schedule and administer patches, updates, and server configurations to minimize system downtime.
- Provide after-hours support as needed in an on-call rotation to maintain reliable operations of DMS/EMS and SCADA systems.
- Plan, research, and evaluate patching, failover, and maintenance activities for real-time systems.
- Develop a solid understanding of EMS and SCADA functionalities.
- Engage in the development and maintenance of best practices for application development.
- Participate in the creation of technical documentation for supporting real-time applications.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- PI, OSI Chronus (data archives)
- SCADA/EMS platform software
- SCADA, DMS/EMS systems
- PowerShell, Batch, Python (scripting)
- Windows Server administration
- SQL Server or Oracle database administration
- SQL query skills
- Application monitoring
- Log analysis
- Performance troubleshooting
- Vendor application support
- Patch management
- Release coordination
- System maintenance
- 24x7 operational support environment
- Disaster recovery
- Failover testing
- Business continuity processes
- Networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls
- NERC CIP, cyber security practices, or regulated utility environments (preferred)
- ServiceNow ITSM or similar ticketing platforms (preferred)
Qualifications
Associate Level (Minimum Qualifications)
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Or Associate’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience
- Or High school diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant experience
- Related Fields for Education and Experience:
- IT/OT System Administration
- IT/OT Application Support
- Cyber Security
- ADMS/DMA/EMS/OMS/SCADA
Senior Level
- Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience
- Or Associate’s degree in a related field with 4 years of relevant experience
- Or High school diploma/GED with 6 years of relevant experience
- Note: Professional certifications (such as A+, Network+, CCNA, CCNP, Cyber Security+, Security+, and CCSP) may be accepted as substitutes for a portion of the required experience.
Nice to Have
- Understanding/Experience supporting and maintaining mission-critical operational technology (OT) applications.
- Experience with SCADA, EMS, ADMS, OMS, Historian, or related utility systems.
- Experience with incident management, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
- Experience working in a 24x7 operational support environment.
- Experience with disaster recovery, failover testing, and business continuity processes.
- Experience with networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
- Experience with scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, or similar tools.
- Experience with NERC CIP, cyber security practices, or regulated utility environments.