Senior IT Network Architect — Strategy & Governance Lead

Xcel Energy Inc; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Pension

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Minnesota is seeking a Senior IT Network Architect to lead the development of network and connectivity architecture for IT and OT environments. The role owns long-term strategy, governance, and technology roadmaps across a distributed utility infrastructure spanning eight states.

You will partner with Network Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Infrastructure Operations and OT Architecture teams to deliver resilient and compliant network solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technology, Science, Business or related field, or 4 years of experience.
• Ten years of related functional experience.
• Architecture acumen across multiple domains including network, infrastructure, software, hosting models, mobile platforms, and security.
• Exposure to diverse systems, technologies and processing environments in a large Corporate setting.
• Project solution architecture experience.
• General knowledge of core aspects of enterprise architecture (Software, Hardware, Network, Integration, Data, hosting models, platform types, etc.).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Extensive knowledge of future technology trends within area of expertise.
• Demonstrated leadership on technical aspects of large scale projects.
• Excellent communication skills, effective with varying organizational levels and skill sets.
• Excellent Relationship Management and collaboration skills, with a track record of working as one team cross-organizationally to drive innovation and business results.

Responsibilities

• Architectural Operations: Review project work efforts to ensure that they are compliant with architectural standards. Track and manage exceptions to standards. Develop and maintain architectural reference diagrams, architecture decision records (ADRs), and standards documentation. Participate in Architecture Review Board (ARB) processes. Continuously improve operational processes. Assess, report, and make recommendations to eliminate operational risk related to technology or architecture.
• Technical Expertise: Provide consultation and direction to delivery and operational teams on optimal architecture for respective solutions. Maintain network architecture strategy and roadmap, as well as governance and documentation.
• Leadership: Lead work cross-organizationally through coaching and feedback, and through significant interactions and influence with leaders. Participate in hiring, skills assessment, and professional development planning for the network pod.
• Planning and Strategy: Govern work efforts to ensure alignment with reference architecture, IT strategy and policy. Collaborate cross-organizationally and provide technical guidance and mentorship to network architects and engineers. Contribute to architecture road maps and provide input to technology roadmaps. Ensure the domain IT Strategy align with Enterprise Architecture framework and standards.

Skills

Architectural governance

Network architecture

Leadership

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4 years experience

Tools

ADR documentation

ARB processes

Job description

Xcel Energy in Minnesota is seeking a Senior IT Network Architect to lead the development of network and connectivity architecture for IT and OT environments. The role owns long-term strategy, governance, and technology roadmaps across a distributed utility infrastructure spanning eight states.

You will partner with Network Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Infrastructure Operations and OT Architecture teams to deliver resilient and compliant network solutions.