Supervisor - OT App Support

PPL Corporation; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PPL Corporation is seeking a qualified individual to provide guidance and direction to Operations Application Support staff in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The role involves overseeing operational technology systems and ensuring reliable application performance while complying with industry standards.

The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, IT, or Computer Science, with significant experience in technical leadership within the electric utility industry, demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in Engineering, IT, or System Operations.
• Master’s degree in relevant field plus 3 years of experience is acceptable.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to achieve positive results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prioritize work group activities and assignments.
• Translate operational needs into technical requirements.
• Support department budget preparation and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Technical direction

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or IT

Tools

GE AEMS

ADMS

Job description

Overview

Responsible for providing guidance and direction to Operations Application Support staff to support safe, reliable and secure operation of the Transmission and Distribution Systems in accordance with regulatory and RTO/ISO/PUC guidelines. Directs the development of PPL EU and RIE Transmission or Distribution Energy Management Systems (EMS) and operational technology systems to deliver highly‑available, reliable, and secure applications and systems for real‑time operations. Oversees a team in provisioning operational technology platforms for PPL's Operations Control Centers. The position is also accountable for the technical quality of the group's output and is expected to continuously improve capabilities in this area.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct and/or assist with organizing and prioritizing work group activities, assigning and/or scheduling work duties to meet required completion dates.
• Evaluate direct reports for the purpose of developing organizational talent and building expertise in areas required by the department.
• Develop leadership skills and coordinate technical training aspects for self and group members.
• Work with other departments on cross-functional technical and business teams, working groups or committees to achieve goals and objectives of the department and company.
• Assist in the development of changes in methods or processes in assigned area of responsibility and make recommendations for implementation.
• Translate operational needs of control centers into technical requirements for supported applications.
• Optimize operation of EMS and associated computer systems through continuous monitoring of performance characteristics, performing or coordinating database updates, and identifying and correcting areas of deteriorating application performance.
• Keep current with all technical aspects of the transmission and distribution systems and their technological advancements, including those supporting computerized data associated with the EMS through constant study, personal development, and vendor engagement.
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring and forecasting of the department budget.
• Support the development of section and department goals and metrics.
• Select, train, coach and develop direct reports to build self‑motivated and effective teams.
• Evaluate workload, manpower requirements, and technical abilities to identify and recommend the need for overtime use of additional resources.
• Evaluate and monitor EMS admin contractors and consultants.
• Research and analyze technical and/or business plans, designs, proposals, projects or strategies; provide results and/or recommendations in support of department objectives.
• Review, revise and communicate procedures in support of administrative and technical improvement initiatives. Responsible for the application of organizational policies.
• Set priorities to ensure task completion and coordinate work activities with other supervisors, acting as a liaison with other sections or departments.
• Maintain positive working relationships with control room staff and leadership as well as external oversight/regulating entities such as PJM, ISO-NE, RF, NPCC, etc.
• Establish a high‑level understanding of where operational applications fit into the overall IT and power system architecture.
• Provide urgent leadership support and direction during the real‑time troubleshooting of application issues.
• Assist in investigations related to operational incidents and system failures/deficiencies.
• Perform special tasks, initiatives or projects assigned by manager.
• If applicable, in‑person supervision of employees to ensure compliance with FLSA wage and hour issues as well as to monitor compliance with safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Required Education

​Bachelor's Degree – ABET Accredited Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology (IT)

Required Experience

• 5+ years of related experience (Engineering, IT or System Operations), or a master’s degree in engineering, computer science or IT plus 3 years of related experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills by achieving positive results under non‑ideal circumstances.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry codes and standards related to the electric utility industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GE AEMS or ADMS.
• Comprehensive knowledge of department programs, policies, procedures and business plans.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction to technical and non‑technical personnel.
• Knowledge of advanced management theories, practices and techniques.
• Sound judgment, technical insight, and strong initiative to direct other engineers on resolution of complex issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to work well with individuals on all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of relevant NERC CIP, IRO, COM, EOP and TOP standards.

Work Conditions

Pennsylvania – Allentown