Public Utilities Specialist

Public Utilities Specialist

At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), our mission is to provide an adequate, efficient, and reliable power supply to the Pacific Northwest. This role is a unique opportunity to be the chief technical mind behind the critical software that balances the region's power grid and manages complex energy transactions. As a public service organization, we seek a leader who can drive innovation and ensure the stability of the systems that deliver power to millions.

This is more than a job; it's a chance to apply your technical expertise to a vital public service mission with a lasting regional impact.

As the Public Utilities Specialist, you will:

• Lead with Technical Authority:
  Serve as the ultimate technical authority and lead expert for the critical software systems that manage BPA's power scheduling and financial settlements. You will have full technical responsibility for the entire product lifecycle.
• Define the Product Vision:
  Act as the strategic Product Owner, defining the vision and roadmap for our scheduling and data exchange systems. You will work with technical teams to prioritize new features and maximize the platform's business value.
• Advise Senior Leadership:
  Provide expert counsel and authoritative guidance directly to senior BPA executives. As the spokesperson for high-stakes technical initiatives, you will explain the impact of regulatory and commercial changes on the systems you oversee.
• Solve the Toughest Problems:
  Act as the top-tier expert for resolving the most complex real-time operational issues, stepping in when front-line support cannot solve a problem to ensure the stability of our critical energy transaction systems.
• Direct Cross-Functional Teams:
  Lead and coordinate a dedicated technical support team, working directly with BPA's IT staff, vendors, and other business units to guide all development, enhancement, and testing activities.
• Drive System Modernization:
  Serve as the functional lead working with contracting officers and vendors to define scopes of work. You will ensure our systems evolve to meet changing industry policies and business requirements.
• Champion Quality and Compliance:
  Establish the standards for software quality control, overseeing the resolution of all bugs and issues, and ensuring vendor releases meet our high standards.
• Bridge Business and Technology:
  Translate the needs of traders, schedulers, and other business partners into clear requirements for IT and vendor development teams, ensuring our technology directly supports the mission.