Grid Modernization Specialist, Utility Solution Architect
Solution Architecture & Design
The Grid Modernization Solution Architect defines and owns the integrated solution architecture for grid modernization programs, spanning ADMS, OMS, DMS, SCADA, EMS, DERMS, GIS, AMI, and supporting enterprise systems. They develop solution blueprints, reference architectures, and integration design documents that serve as the technical foundation for program delivery. They lead architecture design workshops with utility stakeholders, facilitating consensus across business operations, IT, OT, and vendor teams. They ensure end-to-end traceability from business requirements through solution design, integration specifications, and test scenarios. They evaluate vendor platform capabilities and constraints, providing objective technical assessments to guide client platform selection and procurement decisions. They understand how integration interfaces fit within and support the overall Solution Architecture, including system interactions, data flows, and end-to-end operational processes. They collaborate with client IT/OT staff to ensure integration considerations are aligned with architectural principles, design decisions, and solution-level outcomes. They define non-functional requirements including system performance, availability, scalability, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity architecture.
Technical Delivery & Advisory
The Grid Modernization Solution Architect serves as the primary technical authority on grid modernization engagements, providing guidance to project teams, platform-specific leads, and client stakeholders. They act as a trusted technical advisor to utility executives, engineering leadership, and control room management on grid operations technology strategy. They oversee technical quality across concurrent workstreams, ensuring consistency of approach and adherence to architecture standards. They provide technical oversight during key program milestones including Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, integration testing, cutover planning, and go-live. They support the development of project technical deliverables including design documents, configuration specifications, test strategies, and operational readiness assessments. They mentor and develop junior consultants, solution leads, and integration specialists within the Grid Modernization practice.
Pre-Sales & Practice Development
The Grid Modernization Solution Architect supports business development efforts by contributing to proposals, RFP/RFI responses, statements of work, and client presentations. They conduct technology assessments and develop grid modernization roadmaps for prospective and existing clients. They represent the Grid Modernization practice in industry forums, client workshops, and vendor partner engagements. They contribute to practice intellectual property including reference architectures, reusable solution templates, white papers, and lessons-learned repositories. They support the development of new service offerings and capability expansions aligned with evolving market demand.
Continuous Improvement & Industry Leadership
The Grid Modernization Solution Architect maintains current knowledge of ADMS, OMS, DMS, SCADA, EMS, and DERMS platform capabilities, release roadmaps, and vendor competitive landscape. They stay informed about grid modernization trends including DER integration, microgrids, grid-edge intelligence, and distribution system operator (DSO) models. They are familiar with IT/OT network architecture, cybersecurity zoning, and NERC CIP compliance as it relates to grid operations systems. They provide thought leadership within the Grid Modernization practice and contribute to internal knowledge sharing, training, and capability development. They provide thought leadership within the Grid Modernization practice and contribute to internal knowledge sharing, training, and capability development.