Programmer-Developer II/Sr.

SPP is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to Work by Arkansas Business and are looking for a team member passionate about our mission to keep the lights on.

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

Pay

The salary range(s) represent our good faith estimate for the role at this time. Factors such as qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and geographic location will be considered during the hiring process.

• Sr. Programmer Developer: $97,580.00 - $126,795.00
• Programmer Developer II: $77,900.00 - $99,320.00

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for eligible positions
• 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits
• Pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

About the role

The Programmer/Developer II and Senior Programmer/Developer develop, test, support, and maintain software applications and databases that support Southwest Power Pool’s daily operations and services. Both roles research, design, and document systems; identify automation opportunities; promote programming efficiencies; and help ensure the reliable operation of applications with significant economic, security, and compliance impacts.

Programmer/Developer II

The Programmer/Developer II focuses on a defined set of applications and applies business and technical support concepts to develop, test, debug, troubleshoot, and support software. This role follows established department standards to maintain assigned systems, minimize downtime, and meet end-user needs. The Programmer/Developer II works with minimal supervision, serves as a liaison among SPP departments, IT, and vendors, and may provide guidance to team members based on experience.

Senior Programmer/Developer

The Senior Programmer/Developer serves as a subject matter expert in one or more application areas or technologies. This role develops, supports, and improves software systems while reviewing architecture and design, recommending upgrades and improvements, and strengthening system security, stability, and efficiency. The Senior Programmer/Developer develops efficient system-management methods using IT/CyPEM standards, provides technical coaching and guidance to team members, and works independently with SPP departments, IT, and vendors to prioritize work, resolve issues, and meet organizational needs.

Responsibilities

Both Roles

• Participate in a 24/7/365 on-call rotation.
• Multi-task, problem-solve, and work with complex and highly integrated systems.
• Maintain an understanding of the business, technical, security, and compliance requirements of assigned systems, along with a competent understanding of other systems supported by the team.
• Engage in applicable phases of the SDLC and project life cycle, including requirements and design, test execution, environment support, release deployment, and coordination of implementation plans across multiple teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Define software development project plans, including scoping, scheduling, configuration, and implementation.
• Consistently interpret and code software programs and applications according to business and/or technical specifications.
• Ensure software integration into company systems meets applicable compliance and technical specifications.
• Work with database administration to design, develop, and update databases as they relate to application systems.
• Install, configure, test, maintain, and support assigned application systems.
• Monitor, investigate, and resolve system issues and/or abnormalities to ensure systems operate and perform per requirements.
• Acknowledge and remediate customer-reported issues and inquiries in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain technical system documentation.
• Recommend and implement changes and enhancements to systems, processes, and documentation.
• Perform tasks or special projects as assigned by the management team or senior team members.
• Understand and comply with corporate and departmental policies and procedures, including applicable SOC1 controls and NERC CIP regulatory requirements.

Programmer/Developer II

• Demonstrate knowledge in specific IT/CyPEM technical areas, assigned applications, and interfaces.
• Demonstrate an ability to grasp complex and highly integrated systems.
• Maintain a working understanding of the business, technical, security, and compliance requirements of assigned systems.
• Engage in development and test environment support as part of applicable SDLC and project life cycle activities.
• Adhere to defined software development standards and best practices.
• Continue to develop and retain technical skills applicable to the assigned focus area.
• Mentor other team members, as applicable.
• Understanding of, compliance with, and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures.
• Strong desire to automate manual processes using technical solutions.

Senior Programmer/Developer

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge in specific IT/CyPEM technical areas, assigned applications, and interfaces; recognized as a Subject Matter Expert.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop, implement, and support complex and highly integrated systems.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the business, technical, security, and compliance requirements of assigned systems.
• Define project plans that include testing.
• Contribute to the definition of and adherence to software development standards and best practices.
• Continue to develop and retain technical and development skills applicable to the assigned focus area.
• Provide training in areas of expertise to other employees.
• Mentor Level I/II, new team members, and other team members based on knowledge and experience.
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures.
• Effective working knowledge of secure coding practices.
• Strong desire to lead efforts to identify and implement automation opportunities that enhance security, efficiency, and risk reduction.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Programmer Developer II: Three (3) years of Information Technology Development/Support experience.
• Senior Programmer Developer: Six (6) years of applicable Information Technology development and support experience; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of applicable utility industry experience.
• Senior Programmer Developer: Basic understanding of SPP’s core business model.
• Java, Spring Boot, React.
• SQL, Extract Transform Load (ETL).
• Containers, Kubernetes, Docker.
• Scripting experience: Python, PowerShell, Perl, Shell scripting.
• Web Service / REST / SOAP / WSDL / XSD Experience.
• Ansible, JIRA, Bitbucket, and Jenkins Experience.
• Oracle PL/SQL or Microsoft SQL Development Experience.

Other Requirements

• Effective working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Unix or Linux operating systems, application development and support, and database management systems.
• Proficient in one or more modern programming languages.
• Effective testing, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Effective working knowledge of SDLC and project life cycle methods and practices.
• Good customer service and organization skills.

Schedule

This is a full-time, hybrid on-site role based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a minimum of two days in the office each week. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours as needed. Moderate travel (0-10%) may be required for in-office employees.